Before you go about weatherproofing your skateboard, you will want to explore all of your possible options. If you were to waterproof your board to the best of your abilities, where should you start? Here are the best ways to take care of your skateboard and protect it from moisture, especially if you live in an area where it rains a lot or has high humidity.
Skateboards can be weatherproofed using polyurethane. It’s a great idea to buy skateboards with paint or clear coat layers and rain wheels. Finally, it can also be beneficial to buy ceramic bearings or even invest in a penny board to help in weatherproofing.
What are further tips and trips when it comes to waterproofing and weatherproofing a skateboard? What should you do if your board accidentally gets wet? Let’s go over what else to think about and do to best protect your board from the elements.
Avoid Rain and Puddles Whenever Possible
Try to never use or bring your skateboard outside when it is drizzling or heavily raining. Don’t ride through puddles either if you are caught in a rainstorm or wet conditions. Some skaters love to ride through puddles for the wheel trails they leave behind after doing so, but it isn’t worth the water damage to your board, wheels, and bearings!
Buy Rain Wheels and Treat Your Board
Rain wheels can provide you such an advantage since they are built to better handle moisture. They even offer extra traction.
It is also a great idea to apply a coat of paint or clear coat to your skateboard so that the sides and bottom can be shielded and absorb as little water as possible. If a board is properly coated with some layer of protection, it will not be completely water-resistant, but it will be far more water-resistant than a board without paint or a clear coat.
Buy Ceramic Bearings
Moisture and metal bearings never mix well. This is why some people will try out lesser-known solutions, like ceramic bearings. If you use ceramic bearings, some of the positives include how ceramic bearings can be cheap price-wise, are water resistant, will not rust, and can be used on a skateboard that is meant to be ridden in wet environments.
Invest in Using a Penny Board as a Skateboard
If you live in a place that is extremely rainy year-round, you can also consider buying a penny board. Some people love this type of board since they are not made out of wood, but waterproof plastic. They can be a good replacement alternative if you feel the need for a completely waterproof board.
Remove Excess Water from Board and Wheels before Returning Inside
This may be a given, but it is also essential to dry off a skateboard before bringing it back into the indoors. Before you take your board back into your home, try to prepare a setup of towels to use as a drying station for your skateboard. Some people even use a hair dryer to help dry off a board and bearings.
If you want to add a hair dryer to your drying setup, make sure to double-check that whatever board, wheels, and bearings that you are drying off are heat-resistant.
Clean Your Bearings
Make sure you clean your bearings gently with a rag to better maintain them and prolong their overall life.
Negatives of Rain and Moisture for a Skateboard
Most people will discourage using a skateboard in the rain, in extreme moisture, or wet situations at all since most skateboard decks are made from wood. Wood-based skate decks absorb rainwater when and if they are exposed to it. Skateboarding bearings also perform worse while they are wet. Try not to skate while there is water on the ground unless it is necessary.
Skateboard bearings can also lose their lubrication when they become damp. Bolts in skateboards can even rust if they get wet.
If you skate in water, it will damage your board and cost you money over a short amount of time. If you live in a damp, more humid climate than most, it is especially important to follow these steps and protect your board. If you get caught in a rainstorm, live in a rainy area, or want to board during the rainy seasons, take precautions to prevent damage to your board.
What to Do if You Skateboard in the Rain
Accidents happen, and you will undoubtedly have to deal with a wet skateboard one way or the other, sooner or later! It’s best to be prepared for these situations in advance.
If your skateboard gets wet, make sure to remove the skate deck from the rest of the equipment and place the deck on a flat surface indoors to air dry it. Exposing a wet deck to heat can warp and ruin it. Take all of the hardware off of the skateboard and separate it to thoroughly towel dry them off. Towel wipe off the trucks and any grip tape. After drying your bearings, make sure to also apply lubricant to them.
You can even spray lubricant on your bearings to shield them from rust. Ensure that your board is dried off by hitting it against the floor until it makes a popping sound. After you follow through on all of these steps, you can put your skateboard back together. Good as new!
Electric Skateboards and Moisture
You may be the proud owner of an electric skateboard. Electric skateboards may have similar characteristics to that of an old school, wooden skateboard, like wheels, bearings, deck, and bolts, but they also have electrical components. These electrical components may include batteries and motors.
Electric skateboards need to have a decent resistance to water, although they don’t have to be completely waterproof to function. Even the best electric skateboard may degrade or stop working in wet environments. If you ride your electric skateboard in the rain, make sure to wipe it down well afterward until it is bone dry. Never forget to check IP ratings and a manufacturer’s guidance regarding riding their brand and type of electric skateboard in the rain.
Safeguarding your skateboard against the elements by weatherproofing it is not just about preserving its physical integrity but also about ensuring a consistent and reliable ride in any condition. As we’ve explored in this guide, adopting protective measures such as applying water-resistant sealants, choosing the right materials for your deck, and maintaining proper storage practices can shield your skateboard from the detrimental effects of rain and moisture. By investing a little time and effort in weatherproofing, you not only extend the lifespan of your board but also open up opportunities to skate regardless of the weather forecast. So, as you gear up for your next session, take these weatherproofing tips to heart and let your skateboard be a reliable companion, ready to roll under clear skies or through raindrops, ensuring that your passion for skating knows no weather-related boundaries. Happy and weather-resistant riding!
