In this part of our guide to extreme sports, we will be covering street luge, a gravity-powered sport where riders lie on their backs on a specialized board and race down paved roads or courses at high speeds.
Street luge combines the speed and thrill of downhill racing with the technical skill of skateboarding. Riders lie supine on specially designed boards, racing down paved roads at speeds that can exceed 100 mph. Originating from the skateboarding culture of Southern California, street luge has evolved into a recognized extreme sport with its own competitions, governing bodies, and a dedicated community of enthusiasts.
During the 1970s, skateboarders began experimenting with lying down on their boards to achieve higher speeds while descending hills. Initially termed "laydown skateboarding," the sport quickly gained popularity among thrill-seekers.
The first professional street luge race took place in 1975 at Signal Hill, California. Organized by the U.S. Skateboard Association, the event showcased a variety of board designs, from basic skateboards to complex skate cars, marking the beginning of street luge as a competitive sport.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, street luge grew, with races in Southern California and beyond. The sport gained further recognition in the mid-1990s when it was featured in ESPN's X Games and NBC's Gravity Games, which popularized it on a global scale.
While street luge and traditional luge share similarities in their supine riding positions and high-speed descents, they differ significantly in their environments and equipment. Traditional luge is a winter sport performed on ice tracks, with athletes riding streamlined sleds designed for minimal friction and maximum speed. In contrast, street luge takes place on paved roads, with riders using boards equipped with wheels similar to those found on longboards.
Street luge boards are typically longer and heavier than traditional luge sleds, providing greater stability at high speeds. The wheels and trucks used in street luge are designed to handle the rougher surfaces of asphalt and concrete, whereas traditional luge sleds rely on metal runners to glide smoothly over ice.
Street luge competitions are. held worldwide, with events ranging from local races to international championships. The sport is governed by several organizations, including the International Gravity Sport Association (IGSA) and the International Downhill Federation (IDF). These bodies establish rules and regulations for competitions, ensuring the safety and fairness of the sport.
Major street luge events include the World Gravity Speed Championships and the Hot Heels race in Austria, which has served as a de facto world championship for various downhill disciplines. These competitions attract top riders from around the globe, showcasing the skills required to excel in this extreme sport.
Luge boards are constructed of durable materials, such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or aluminum, designed to withstand the demands of high-speed descents. Riders wear a combination of protective gear, including full-face helmets, leather or reinforced suits, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
Street luge is widely recognized as an extreme sport, celebrated for the action and skills required to navigate downhill courses at high speeds.
Unlike some extreme sports that require specialized environments or expensive equipment, street luge can be practiced on any suitable downhill road, making it accessible to a broader range of enthusiasts.
Websites representing any topics related to street luge are appropriate for this category, except for retail websites, which should be submitted to the corresponding Shopping & eCommerce category.
Recommended Resources
Maintained by Dave Auld, who began participating in street luge in 1993 and began competing soon after with FIGR, EDI, and the X Games, and raced on the East Coast of the United States with the National Street Luge Association, as well as in Canada, Austria, Scotland, Australia, South Africa, and Sweden. The website includes his profile, photographs, and information on street luge toys, boards, and movies. Links to other online street luge resources and guest comments are included.
http://auldovertheroad.com/
International Gravity Sports Association
Founded in 1996 by street luge and downhill skateboard enthusiasts, the IGSA serves as an organizing body for gravity sports, which includes street luge, downhill skateboarding, classic luge, inline skating, and gravity biking. It is known for organizing competitions that emphasize fair competition, reasonable rules, and safety. Competitor information, such as rules, rankings, and racer numbers, as well as championship athletes, media information, and contacts are posted.
http://www.igsaworldcup.com/
The Maryhill Windwalk is an annual event that combines gravity sport and music. It features various gravity sports, including downhill skateboarding and street luge. It is held at the historic Maryhill Loops Road in Washington, known for its consistent five-degree grade and numerous banked turns. Riders from around the world compete, aiming for flawless execution to navigate the course's nearly 20 turns. Schedules, sponsorships, festival and racer information, and contacts are posted.
https://www.maryhillwindwalk.com/
Covering street luge, classic luge, gravity biking, stand-up, and other gravity sports in the United Kingdom, the site features a description of street luge for those who are interested or new to the sport, as well as an introduction to SSSPRINT, the body that governs streetluging in the UK, and how to acquire a luge and other necessary apparel and equipment. Street Luge UK is interested in tips on new locations to hold races, the qualities of which are described here.
http://www.sssprint.co.uk/
Created by Justin Tolman, the website specializes in the extreme sport of street luge, including articles about the sport, a calendar of events, and contact information. There is also an online discussion forum using a phpBB platform, with categories for the street luge community, a classifieds section, and forum issues. While anyone can read forum content, participation in discussions requires a (free) membership and login. Links other street luge content are included.
https://www.street-luge.com/
