Although skateboarding is typically enjoyed outside, it doesn’t mean it’s a summer or spring-only activity. While these seasons may have the ideal temps for enjoying a ride, you *can* venture into the chillier seasons if desired. The key is to have the right gear for any season.
Wearing the right gear while skateboarding during all seasons is essential to your comfort and well-being. During spring and summer, opt for lightweight and moisture-wicking materials. Fall and winter calls for ceramic bearings, wider wheels, and plenty of warm-weather clothing and accessories like wool socks and gloves.
Wondering what gear you should have to skateboard during all four seasons? You’ve stumbled upon the right article. Below, you will find the most *essential* pieces of gear to have while skateboarding in all seasons, from the heat of summer to the frost of winter.
Skateboard Gear for All Seasons
Proper gear is going to be a game-changer when it comes to skateboarding. After all, who wants to end up a sweaty mess halfway through their skateboarding sesh or be too cold to try out a new trick?
Summertime and Spring Gear Must-Haves
The biggest concern you’ll have while summer skateboarding is the heat. Luckily, there are many ways to combat skyrocketing temperatures and enjoy your ride.
Sunscreen
The number one thing to remember while skateboarding in the summer is to apply sunscreen regularly. Apply a good sunscreen to your exposed body before putting on your protective gear (helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, etc.).
Moisture-Wicking Materials
Another critical tip is to opt for garments and accessories made from moisture-wicking materials. As you’re bound to sweat while skateboarding under the sun’s heat, moisture-wicking items will ensure you’re not drenched partway through the ride.
Lightweight Clothing
Going as lightweight as possible is vital to enjoying your summertime ride. Say “yes” to tank tops, short sleeves, and shorts.
Shades
A good pair of shades will help your summer skateboarding adventures tremendously. As the sun is typically beating down during the spring and summer, wearing shades will allow you to see better while blocking the sun’s harmful rays. It’s a win-win for any skateboarder!
Heat-Resistant Boards
Did you know that your skateboard can warp in the heat? While the best suggestion is to keep it out of direct sunlight for extended periods, you’re also better off purchasing and using a board that can withstand higher temps.
Windbreakers
For chillier and windy spring evenings, consider throwing on a windbreaker. Windbreakers are precisely that – lightweight jackets that fend off the cold of the wind. They’re also water-resistant, should a spring shower begin out of nowhere. Thankfully, they’re not overly warm, making them the perfect option for springtime skateboarding.
Fall and Winter Gear
When the temperatures start to dip, and rain and snow is more likely, you’ll need to switch up your gear.
Now, it’s important to note that skateboarding while it’s raining or snowing is not recommended. Not only will the outdoor areas be slippery, but excess moisture can wreak havoc on your skateboard.
If the rain or snow has stopped, though, and you want to head outside for a jaunt, here are a few of the key recommendations for skateboarding gear:
Ceramic Bearings
One thing to consider is swapping to ceramic bearings. They’re more water-resistant than other types, so you won’t have to worry about too much damage – especially if there is a sudden pourdown.
Wider Decks and Wheels
If you’re concerned about slippery surfaces, you’ll also want to reach for wider decks and wheels. The wider, the better in terms of traction.
Weather-Resistant Boards
While no board will be 100% safe from the elements, finding more robust boards that are “weather-resistant” can help stave off potential damage.
Pants and Long-Sleeved Shirts
What do you wear when it’s cold outside? Pants and a long-sleeved shirt, of course. Well, the same is true for when you’re planning to skateboard your afternoon away. Throw on your long-sleeved shirt and pants to stay warm!
Fleece Jackets
While there are many options for staying warm while skateboarding in the fall and winter, a fleece jacket is one of the best options. Fleece jackets are beneficial for two reasons. For one, they’re incredibly warm. Secondly, they’re impressively lightweight and flexible, so you can feel comfortable and agile while skateboarding – all while staying toasty and warm.
Hoodie
If fleece jackets aren’t your style, you can always opt for the iconic hoodie. Worn as a zip-up or a pullover, hoodies offer superior warmth and flexibility compared to other options on the market. Aside from that, they’re the “typical” skater wear – ensuring you look cool during your skateboarding excursion.
Neck Gaiter, Thin Beanie, or Skull Cap
It’s never recommended to skateboard without wearing a helmet. And thankfully, the helmet should be all you need to stay warm while skateboarding during the fall and winter.
However, if you find yourself too chilly, you have a few options: a neck gaiter, a very thin beanie, or a skull cap. Wearing a full-sized or “traditional” beanie underneath a skateboarding helmet is not recommended, as it can impede effectiveness.
Wool Socks
Your feet are bound to get cold while skateboarding during the chillier seasons. The best way to combat this is to put on a pair of thick wool socks.
Gloves
Finally, a good pair of gloves will go a long way. Just remember that they shouldn’t be too thick. They should be lightweight enough to allow for flexibility, especially if you need to secure yourself during a fall. They should also not get in the way of your wrist guards.
Optional: Long Johns
This is entirely optional, but many people swear by wearing long johns underneath their pants, long-sleeved shirts, and jackets. They simply add an extra layer of warmth. The perk of wearing long johns is that you can remove your jacket if you get hot without worrying about getting too cold.
The Right Skateboarding Gear for All Seasons
Whether planning a summertime excursion or playing around after the snow melts, it’s essential to wear and use the right gear. Thankfully, it’s not too complicated. Opt for lightweight and comfortable in the hotter seasons and bundle up for the colder months.
Sources:
What to wear when skateboarding: Best skating clothes (redbull.com)
Skateboarding in Cold Weather: What to Wear and Tips (boardandwheels.com)
Skateboarding Gear For Seasons (familyhype.com)
