How to Skateboard Faster Without Losing Control

20 May 2025

Skateboarding is all about speed, style, and control. Whether you're bombing hills, cruising through the streets, or racing your friends at the skatepark, going faster feels incredible—until it doesn't. The last thing you want is to lose control and eat pavement. So, how do you pick up speed without sacrificing stability?

Buckle up (or, you know, tighten your trucks) because we're diving into the essential tips to skateboard faster without turning into a human missile.

1. Start With the Right Setup

Before we talk technique, let’s make sure your board is actually built for speed. If you're riding slow, clunky wheels on a board with rusted bearings, no amount of pushing power is going to make you go fast.

Choose the Right Wheels

Your skateboard wheels play a massive role in speed. Here’s what to look for:

- Larger wheels (54-60mm): Bigger wheels cover more ground with each rotation, meaning more speed with less effort.
- Harder wheels (99A+ for skateparks; 78A-87A for rough streets): Softer wheels grip the ground better, but harder wheels roll faster on smooth surfaces.
- Urethane Quality: Don't cheap out! High-quality urethane makes a huge difference in speed and durability.

Upgrade Your Bearings

Bearings are the unsung heroes of speed. Want to fly across the pavement? Invest in high-quality bearings like Bones Swiss or Bronson Raws. And don’t forget to clean and lubricate them regularly—dirty bearings slow you down faster than a bad day at the skatepark.

Loosen Those Axle Nuts (A Bit)

If your wheels don’t spin freely when you give them a flick, your axle nuts might be too tight. Loosen them just enough so your wheels spin smoothly without wobbling.

2. Master the Art of Pushing Like a Pro

You can have the best setup in the world, but if your pushing technique is weak, you’ll be left in the dust. A solid push is the foundation of speed.

Push With Power, Not Just Speed

Many beginners make the mistake of pushing quickly but with weak strides. Instead:
- Take long, powerful pushes rather than short, choppy ones.
- Use the balls of your feet for better grip and balance.
- Engage your whole leg—your thighs and glutes will generate more momentum.

Stagger Your Stance

When cruising at high speeds, don’t stand straight up like you're waiting for a bus. Bend your knees, lower your center of gravity, and keep your stance staggered (one foot slightly ahead of the other) to stay balanced when picking up speed.

3. Learn to Pump for Extra Speed

Pumping isn’t just for longboarders—it’s a game-changer for skateboarders who want to maintain speed without constantly pushing.

How to Pump Properly

- Use Your Legs: Crouch slightly when leaning into a turn, then extend your legs as you exit the turn. This motion generates momentum.
- Shift Your Weight: Instead of relying solely on pushing, use your body weight to gain speed by shifting into turns smoothly.
- Practice on Transitions: Skateparks with bowls or ramps are the best places to dial in your pumping technique.

4. Reduce Friction and Drag

Skateboarding is basically physics on wheels. The less resistance you have, the faster you’ll go.

Check Your Truck Tightness

Tighter trucks can help with stability at high speeds, but if they’re too tight, they’ll limit your ability to carve and pump. Find a balance that keeps you stable but also allows for smooth turning.

Mind Your Clothing

Baggy clothes might be your style, but they can act like parachutes, slowing you down. If speed is your priority, consider slimmer-fitting clothing to cut wind resistance.

5. Learn Speed Control (Because Crashing Sucks)

Speed is awesome—until you realize you can’t stop. Instead of letting fear keep you slow, learn how to control your velocity like a pro.

Foot Braking

The simplest way to stop is by dragging your back foot on the ground. Make sure to apply gentle, gradual pressure instead of abruptly slamming your foot down (unless you enjoy scraped shoes).

Carving to Slow Down

At high speeds, carving (making wide, controlled turns) helps bleed off speed without needing to stop completely. Think of it as snowboarding on concrete—smooth, controlled side-to-side motions will keep things in check.

Power Sliding

Once you’re comfortable skating fast, learning how to powerslide can be a lifesaver. It’s an advanced technique, but once mastered, it allows you to slow down dramatically without stepping off your board.

6. Build Confidence and Stay Loose

Skateboarding fast requires confidence. If you're stiff and nervous, you're more likely to bail.

Stay Relaxed

Tensing up your body makes you wobble more at high speeds. Instead, keep your body loose and flexible, letting the board flow beneath you.

Look Ahead, Not Down

Looking down at your feet while going fast is like texting while driving—you're setting yourself up for disaster. Keep your eyes ahead to anticipate obstacles and adjust your balance smoothly.

Practice Falling (Yes, Really)

Falling is inevitable. Learning how to fall safely—rolling with impact instead of stiffening up—can make the difference between a minor scrape and a major injury.

7. Find the Right Surfaces for Speed

The ground beneath your wheels matters more than you think.

- Smooth Pavement = Speed: Fresh asphalt or well-maintained skateparks are ideal for speed runs.
- Rough Concrete = Slow & Bumpy Rides: Cracks, pebbles, and debris will kill momentum and send you flying if you're not careful.
- Hills = Natural Speed Boosts (With Caution!): Bombing hills is fun, but make sure you know how to stop before testing your limits.

Final Thoughts: Fast But In Control

Speed and control aren’t enemies—they're best friends when done right. By upgrading your setup, refining your pushing technique, pumping efficiently, and mastering speed control, you’ll be skating faster than ever—without the wipeouts.

At the end of the day, confidence is key. So get out there, push hard, stay loose, and most importantly—enjoy the ride.