Xtra Magazine Article
Streetluging: Luging in the Summer
Luging is an exciting high speed winter activity, but odds are you may not have the access to the ice and snow needed for it. Streetluging can give you to same excitement. Streetluging involves riding on your back on an oversized skateboard feet first at speeds of more than sixty miles an hour. But there are some things to look for with streetluging, including the equipment needed for the sport and the safety measures that need to be taken.
Streetluging is different from regular luging in that in the luge if a rider loses control and is thrown off the board there will be very little friction because the ice is slick. In streetluging there is a great amount of friction after a wipeout because of the asphalt. This is especially true on a bacon road (one with a very rough surface that can be dangerous) or a scrambled eggs road (one that is dangerous but not as much as a bacon road).
The board used in streetluging is known as a rail. It is eight feet long and has small wheels that put the rider about two inches over the ground. A buttboard, which is shorter and has no foot pegs, is also common. While the wheels on the board can handle high speeds in streetluging, they can melt and catch fire in some cases.
A board in streetluging can be controlled by shifting a shoulder or elbow to the left or right through leaning. Many will have the foot pegs needed to keep the feet off the ground, but braking requires the shoes to be put onto the ground. This can be rough for starters, but over time it will be easier to handle. Of course, shoes left for streetluging should be used so that your nice ones don’t get damaged.
Some people will participate in head first runs, or skeleton runs, as well. However, these runs can be especially dangerous.
Some riders in streetluging can get road rash, which is the scrapes and burns from riding after crashing. However, the nerf bar on a board can reduce the level of damage from a crash. Helmets, thick soled shoes used for braking and a body thick leather clothing set is needed for safety so that serious injuries can be avoided.
If you are interested in participating in streetluging contact your local streetluging club. Also, look for streetluging competitions and watch them to see if you’re interested. Look for places where you can rent streetluging equipment also so you can see if you are still interested without having to waste any money of equipment that you may not like. If you are looking for streetluging instructions be sure to look for an instructor that is experienced and well accredited.
