A study was made of the impact of small particles onto a rubber surface at glancing angles of incidence. The aim of the study was to investigate the validity of assumptions made in a model of erosive wear of rubber [J. C. Arnold and I. M. Hutchings, J. Phys. D : Appl. Phys., 25, A222 (1992)], though it also provided an interesting insight into the impact mechanics of small particles (between 320 and 110 mu m) at high velocities (up to 160 m s(-1)). The study centred around the direct measurement of the impulses (normal and tangential) imparted by a known quantity of erodent striking an unfilled natural-rubber surface. These impulses were measured using a strain-gauged system once the accelerating airstream had been diverted using the Coanda effect. This information, coupled with values of the impact length and width (from microscopic studies !, enabled the following values to be determined : rebound resilience, coefficient of friction, average frictional force, time of contact, and predicted rebound angle. We found that viscoelastic effects were of considerable importance, with a certain degree of coupling between the normal and tangential components of the impact. Surprisingly little difference was seen when comparing spherical glass beads with angular silica particles.