General
speed wobble
What does speed wobble mean?
An unstable side-to-side oscillation of the board that can develop at high speeds, threatening to throw the rider; a hazard of downhill riding.
"He hit speed wobbles halfway down the hill."
Origin
Descriptive term for the wobble that emerges at speed; shared with other wheeled sports.
Frequently asked questions
What are speed wobbles?
They're an unstable side-to-side oscillation of the board that develops at high speed and can throw the rider off, a hazard especially in downhill riding.
How do you stop speed wobbles?
Stay relaxed, crouch low, keep your weight balanced, and tightening your trucks or using better bushings can help reduce them.
Why do speed wobbles happen?
They come from oscillations in the trucks and rider's balance feeding back on each other at speed, similar to shimmy in other wheeled vehicles.
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