Everything You Need to Know About Street Luge Racing

Street luge is a sport where skateboarders, not in cars, ride on a skateboard, flat on their back, near the road. This sport involves twisting their body to bank towards a sharp corner, a phenomenon that is growing in popularity. In this article, we explain Everything You Need to Know About Street Luge Racing

What is Street Luge Racing

Street luge racing is a gravity-powered sport that involves racing down a hill on a customized sled with longboard-style wheels. The sport is a cross between longboarding and winter luge, and participants are much lower to the ground than downhill skateboarders, which means there’s less wind resistance and faster straight runs at the expense of maneuverability.

History of Street Luge

Street luge racing, originating in Southern California in the 1970s, was a popular sport that gained popularity in the United States due to advancements in safety equipment. The first professional street luge race was held in Signal Hill, California in 1975, won by skateboarder Dave Rogers. The sport reached its peak in the 1990s, featuring in prime-time television commercials for major brands like Pepsi, AT&T, and Sony PlayStation. Street lugers competed against one another to win prestigious titles, and the sport was even featured in the ESPN X Games from 1995 to 2000. Today, street luge racing is practiced worldwide, from the Alps of Austria to the streets of New Zealand.

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Who Can Do It

Street luge is a sport best suited for older teens or adults due to the high risk of injury and improved coordination with age. Luge boards are designed for adult-sized individuals, but youngsters interested in street luge can enjoy it as they grow older.

What Are the Risks of Street Luge

Street luge crashes, while infrequent, can lead to catastrophic consequences. Due to the low riding position, slipping off the board is typically not harmful when precautions are observed. However, the real danger lies in high speeds and collisions with solid objects. Course design plays a vital role, requiring ample open space to allow for a safe and natural stopping point in case of unexpected incidents.

What is the Equipment Required for Street Luge

A Street Luge Board

Street luge boards typically range from $1000 to $2000, a higher investment compared to longboards. However, for those seeking a safer option when racing downhill, street luge boards offer advantages. They maintain a low center of gravity, reducing the risk of spills, thanks to their curved design, optimizing speed and stability, unlike the narrow, flat profile of longboards.

Protective Gears

Helmet

Most fatal accidents during any type of sport are caused by head injury. This means a helmet should be your number 1 must-have. If you’re too eager to wear a helmet, you may not be ready to hit the road just yet. Make sure you have a heavy-duty helmet and that it is fastened properly (nice and comfortable).

A Face Shield

With the Street Loose, you’re going so fast that you’ll need more than just a helmet. This requires a face shield, which must be attached to your helmet. This will shield your face from dust and gravel in a crash!

Booties

Street luge involves using lightweight, durable booties for experienced riders to increase speed and stop. These specially designed shoes are essential for street luge, while lightweight, comfortable, and durable shoes may be suitable for those who prefer not to wear booties.

Racing Gloves

In the event of an accident, you’ll want to be able to catch yourself. This requires durable racing gloves that can withstand impact and gravel. A sturdy pair of motorcycle gloves will do the trick!

Racing Suit

Like racing gloves, a racing suit is important. As far as safety is concerned, jeans and a T-shirt will not do you much good. Racing suits will help prevent and reduce accidents and other potential hazards on the road. These may be a little expensive, but medical bills are more expensive!