BETA
Sliding on steel and wood
Bare wood-on-concrete has a high coefficient of friction, which halts slides instantly. Skaters apply paraffin wax to ledges to fill microscopic pores, lowering the friction coefficient to under 0.2. This allows the wooden deck or urethane wheels to glide smoothly at high speeds.
Chapter 1
The ollie and the laws of motion
Chapter 2
Energy and momentum on vert ramps
Chapter 3
Street geometry and balance
Chapter 4
The materials science of skateboards
Ch 3 · Street geometry and balance
nic Flicking the board off-center applies torque, causing it to flip along its longitudinal axis.
Fun Fact
Friction control: Skateboarders use paraffin wax on ledges to make concrete as slippery as ice.
Glossary
center of mass (noun)
A point representing the mean position of the matter in a body or system. In 1989, Natas Kaupas shifted this point to spin atop a Santa Monica fire hydrant.
A point representing the mean position of the matter in a body or system. In 1989, Natas Kaupas shifted this point to spin atop a Santa Monica fire hydrant.