How to Care for Your Longboard Skateboard

Longboard skateboarding has become quite popular in recent years. Longboard skateboards are similar in construction to a regular skateboard but different in function. The difference in substance is that longboards are longer, ranging in length from 40 to 57 inches. The difference in function is that longboards are used primarily for cruising rather than for tricks. People use them for riding fast downhill and also just for transportation. Using them regularly for transportation requires more maintenance.

Things You'll Need

  • Wrench
  • Paper clip
  • Bearing cleaning solution
  • Bearing lubricant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect your board prior to each use. Catching problems early can prevent further damage and serious injury. Look for any cracks or scratches on the deck, loose nuts and noises. Take your board to a shop to repair major cracks so the board doesn't break.

    • 2

      Tighten the nuts on your board before each ride. While the nuts are self-locking and shouldn't be loose, it's better to be safe than sorry.

    • 3

      Adjust the kingpin nuts on your trucks. Tighter means greater stability but more difficulty in turning. Looser means instability at high speeds and easier turns.

    • 4

      Avoid getting your board wet. Water damages the coating on your board, called delaminating. Water also causes bearings and bushings to rust. If your board gets wet when you are riding, stop and dry it off.

    • 5

      Clean and lubricate your bearings after 50 hours of riding. Use a paper clip to remove the noncontact seal, soak the bearings in cleaning solution, wipe them down and add two drops of lubricant.