When is it bad to let your skateboard get wet? – There are a few reasons why skateboards get wet and it may even void your warranty. But what happens if your board does get wet? – Let’s explore the issue together. If your skateboard gets wet, what will happen to the bearings and grip tape? And is it even bad for the deck?
Waterlogged skateboards
You may have heard of the dangers of waterlogged skateboards. If you have skated in rain, you’re probably well aware of how heavy a waterlogged skateboard is. In addition, skateboards that have been submerged in water will not pop up like new. The wood will start to warp and crack, making it difficult to control your movements. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to minimize the risks associated with waterlogged skateboards.
When checking your lumbuy skateboard for waterlogged damage, feel the deck and try to listen to it. A dry board will be crisp and springy; a waterlogged one will feel dull and heavy. Also, the bearings will no longer spin smoothly. If you can feel moisture on the deck, it’s waterlogged. It’s easy to tell if your board has been wet by visual inspection, too. The grip tape will probably be heavier and the pop will be muted.
Rust
One of the biggest reasons not to skate in the rain is the risk of rust on your board’s bearings. The rust can damage your bearings, resulting in hydroplaning and other dangerous situations. If you have a steel bearing skateboard, you should clean and lubricate it every time you ride in the rain. Wooden decks are especially vulnerable to rust, as they soak up water and can warp. The glue that holds the decks together can also loosen, causing your board to be soggy.
While the board may still work after getting wet, it will never be the same. It will feel heavier, not pop like it used to, and will be spongy instead of bouncy. The wood will also become weaker and more prone to brittle fracture. Most skaters will get their boards wet at some point. However, the best course of action is to remove your board as soon as possible from any water source.
Grip tape
If you’ve ever wondered if your skateboard’s grip tape is getting wet, then you aren’t alone. It happens to everyone, and it can be disastrous for your riding. There are a few things you can do to fix the problem. You can buy a new skateboard or a brand new deck, but if you’ve already invested in a skateboard, you need to take care of the grip tape first.
First of all, if you have grip tape on your skateboard, don’t skate in the rain. Rain is not the only problem with a wet skateboard, but if your skateboard gets wet, your grip tape is definitely going to be ruined. Rainwater can soak into the grip tape and make it lose its grip over time. Additionally, wet grip tape can also peel off the skateboard deck.
Bearings
The first thing you should do when your skateboard is get it wet is to inspect the bearings. Water will ruin your skateboard’s lubrication. If the bearings are wet, you’ll notice slowing down or weird noises, and it will eventually begin to rot from inside out. Bolts are also at risk of corrosion, which can cause gradual breakage and eventually ruin your skateboard.
Bearings are small circular objects in the deck of your skateboard. Usually made of ceramic or steel, they play an important role in the smoothness and speed of your board. Bearings are made up of five main parts: an oil ring, an inner bearing, a protective shield, and the outer shell. The outer shell is a protective cover that protects the bearing from dirt and water, and is the easiest to access.
Deck deformity
Skateboard decks can lose shape when they get wet. During a summer shower, the deck can be left to dry and handle the rain in a sheltered area, but heavy rain should be avoided if possible. The reason for this problem is that water will dissolve the glue holding the skateboard together. When the glue fails, the skateboard will lose its pop. Until you can repair the damage, you must not use the skateboard.
Skateboard decks are made up of several plays of maple wood and epoxy resin. If they get wet, the skateboard deck may deform and warp. Additionally, the bearings and trucks may rust. This can make skateboarding impossible in rainy conditions. When the skateboard gets wet, the grip tape will lose its grip and peel off the deck. To repair the problem, you can apply lithium grease to the bearings.
Aftercare
Skateboards can get wet, even if you do not skate in water. Aftercare if your skateboard gets wet is essential to prevent further damage. If you are riding in rainy weather, you should choose a route that is not likely to get wet. Check the weather forecast before you leave home, so you can avoid any unpleasant surprises. Also, if you are in doubt about the weather, stay indoors.
Conclusion
Wet boards can degrade quickly, especially if they’re exposed to excessive moisture. Although a skateboard may be fine if it’s not soaked in water, the deck, grip tape, and wheels can get delaminated and lose grip. Waterlogged decks also feel heavy and sound dull, which can make tricks difficult. This is especially true when you’re doing trick skating, which requires you to pop the tail.
