Some of us may become a little anxious when moving at 90 miles per hour protected by steel, air bags and anti-lock brakes. Then there are those of who ask: “Can we remove all protective mechanisms, lie down and get close enough to kiss the pavement so we can’t see very well?.”
It is these delightful maniacs who created street luge.
The sport ‘Luge’ is one of the most dangerous sports in the Winter Olympic Games, athlete’s race down an icy, high-banked track at breathtaking speeds. But the daredevil sport was soon adapted and reformed to fit the street via the development of skateboarding in the late 1970s.
Street luge combines the best of skateboarding, sledding and sheer guts to form one of the most thrilling and dangerous sports around.
Riders use a wheeled sled to speed down paved surfaces, often reaching speeds of 60 mph or more. The sleds are similar to those seen in the Winter Olympics, but have wheels instead of runners. As you ride, your body rests mere centimetres above the ground, allowing you to feel every bump and twist along the way.
This sport is believed to be created when skateboarders learnt that they could increase their speed by lying down on their boards. This technique was known as “buttboarding” and was performed on traditional skateboards or long boards.
Since then, street luge has played a part in extreme sports events like the X-Games and the Gravity Games, while serious riders head to the annual Street Luge World Cup to show off their skills.
Street luge was originally sanctioned by RAIL then by the International Gravity Sports Association (IGSA). NBC soon followed ESPN’s lead and created the Gravity Games in which the sport was then sanctioned by Extreme Downhill International (EDI).
Smaller events are also held in Canada, South Africa, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden and the U.K.
Equipment
The design of Street Luge boards is based on the rules set forth from different governing bodies. The consistent design elements however are as follow:
The use of lean-activated steering skateboard-style trucks
The prohibited use of mechanical brakes
Front and rear padding
Length, width and weight restrictions – details depend on sanctioning body
The prohibited use of parts that enclose the rider’s body or hinder braking
The majority of the street luge boards in the world are custom made although commercial models are now available.
Safety
Riders participating in sanctioned racing events are required to wear the following safety equipment:
A hard-shell helmet with chin strap and face shield or goggles
Leather or Kevlar racing suit
Leather or Kevlar gloves
Sturdy Shoes
The course
Race courses are usually held on mountain roads but have been held on city streets as well for specific games.
Courses can range in length from 0.5 to 3 miles and vary in layout (number and severity of turns).
