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| Speedboarding (19049 Posts)
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Speedboarding |
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Rules and Regs
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On 9/18/2000
Chris Chaput
wrote in from
(63.168.nnn.nnn)
NBC's Gravity Games uses EDI (Extreme Downhill International) as its sanctioning body and Biker Sherlock & Company of Dregs Skateboards runs the show. Jarret "Dr. GoFast" Ewanek runs the technical inspections. Rules for racing and equipmemnt can be found at http://www.DregsSkateboards.com by following the EDI link.
ESPN's X-Games uses IGSA (International Gravity Sports Association) headed by Marcus Rietema and Bob Ozman's brother John does the tech spec. The rulebook can be found at: http://www.geocities.com/ozmans_streetluge/IGSA.html
Red Bull is it's own beast and is not bound by a published rulebook. They have race "events" as opposed to to a "race series" and Tom Mason is in charge of selecting the riders for their "invitation only" events. Tom is a veteran racer and promoter and understands the difference between a great "show" and a "perfect race". He selects the best riders that can show up and perform, and allows them to shape the rules as much as it makes sense to do so. They are therefore more flexible about the type of board that can be run and the equipment and protective gear that is used. Tom told me that if I felt comfortable and truly protected in my kevlar leathers, that was fine. Biker has informed me that kevlar leathers (but not leathers using kevlar) would be banned from EDI events and that speedsuits may only be allowed in qualifying. Marcus has pointed out to me that kevlar leathers must be AMA approved to run in IGSA events.
The general consensus is that a 48" board length, 4" wheel diameter and 12lb overall weight are the maximim allowed, and that everything must be structurally sound. You'd be surprised at what some people are willing to ride in a race. Some amateurs in Seattle were using 60" boards, tortion trucks, open-faced helmets and no leathers. I thought about getting behind one guy and attempt to pass down the backstretch until I started imagining what that deck would do to me if he fell in front of me. I jumped in front as survival technique, not because that's where I wanted to be so early in the race. Rules are a good thing, but nothing can replace common sense.
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Article in the "Bakersfield Californian"
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On 9/18/2000
Danny Connor
wrote in from
(152.163.nnn.nnn)
Hey guys,
Check out today's (september 18th) issue of the "Bakersfield Californian" newspaper. There's an article high-lighting my downhill accomplishments. It got front page in the "Local" section. It's pretty cool. We sent them like, 12 pictures, and they decided to use the one where I'm coming OUT of my tuck at the bottom of my favorite hill! There were some better pics, but oh well. I'll see everyone at Barrett!
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comp-11 trucks
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On 9/18/2000
craig, again!
wrote in from
(196.34.nnn.nnn)
I have a set of parents in England who will buy these trucks for me if they are available in a shop (off chance)
Does anyone know a shop, particularly near london, where randal comp-11's are purchased?????
I know it's not highly likely, but it's more likely than in africa, and how often do your parents offer to buy you these trucks???
Help me quick, please
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x-games; EDI regulations
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On 9/18/2000
Craig
wrote in from
(196.34.nnn.nnn)
Danny, i think it should work. We got a local Cape Town punk bands' song on the radio, amongst Britney, backstreet b. etc, using the same method.
What would be an EDI regulation stand up board?
Why would that not apply in the red bull race?
Why am I not doing my "thermoregulation in insects" essay for tomorrow....?
bye
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X-games
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On 9/17/2000
Danny Connor
wrote in from
(152.163.nnn.nnn)
Hey Guys,
I to was bothered by the fact that speedboarding wasn't featured in the x-games. Although luging is one of the funnest things to do in the world, we all know stand-up is much more demanding on the athlete doing it. I know, because I do both, and if it's in there, downhill skateboarding should be too. If we don't hear about it being in the x-games(for sure) we should all set up a deal where we just e-mail ESPN like every four days and tell them that we want speedboarding. They can't ignore us forever. It would be worth it if you ask me. And who knows? maybe it would give a few of us the chance to be in the X-games too!
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low CG R-II's
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On 9/17/2000
hugh r
wrote in from
(205.216.nnn.nnn)
Chris,
I am probably a week away from flush mounting these trucks... if you get to them first please let me know if it's worth the trouble. I am thinking it should provide a pretty good ride, but I'm not 100% sure about the slight change in steering angle (top of deck to base plate swing) and if it will take away or add to the performance of the trucks.
The fender idea is an interesting one... hopefully nothing like the old dude with the Sector 9 crew was using! Strange looking... What type of material are you considering? Sheet metal may be the easiest to configure (if you have a spot welder) Plastic would be very cool (If your set up to do that sort of thing) If you don't mind the "attack from many angles" aproach, shoot me one of your drawings and I'll see how it inspires me.
I think a trend in the future will be for you top racing guys to have 2 main types of speedboards... one that will pass EDI inspections and one that can be used for the Red Bull and other type races... an "unlimited" class board. The later could have fenders that have good aero properties... strategicly placed lead weights near the nose... skys the limit!!
Here's a freebie for you... a thin rubber skirt that hanges around the perimeter of the deck in order to cut down on under deck airflow (much like some of the salt flat cars use)... my brothers idea. Also, suspended rubber strips in order to cut down on vibration... also from Rooney... HR
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X Games and Concave
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On 9/17/2000
Chris Chaput
wrote in from
(63.168.nnn.nnn)
The X-Games had dropped the standup after the one year where it was presented as kind of an "exhibition" event and possible "real" event for the future. The Gravity Games is currently the only nationally televised venue that include Standup. Word has it that the X-Games will have qualifiers for both Standup and GS next season, keep your fingers crossed.
Many of the best racers use concave on a their speedboards and like it. Many of the same riders are already used to concave on their park and street boards and are just doing what feels comfortable to them. I don't use much concave (if any) because I think that a flat board with a very low CG and good griptape is enough to keep your feet in place and has a nice uniform feel to it. When a concave deck is in a turn, the upper rail is at a steeper angle than a flat board's (which I like) but the lower rail is at an angle less steep than a flat board and this tends to roll my toes up where I would want to be putting more pressure, not less (I don't like this).
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X-Games/RII-Comp II
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On 9/17/2000
Chris Chaput
wrote in from
(63.168.nnn.nnn)
Craig & Lono,
The R-II has a different baseplate than the Race Series of trucks which includes the Downhill, Comp II and now extinct Comp I. All of the Race Series trucks have hangers which are interchangable with any of the Race Series baseplates (this includes the Luge trucks too). There is no reason why you couldn't drop the R-II truck through, but the hole and gusset slot would have a different shape and size than one used for the Race Series. I too am working on a board whose R-II baseplates are flush with the top of the deck. It's kind of a hybrid design, not as low as you can go but with a functional nose and tail. It should make for an awesome longboard. I have another invention in the works that Hugh will probably want to experiment with. A special thin plate is attached to the top of the deck using the truck mounting bolts. It covers the cutout area of a deck (like a fender) so that the rider doesn't inadvertantly step on a wheel. The "fender" area can be as flat or as raised as is needed to avoid wheel bite. The result is a "turny" lowered deck that won't bite you in the ass. Coming soon to a website near you.
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concave
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On 9/17/2000
craig
wrote in from
(196.34.nnn.nnn)
what do you people think about concave in a high speed/race board? Does it not reduce stability a lot in the straights? I do believe it's better in the corners though..
Is a wide board not possibly sufficient to give you good grip in the corners?
Another thought: Do you think that the use of an extra riser pad on the back truck, to raise the back, putting your weight further forward, would be a good idea for that extra little increase in speed? How would this handle corners? What do you guys (are there any girls?) think?
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X-games
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On 9/17/2000
Craig
wrote in from
(196.34.nnn.nnn)
I sat and very dilligently peered at street luging, high jump on motor bikes, half pipe skating, street skating, in line skating, all sorts of variations of BMX's and i cannot remember what else on my telly whilst the x-games were on.
I did not see downhill standup, i was sad! I looked on their website, and could find no stand up, i cried. I didn't spot any surfing either for that matter!
Am i naive, blind or stupid? Is there no downhill standup/speedboarding/skateboard racing (whatever) at the x-games?
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TVS rider Reed Lowery wins in D.C.
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On 9/16/2000
DT
wrote in from
(24.4.nnn.nnn)
Terminal Velocity Streetboards once again takes the gold and another bronze. See the events forum for details.more to come.
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base plates
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On 9/16/2000
hugh r
wrote in from
(205.216.nnn.nnn)
Craig,
The base plates on the Downhills and Comp-II's are dimensionally the same. Only difference is the tighter mfg tolerances and const techniques. The R-II (longboard) base plates are completly different.
Lono,
My brother and I are building a board that will have flush mounted R-II's on a thick poplar wood deck. The drop in CG should end up pretty close to where it would on a thin ply deck. (although the "swing" dynamic will be slightly different) It will be a while before its complete (he wants some fancy aero stuff built in too... and an above deck spline... and in deck silicon dampening) So this one will take a while.
So if you try the R-II's in drop thru, please post your thoughts on the performance... HR
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RII's
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On 9/16/2000
craig
wrote in from
(196.34.nnn.nnn)
Along the same lines...are the base plates of R11's, comp 2's and the downhill truck different?
I want to know because at the moment i race on RII's, when i have enough money i will buy comp 2's...but for now i would like to try riding on the whole through mount thing with what i have....??
My ass is made of steel. 2 nights ago i came around a tight hairpin at about 70KMH (it's safe to do at about 40-50KMH) because there was a ridiculously strong tail wind blowing me down the hill. There was no way my wheels would hang onto the road using only one inside lane...i slid out, and flew bum first into the side of a car that was driving up the hill.
I was ridiculously lucky, i'm going to be more careful next time. Sorry if anyone cares that i posted this here and not in "crashes", but crashing is part of speedboarding to me, it is a blurry line....or was i really speed boarding???? I was only going at about 50mph.....!
This obsession of humans to categorize everything puts us in funny situations...
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RIIs in a low CG?
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On 9/15/2000 Lono
wrote in from
(205.179.nnn.nnn)
Has any one put RIIs in a dropped low CG deck. I'm thinkin of cutting drop thru holes in an older deck of mine for a set of RIIs, for a low CG carver. Any thoughts?
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race?
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On 9/15/2000
shnitzel
wrote in from
(216.66.nnn.nnn)
when and where is the next one?
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AGE AND SPEED
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On 9/14/2000
KLUDY
wrote in from
(209.245.nnn.nnn)
I just started downhill when a saw it on T.V. in S.D. as A DEMO. Thats all it took, told my wife and four kids I am going for it. It took me 38 years to find my sport and it is great to see my age group riding so well.Biker was big in helping me, THANKS . I surfed alot and love it but speed on a board is something I feel is a great release from what ever is going on.I used the word surfed because my buds dont see me much these days.ITS ALL GOOD! KLUDY
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foot braking,cross-training on inlines + Wally
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On 9/14/2000
Drakkars
wrote in from
(213.56.nnn.nnn)
Hey tony .... Dragging the inside hand on a ice rink is known from a long time (watch short track speed ice-skaters)
Mr TOM Wally INOUYE ..... It's great to know you are still around and into every part of skateboarding !!!!!
My inspiration for coming back into skateboarding went from going to work around marseille last year where they have this nice skatepark (I'm not really good at it but i have fun) and now I'm carving on those road mountains up here in the french alps around grenoble with some much younger guys (they could be my sons, myself beeing close to 40)
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re: foot braking,cross-training on inlines
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On 9/13/2000
Tony Healy
wrote in from
(209.178.nnn.nnn)
Everything Roger says about inlining is true. He's doing
the best linline balance drill: see how far you can coast
on one foot. Wave the other leg around if it gets dull;
good for learning to catch your balance.
Am new to skateboarding. Once a friend pointed out that
pushing a skateboard was like inline skating, balancing &
turning with one foot, it was lots easier to pick up. My
next steps are to work on dragging a foot, and learning to
turn my longboard better & quicker. Dragging a foot and
dragging a skate are similar with both i that:
- you have to compensate for the twisting forces and
steer straight
- you have to keep enough weight over the non-braking
foot so you can steer
Just be careful if you start inline skating. Especially
this group. At first you'll do it just for cross training
or fitness. Then you'll wanna go faster and end up on
speedskates. And you'll discover that speedskates can
carve. Not quite like a skateboard, but still a carve.
Years later you'll find yourself carving along a road at
speed on one foot drifting five wheels. Or, worse yet, at
a rink leaned over in a turn dragging your fingertips on
the ice. Don't say you weren't warned!
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Never put the skate down
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On 9/13/2000 Wally
wrote in from
(143.227.nnn.nnn)
Yeah Chris, Biket and Brad have that effect on us old guys. I do have a pair of leathers that Nate from bloodnickel for the 98 x-games. Downhilling has always been in my blood. I grew up all around very fast hills. We were doing 50 plus back in 75 & 76. We would get pulled behind my buds motorcycle doing 40 let go and bomb hills, of course we didn't have safety gear back in those days. Lots of skin left on the pavement. My oldest daughter Aspen age 7 and I do tandem downhilling since she was two, top speed 40 mph. I also ride vert still at the ramps I built for a couple of city near my house. although no 540's KEEP ON SKATING!!!!
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Wally
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On 9/13/2000
Jeff C
wrote in from
(166.36.nnn.nnn)
What got you old skategeezers from the 70's back into riding again? My town built a small municipal park and I decided to get back into it to try to loose some weight. After riding popsicles for a short time I discovered longboards. It's been a blast! Slams hurt a hell of a lot more, but it is still a lot of fun. My wife knew me back in the 70's so me riding isn't that big a deal for her. She just nags me to increase my insurance. ;-)
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Wally
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On 9/13/2000
Chris Chaput
wrote in from
(63.168.nnn.nnn)
Tom, great to see here as well as my inbox. Biker told me that he and the rest of the Dreggies were planning to visit you after Seattle. They had been driving that Dregs van up the western states and skating every chance they got along the way. Be very afraid. These guys have a way of taking older skaters and convincing them that they are young again and should be shopping for leathers now. Waldo Autry and George Orton and Brad Strandlund have the same effect. It's like kind of a cult. They don't care if you were a pool and park skater, a pipe rider or a freestyler, they will recruit you. Once they suck you in, you are hopelessly addicted to the speed, the fun, the glory and the scabs, but you will have no money and your wife won't call you honey. Be very afraid.
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Wally
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On 9/13/2000
Neil G
wrote in from
(198.169.nnn.nnn)
Tom Inouye! Nice to have you contributing, you were always one of my favourites from back in the day. Glad to hear you're still skating along with the rest of us old guys.
Geez, what's next? Is Peralta gonna show up just for a chat? Maybe we need a new discussion area, "Legends of 70s Pro Skating"?
Neil
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foot braking
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On 9/13/2000 Wally
wrote in from
(143.227.nnn.nnn)
Foot braking should come second mature if you think about it. We all have to take our foot of to push our boards, same feeling. Now doing it a high speed is alittle different. The key is when you take your foot off stay relaxed, try to put even wieght on the bottom of your shoe and keep right next the the side of the board. The futher the foot comes away for the the board the less control you will have. Why? The wieght of the body is no longer over your board now. Once you have master the foot drag it will open so many more downhills with high speed turns. There is no other feeling than draging your foot at 50 plus before going into that hairpin on a mountain pass.
Just something to think about
Tom Inouye
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foot braking, cross-training on inlines
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On 9/13/2000
rogerj
wrote in from
(32.100.nnn.nnn)
Thanks for the braking advice GBJ and Chris, you guys are usually done braking by the time I get to the bottom of the hill (have not seen in action).
Tonight while inline skating I discovered potential cross-training with inline skates. Riding with only one foot (inline skate) is good balancing practice - much harder than riding a board with one foot. Also discovered that although I can do a block length with my "board foot" I could only do a house or two with my "push foot". After some practice I can do almost a block on my push foot before I start to crash into the curb (hard to steer one-foot inlines). I think next I will practice riding and turning board with one foot on board and other in the air (sound familiar Chris?)
Dragging an inline skate sideways is a common method of braking ("T stop"). It is not identical to dragging a foot, but is helpful in developing balance, changing steering slightly to compensate for increased braking, etc. In contrast to boarding, one foot maneuvers are the norm with inlines including braking through a turn at speed (actually helps make a tighter turn, careful not to get into a spin or a superman spiral spill).
Anyone else notice similarities between foot dragging and skate dragging (or other one-foot maneuvers)?
roger
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White Wheels Winning
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On 9/12/2000
Chris Chaput
wrote in from
(63.168.nnn.nnn)
Danny, Lehr and van Bommel used 76mm Kryptonics on Randal Downhill trucks and Dregs racing boards. It's hard to tell from the picture, but Leemo (Lee Dansie) and I are both running the larger 82mm Cherry Bombs. My only experience with the big tall lime green Labeda 90mm wheels was on my streetluge where the delaminated after 4 or 5 runs. That happened to me twice before I said enough is enough. It's too bad because they were fast and smooth in a straight line. The best is yet to come.
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