Envision the sensation of the wind brushing past your hair, savouring the salty sea air, and the thrill of exploring unfamiliar terrains beneath your feet. Now imagine experiencing all this while cruising effortlessly on a self-balancing board, the Onewheel. Wondering how the Onewheel fares on beach terrain? It all depends on your chosen riding spot. Here are some tips to help you have an unforgettable beach riding experience from dawn till dusk.
Can the Onewheel Tackle Beach Sand?
The Onewheel is among the most accomplished all-terrain PEVs available on the market. Aside from an EUC, the Onewheel offers a more enjoyable experience for riders navigating sandy terrains compared to other electric skateboards. However, I would recommend certain areas to ride and others to steer clear of. As saltwater is corrosive, it's crucial to give your Onewheel a light rinse to minimize potential corrosion or damage. Proper upkeep and frequent maintenance can help lessen the impact of saltwater on your Onewheel. Furthermore, areas with softer sand and where the beach meets pavement are perfect for riding. On the other hand, it's best to avoid sandy spots with visible debris or rocks. Regarding rinsing off your Onewheel post-beach ride, ensure the use of a gentle, low-pressure spray to prevent water intrusion.
Your choice of beach for an optimal Onewheel ride is largely dependent on sand density. The sand that lies just at the edge of the shoreline usually has a suitable density composition for riding. This section of the beach makes for an ideal riding spot due to its smoothness. Just remember to exercise caution to avoid the water engulfing your Onewheel.
Dunes and Loose / High Beach Sand
The sand on the dunes and farthest from the coastline tends to be the loosest and most unpredictable. Whilst a Onewheel can traverse this kind of sandy terrain, it's difficult to maintain an enjoyable pace and riding experience. This sandy area of the beach, due to its uneven and loose nature, is a common spot for riders to lose their equilibrium. On a scale of enjoyment, I would rate it a mere 1 out of 10.
Choosing between a treaded or slick tire won't make much difference in this particular scenario. Although a treaded tire would generally have an edge on off-road terrains, considering the looseness of this sand, there's still a chance for the board to slip and nosedive, even with the chunkiest treading. Nonetheless, a treaded tire would be your best bet.
Riding Onewheel Along the Beach Coast
This portion of the beach is most suitable for the Onewheel. The sand along the coast is typically flat and denser owing to its moisture content. As the tides shift this sand, the region roughly 1 to 10 feet from the water becomes more predictable, permitting higher speeds and a generally more enjoyable journey. Despite this being the most pleasurable zone for riding, be sure to respect other beach visitors and the sea around you.
Although Onewheels are constructed with a certain level of water resistance, they are not waterproof. The first generation, Onewheel Plus and early XR models (pre-4209) suffer most when exposed to water. Some riders have reported malfunctions after going through a sizeable puddle. The newer models (Pint, Pint X, and GT), however, fare better against water exposure. Although Future Motion hasn't explicitly claimed this, several Pint X and GT models are promoted as having an IP65 water-resistant rating.
In the presented video, you'll witness a youngster navigating his Pint into the sea. It's uncertain if his board has been badgered (upgraded with a waterproofing kit), but regardless, the exposure to saltwater and the potential electrical damage remain major concerns. Even though the video portrays the Onewheel underwater, we strongly advise against immersing your own if you want to enjoy its sustained operation for years. Conclusively, avoiding the water entirely would be the best course of action.
Docks, Piers and Boardwalk Onewheel Riding
This one you will have to feel out. If a boardwalk states “No skateboarding”, while this isn’t referencing Onewheel’s specifically, it typically includes Onewheels. You can always try and just be polite if beach patrol approaches you and explain the nuanced language.
Personally I have not had any issues riding on piers or boardwalks. The boardwalks that I travel on however are low-density areas. Foot traffic is at a minimum. I would not suggest riding a Onewheel on a congested boardwalk. We always need to be good ambassadors for the sport and if you think its too tight to ride, then avoid it.
If you do ride, boardwalks and piers are a blast. Especially when few people are on them. These areas on the beach are very predictable and can be ridden with total enjoyment. If you do head out on a pier (or dock), just remember to focus on your dismount. The last thing you want is to have a sloppy dismount and see your board fly off the pier into the ocean.
Maintenance After Saltwater Exposure
If you were riding a freshwater lake then there’s no worries here however if your board has had some saltwater exposure, you should clean it off after the ride. You can lightly spray off the board to get the salt water off however for me, I prefer to ride through tall grass. Just spray a yard with tall grass and pass over it a few times.
I truly try avoid spraying water on my board. Even the sensor. It is just grip tape and a foot pad right? Well, if your grip tape gets saturated, it can compromise the sensitivity of the sensor. I always prefer using a nylon brush and a wet / damp cloth. You should always perform regular maintenance on your Onewheel. Saltwater is corrosive so try to get most of it off with a thorough wipe or a light rinse. The bearings can take most of the hit but you would not notice an issue until hundreds or thousands of miles later on.
Experience that beach sunset from a ride on the ocean beach. Just always make sure you stay on top of the maintenance.
