Speed Wobbles: Why They Happen and How to Stop Them (2026)
Speed wobbles turn a fun run scary fast. Here's what causes them, what to do when they start and how to set up your board to prevent them.
What Is a Speed Wobble?
A speed wobble is when your board starts shaking side to side faster and faster as you go downhill. It's a feedback loop: the trucks turn slightly, your body reacts, and each correction makes the shaking bigger. Wobbles are common for beginners and anyone pushing their speed limits.
Common Causes
| Cause | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Too much speed | Going faster than your skill or setup handles |
| Loose trucks | More turn means more twitch at speed |
| Soft bushings | Less resistance to small movements |
| Weight on the back foot | Back truck steers more, amplifying wobbles |
| Stiff, tense body | Over-correcting feeds the loop |
| Short wheelbase | Less stable than longer boards |
| Worn parts | Cracked bushings or loose kingpins add play |
What to Do When It Starts
- Stay calm and relax your legs.
- Get low by bending your knees.
- Shift weight to your front foot.
- Look ahead, not down.
- Slow down gradually with a carve or foot brake if you can.
- Bail safely if it's out of control: aim for grass and roll. See how to fall.
How to Prevent Wobbles
- Tighten your kingpin slightly or try harder bushings. See how tight should trucks be.
- Replace cracked bushings and check hardware.
- Learn to control speed with carving and slides. See how to carve and how to slide.
- Ride a longer, more stable board for hills. See downhill longboards.
- Build speed gradually on hills you know.
Bones Hardcore Bushings
Replacement bushings from Bones in several hardnesses. Check the listing.
Check Price on AmazonSetup Changes That Help
| Change | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Lean forward, weight on the front foot | The single biggest fix; leaning back makes wobbles worse |
| Rear truck no looser than the front | A loose back truck amplifies wobble |
| Barrel or harder bushings | More resistance to small movements |
| Longer wheelbase | More stable at speed than short boards |
| Lower truck angle (de-wedging) | Angled risers can reduce how much the truck turns |
| Replace worn pivot cups | Removes play ("slop") in the truck |
| Reverse-kingpin trucks for downhill | Typically more stable at speed on longboards |
Stability changes make a board less responsive when carving, so tune for the riding you do most.
Gear Up
A helmet is essential for hills; full-face helmets and slide gloves are common for downhill.
See also how to stop on a longboard and wheel bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes speed wobbles?
Usually a mix of speed, loose trucks or soft bushings, tense or shifting body position, and a setup that isn't suited to the speed.
How do I stop a speed wobble?
Stay low, relax, put more weight on your front foot and try to slow down gradually. If it's out of control, bail safely onto grass or pads.
Do tighter trucks stop wobbles?
Tighter trucks or harder bushings add stability, though they reduce turning.
Do longer boards wobble less?
A longer wheelbase is generally more stable at speed.
Is it my fault or my board?
Often both. Technique and setup work together.