Streetluge: speed, adrenaline and emotions!

Streetluge is an extreme sport that is not legal in all countries because there is a high risk of injuring of sportsmen. This is a variety of skateboarding, but the position of a sportsman is quite different.

Dangers

Streetluge is included in the list of the sports that cause many deaths. Why? The reason of this characteristic of streetluge is because sportsmen risk their necks to experience an adrenaline rush. Sometimes they limit the area that is visible, which is why it is hard for them to see what is going on around them. Moreover, there are no breaks: to stop sportsmen have to use radical methods. Usually they stop with the help of their legs (this is why they often get injured) or simply hit stable object such as trees, walls or poles. Finally, some sportsmen skate on the roads where people drive, this is another thing that causes minor injuries.

Ammunition

To reduce risks concerned with streetluge, sportsmen have to wear proper ammunition and follow all the requirements. First of all, they must wear a helmet that fits them perfectly. Their suit should be made of thick fabric that covers the body tightly. Above all, knee and elbow pads must be present to prevent sportsmen from being injured. They must be wearing gloves of the same material, otherwise they might scratch their hands. Their boots must have thick sloes. Often some rubber is glued to them to make the process of stopping easier and more effective. However, even all the things mentioned above cannot prevent a sportsman from being injured because the speed of movement may reach 80 kilometers per hour.

Skating board

Although streetluge is somehow similar to skateboarding, a completely different type of a board is needed. Sometimes it is referred to as a sled. It is bigger and has more features that help sportsmen to operate it. Not only is it equipped with aluminum-frame, but also it has a special pad for a sportsman’s back and head. Its weight ranges from 10 to 15 kilograms. Apart from that, there are no requirements to its shape, size or material. Your choice depends on your imagination and financial opportunities. The cheapest sleds are made of wood, at the same time they are extremely prone to warping or cracking. It is advisable to opt for metal boards as they are safer and more durable.

Movement technique

While skating, a sportsman has to operate the board with the help of his or her body. To do so, it is necessary to move the center of gravity by turning the body and doing some movements with the feet. Legs play a role of breaks and a wheel, which is why they are the most vulnerable parts of the body. Sometimes sportsmen use additional handles that help them to turn more accurately.

Rules

Streetluge races are legal in some countries, but it does not mean that in these countries it is possible to do this sport without any restrictions and rules. Several associations are capable of establishing racing rules, FIGR and RAIL are among them. Streetluge requires perfect reactions to everything that is going on around participants of the race and mental stability. This helps to perform different tricks and overcome various obstacles that might appear on the track. Less than a second is available to think about further movements, otherwise, there is a high risk of hitting different objects.

Those who are willing to start streetluge must be in good physical and mental condition. Moreover, they are bound to have some experience in extreme sports as a base for further development in the field of skating on their back.

History

This extreme sport evolved from skateboarding in California, in 1970s. It is mostly popular in the USA, and there are not so many followers of it in other countries. At first it was nothing more than a way of entertainment that many teenagers liked, but then it became an extreme sport. The first official race took place in California, in 1975. It was organized by the American Skateboarding Association. Unfortunately, many participants were injured, that is why for several years this sport remained illegal and prohibited. Now it is possible to go streetluge in some countries or even take part in a competition in terms of well-known X-Games.

Laws and land luge

Often sportsmen break the law by riding a street luge. Firstly, they ride at a higher speed than allowed. This vehicle may easily reach 155 kilometers per hours. Secondly, a luger is considered to be a pedestrian, which is why he or she should follow the rules of pedestrian laws. There laws include moving counter-traffic, as well. In other cases, there are special rules for skateboarders, such as these that limit their speed within 16 kilometers per hour.

All in all, streetluge is a mostly illegal activity that is concerned with many risks and dangers. This is why it is suitable to highly experienced sportsmen, who are capable of thinking clearly and moving accurately.