How to Break in Longboard Wheels

When the waves were flat or the shore was too packed with tourists, surfers hit the streets with long, wide rolling boards. Longboards and smaller skateboards allowed riders to carve the streets and ride the hills as if they were waves. Over time, longboarding has evolved into a full-fledged sport; riders perform daring downhill slides and screech their wheels across tough pavement. Before trying any of these tricks, wheels should be broken in to allow for less friction between urethane and concrete.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine-grit sandpaper
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Rub each wheel evenly with a pad of fine-grit sandpaper. New longboard wheels are finished with a shiny, oily-feeling coating, which can cause the rider to slip out if a slide is performed. Buffing this coating off will prime the wheels for immediate sliding.

    • 2

      Ride your board for several hours or for a distance of five to 10 miles without performing any slides or other tricks. This will make you accustomed to how the wheels handle and turn. If you have upgraded from a set of small, worn wheels, this adjustment period is necessary before attempting tricks.

    • 3

      Perform a series of hard turns and sharp carves, preferably while riding slightly downhill. This will help round the edges of your wheel and make beginning a slide much simpler.

    • 4

      Attempt slight slides once your wheels begin to round out and the shiny coating has been buffed away. Avoid performing slides on rough ground at first, as it will cause the wheels to wear much faster.