Skateboards make noise due to their metal parts and hard wheels hitting against concrete or asphalt surfaces. This noise is amplified by their hollow structure and low suspension.
Skateboarding is a thrilling experience and a great way to stay fit. However, the noise it produces can be a nuisance to others and may even cause damage to the skateboard itself. The sound of a skateboard hitting the pavement can be harsh and unnatural, making it difficult to enjoy the activity in shared spaces. The noise is a result of the metal components of the skateboard, such as the trucks and bearings, hitting against the hard surfaces of concrete or asphalt. Furthermore, the hollow structure of the board and its low suspension contribute to amplifying the sound. While skateboarding can be loud, there are several ways to reduce or eliminate the noise without compromising the ride.
Credit: stokedrideshop.com
Understanding The Anatomy Of A Skateboard
Skateboarding is a thrilling outdoor activity, but the excessive sound coming from your skateboard can be frustrating and annoying. It can be embarrassing skating around with a board that sounds like it has seen better days. So, why does your skateboard make so much noise?
Understanding the anatomy of your skateboard can help identify the root of the problem and prevent future issues. In this blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the three essential parts of a skateboard that contribute significantly to the sound produced by the skateboard: the deck, the wheels, and the trucks.
The Deck
The deck is the main platform of your skateboard. It’s the flat surface where you stand and place your feet while skating.
- Material: skateboard decks are usually made of maple wood, bamboo, or plastic. However, the type of material used can impact how much sound the board produces.
- Age: the older the deck, the more likely it is to produce noise when you ride it. This is because the wood becomes worn out over time, leading to a softer and more flexible deck.
- Design: the design and construction of the deck can also cause noise, particularly if the deck is warped, chipped, or shows signs of wear and tear.
The Wheels
Skateboard wheels are responsible for movement and are located under the deck.
- Size: the size of the wheel affects how it grips the ground and the amount of noise it makes.
- Material: wheels can be made of plastic, polyurethane, or rubber, which impacts the noise produced and the quality of the ride.
- Condition: the condition of the wheels is crucial because worn-out or uneven wheels can produce a lot of noise and affect how you ride.
The Trucks
The trucks are the metal components that are attached to the board and hold the wheels. Examining the trucks can help you identify the noise problem in your skateboard.
- Tightness: loose trucks can lead to more noise, and tightening them can provide better stability and reduced noise.
- Bushings: the bushings are rubber cushions located in the trucks. They can wear out over time, leading to excess noise.
- Type: the type of trucks can also impact how much noise is produced. Lightweight trucks tend to be quieter, while heavy-duty trucks tend to make more noise.
Understanding the anatomy of your skateboard is essential to identify the problem and fix the noise issue. By analyzing the deck, wheels, and trucks, you can determine the root of the problem. So, next time you hear excessive noise from your skateboard, consider these factors and take action to prevent future noise problems.
The Impact Of Environmental Factors On Skateboard Noise
Skateboarding is an exciting sport that is enjoyed by many people worldwide. However, one common issue skateboarders face is the noise produced by their skateboards. The noise can be distracting, especially if you are around noise-sensitive areas. In this article, we will discuss the impact of environmental factors on skateboard noise.
Rough Surfaces And Vibrations Produced
One of the primary causes of skateboard noise is the rough surface and vibrations produced while riding on them. Skateboard wheels are made of polyurethane, which is a soft material designed to grip the ground. Thus, when a skateboard rider passes over rough surfaces, the vibrations produced between the wheels and the ground result in noise.
The following are some common rough surfaces that produce vibrations and cause noise:
- Cracked concrete
- Cobblestone roads
- Rough asphalt
- Bumpy roads
- Uneven pavements
Terrain And Surface Conditions That Affect Noise
Notably, when it comes to reducing skateboard noise, selecting appropriate terrain/surface is vital. Some terrains and surfaces affect noise production more than others. For example, smooth surfaces such as indoor skate parks tend to produce less noise compared to rough terrains such as roads.
Listed below are some of the terrain and surface types that affect skateboard noise:
- Smooth surfaces
- Rough surfaces
- Concrete roads
- Asphalt roads
- Wooden boardwalks
- Gravelly roads
Weather And Noise Caused
Lastly, weather is another environmental factor that can impact skateboard noise. Wet weather, in particular, tends to produce more noise due to the water content in the skateboard wheels. The noise is produced as the wheels create friction with the wet surface.
Here are some weather conditions that lead to increased skateboard noise:
- Rainy weather
- Icy roads
- Snowy roads
Environmental factors play a crucial role in the production of skateboard noise. Rough surfaces, terrain, and environmental weather conditions are some of the primary contributors to skateboard noise. Slight adjustments such as selecting the appropriate terrain and being mindful of the weather conditions can make a significant difference in reducing noise production while skateboarding.
Why Is Your Skateboard Squeaking?
How To Reduce Skateboard Noise
Skateboarding is an exciting and fun activity, but it can also be loud and noisy, especially when you’re riding in public spaces like streets. This noise can become a nuisance for the rider and everyone around. So, why does your skateboard make so much noise?
Well, there are a few reasons for that. Components like bearings, wheels, trucks, and even your riding style can contribute to skateboard noise. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce it.
Components Upgrade To Reduce Noise.
Upgrading your skateboard components can significantly reduce the noise it makes.
- bearings: high-quality bearings can decrease the friction between the skateboard’s wheels and axles, reducing noise. Bones swiss ceramic bearings are a good option.
- wheels: soft and large wheels are quieter than small, hard wheels. Consider wheels made from rubber or polyurethane, like ricta cloud wheels.
- trucks: tight trucks cause more resistance, leading to more noise. Loosening them up can help quieten your ride. Independent trucks are a well-known brand for their quiet performance.
Inspect And Adjust Your Skateboard Regularly.
Regular board maintenance can go a long way in reducing noise.
- tighten hardware: loose hardware and screws can cause rattling and noise. Tighten them regularly.
- inspect deck and trucks: check for any cracks or damage to your deck or trucks. Replace parts if needed.
- adjust parts: make sure your trucks are correctly adjusted, not too tight and not too loose. Also, check the wheel alignment.
Lubricate Parts.
Lubricate your skateboard parts to reduce noise caused by friction.
- bearings: remove your bearings and lubricate them with skateboard-specific oil. This will help reduce noise caused by friction between the bearings and the axles.
- trucks: pivot cups and kingpins should be lubricated with skateboard wax or oil.
Modify Riding Style.
Your riding style could also contribute to the noise your skateboard makes.
- avoid rough roads: riding on smooth surfaces can reduce noise. Avoid harsh, bumpy roads.
- don’t drag your tail: dragging your tail on the ground can create noise. Elevate it instead.
- avoid hard turns: hard turns can cause the wheels to make noise. Try to take turns smoothly.
Proper Maintenance And Cleaning Tips.
Proper maintenance and cleaning can also help reduce noise.
- clean your board: keep your board clean by wiping it after each ride. Dirt can cause unnecessary noise.
- store your board correctly: store your board in a safe and dry place to avoid any damage that could lead to noise.
- check regularly: inspect your board regularly for wear and tear and fix any problems as soon as possible.
Reducing skateboard noise can be tricky, but it’s possible. By following these tips, you can enjoy a quieter and more peaceful ride.
Addressing Noise Concerns In Public Spaces
Skateboarding is an exciting sport that comes with a lot of noise. Most skateboarders are mindful of the noise they create, but sometimes, it may not be easy to control. Skate parks are often built in public spaces, and this can lead to conflicts with other users of the space.
In this article, we will discuss ways to address noise concerns in public spaces.
Select Areas That Are Skate-Friendly
One way to reduce noise concerns in public spaces as a skateboarder is to select areas that are skate-friendly. Some areas have been designed to accommodate skateboarders. They have smooth surfaces that allow for easy movement, few obstacles, and are far away from residential areas.
Choosing such areas can go a long way in helping you manage the noise you create.
Be Respectful Of No-Skateboarding Zones
Many cities have designated no-skateboarding zones where skateboarding is prohibited. It is essential to be respectful of such areas as it shows that skateboarders take their sport seriously. By avoiding no-skateboarding zones, you will not only prevent noise complaints but also prevent accidents that could cause harm to both skateboarders and other users of the space.
Be Considerate And Mindful Of Others
It is important to be mindful of others when skateboarding in public spaces. Be considerate of people who live in the area and other users of the space such as cyclists and pedestrians. Try to keep the noise to a minimum, especially during late hours or when people are trying to rest.
Remember, you are not the only one using the public space.
Seek Permission If Necessary
If you want to skateboard in an area that is not designed for skateboarding, seek permission from the relevant authorities. You could contact the local council to find out if such areas exist. Seeking permission shows that you understand the need to respect the public space and other users.
It also minimizes the risk of breaking the law and facing penalties.
Managing noise concerns in public spaces as a skateboarder requires being mindful of others, selecting skate-friendly areas, being respectful of no-skateboarding zones, and seeking permission if necessary. By following these guidelines, skateboarders can enjoy their sport without inconveniencing others.
Conclusion
After reading this blog post, you should now have a better understanding of why your skateboard makes so much noise. From loose bolts to worn-out bearings, there are several potential culprits that could be causing the noise. It’s important to regularly inspect and maintain your skateboard to prevent excessive noise and potential damage.
Investing in high-quality parts and taking proper care of them can also help reduce noise levels. Additionally, by properly using your skateboard and avoiding tricks that cause excessive wear and tear, you can extend the lifespan of your parts and minimize noise.
Remember, a little bit of noise is normal, but if you’re experiencing excessive or unusual sounds, it’s important to address the issue before it becomes a safety hazard. By understanding the causes of skateboard noise, you can continue to enjoy your ride without the distraction of loud and annoying sounds.
