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Longboarding

Longboarding is a skateboarding sport in which athletes use a longboard to compete in races, usually downhill. The longboard which originated in Hawaii was inspired by surfboards. There are different variations of the longboard, based on the size of the wheels and how they turn.

Speed Skateboarding Downhill Speed Skateboarding

The most popular form of race conducted using longboards is the downhill racing. The boards used are specially designed, and are longer, usually 35 to 44 inches long. Downhill races are of high speeds, where skaters are known to reach speeds in excess of 80mph.

In downhill races, a maximum of four athletes are allowed to compete in a round. Races start uphill, and athletes ride down on a road course as fast as possible, keeping the board in control. If riders lose control and fall down, they are allowed to get back into the race again. Most riders, ride the board standing up, while there are some that are in a seated position with a flat back, similar to a luge.

IGSA the world sanctioning body for skateboard sports, conducts various downhill longboarding competitions. The Bo Peep Crash & Burn is the most popular event conducted annually in the UK. Almabtrieb downhill racing event, held in Germany, is another major competition conducted for the sport.



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