Stray magazine

Aug 2014

for life on four wheels

Q+A

shed some light on safety musts

CRASH COURSE

The truth about going

sans helmet all hail the

long board

Cover everything you need to know about the new downhill craze

Beginner’s bible

In the market for a longboard?

Don’t know where to start?

We’ve got you covered.

CONTENTS

Table of

In every issue 02

Where Have You Strayed?

Being a Stray is all about living on four wheels and enjoying wherever life’s ride takes you. See what this month’s batch of readers has been up to and where boarding has led them.

34

Every Day Stray

See what this month’s featured Every Day Strays have to say about keeping inspired, being active and how far they’ve come.

05 Rad Right Now

All the hot topics, trends, and stuff that’s just plain weird we’ve selected to be on your radar this month.

07 Pick-Me-Ups

With your help, we’ve selected a few things to rev your creativity, motivation, sense of humor and much more that are worth sharing. Stay inspired.

08 Your Cruising

featured 09

longboard revolution

The age of the longboard is here.

Join the revolution and read this article to get all the info you need on the new mode of transportation.

15 Beginner’s Bible

Use our Beginner’s Bible to find out what longboard is best for you and your hobbies.

Playlist

Stop pressing “repeat” and expand your horizons. Check out our selection of music this month that will take you everywhere from Reggae to Metal. What’s life without new ear candy?

30 Crash Course

Check out one girl’s story about learning the hard way the importance of gearing up for safety.

32 Safety Q+A

Find out some important info that may make you think twice before boarding the “downhill skateboard”.

1.

2.

where have

you

Every month, we ask for you, our loyal Strays, to tell us where your cruising has lead you lately. From urban exploration, to learning new skills, we want to hear from you. It’s all about the experience, the art, the people we meet.

strayed?

It’s all about the experienceyour board gets you there.

6.

03

5.

3.

4.

9. Craig and Lailanni 5. Ciera

1. Mandy and Cara

With beginning university, hangout time and stress release has been a luxury. Boarding has allowed us to do both.

2.Jaquie

My skate-travels have allowed me to explore my city. My favorite places are pathways hidden under bridges where all the street art is.

3. Quin

Skateboarding is my favorite thing in the world to do. It gives me a chance to travel outside.

4. Leanne

As a photographer, I am constantly looking for inspiraing places.

Skating has helped me discover those places, and heped me to experiment with motion in shots too.

Just got my board last month and I’m loving it! I finally have a chance to spend quality time with myself.

It’s comforting.

6.Alivia & friends

My “pack” and I make it a tradition every summer to take a trip somewhere warm and skate our faces off! This is what I’ll remember when I’m 80!

Having a skateboard or longboard is great for a relationship. Craig always skateboarded, and I got a longboard recently and have been practicing a lot with him. Helping eachother out, getting outside and riding and playing makes me feel like we’re two young kids flirting again. We’ve been together for three years. It’s nice to know there’s still new experiences we can share.

10. Mary-Lou

7. Jenna

I surprised my self by entering skate competitions. That’s a big deal for shy me.

8. Corey and Santanna

My sister and I are five years apart in age, so we never got into much of the same stuff together. This is something we can both enjoy now that we’re older, and its become a great bonding experience that’s brought us even closer.

Not only do I love to skate, but now I can express myself with my deck! I’ve taken to DIY deck design. It’s so fun to get messy and have something to show off when you’re out.

10.

8.

7.

9.

04

Rad Rig

ht Now

This is i s what we lov Buy it, er share it , wear i ight now. t, do it .

Fun Stuff USB Camera

Studio-Inspired Phone Cases

Capture the moment easily, anytime, anywhere. This pint-sized camera connects directly to your computer after use for quick and easy photo storage. Naturally, it doesn’t hold an album. But we think it’s great for on-the-go fun.

You’ll want to dip into these juicy colors and relive your kindergarten finger-painting days. Sadly, the pallete’s plastic, but we appreciated the nod to creative messy folk.

Gutz Pillows

Don’t have the guts to bomb that huge hill? Not a problem! Collect all of these cute, comfy throw pillows and show people you’ve got heart . . . and gal bladder.

spot sharks faster!

Bike-Spoke Lightshow

d!

Gol f o t r a He Clear Canoe

For the outdoorsy type who wants to experience nature fully, or for anyone who enjoys cool toys.

05

Hook these babies up to your bike spokes and turn your evening commute into art.

Plus you’re less likely to be smoked by traffic!

Spatter Tights

Oh yes, they’re crazy.

And we love it! This bold new trend speaks to the creative by making it appear as if youv’e been doused in paint. Try them in a variety of colors and textures.

lookin’ good Blood-Red Pout

Burgendy and candy-red lips are a dramatic and much sought after look this year. Make sure to get a shade that compliments your skin tone and apply a balm before use. Lots of color can draw attention to a thirsty pout.

The new craze? diy deck design!

Nothing feels better than picking out a new board--new deck, new chance to express your style.

But what’s better than hunting for your perfect deck design?

Making your own!

why we love it

Faded Hues

A gentler aproach to punk and very versatile. Not bold enough to completely color your mane?

Try a fresh take on the very-in ombre and give your tips a splash of pastel color. Lilac and baby blue look great with chestnut colors.

It’s not uncommon when choosing your perfect board to sacrifice personal comfort for style. By utilizing your own creativity, you can create a style that is 100% you on a board that feels 100% comfortable for your cruising purposes. * Make sure to using weather-safe paint. For moretips, visit DIYdeckdesign on Blogspot.

pick me ups

Creative Making waves on Instagram this month is Emily Blincoe, Austin Texas’s whimsical photographer that makes organized, colorful, interesting collections, and portraits. We’re inspired.

heartfelt In Kiev Ukraine — Hundreds of thousands of people swarmed through the Ukrainian capital of Kiev on Sunday as a pro-European Union protest movement warped into an all-out battle to unseat President Viktor Yanukovych. Thse people rushed up to tie ribbons onto the shields of riot guards.

thoughtful Your quote of the month is:

The present circumstances don’t determine where you will go; they merely determine where you start.

-Nido Quebein

07

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K-pop (Korean Pop)

Glitch-Hop

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08

join the

LONG BO REVOLUTI Afraid of biting concrete and bones broken on ramps but still in love with skateboarding? Give longboarding a go!

My knees were covered in cuts and bruises and my jeans were ripped to shreds. I had finally accepted that I simply wasn’t cut out for skateboarding. In the five years that I had owned skateboards, my body simply refused to progress to any tricks past an ollie. As the five-year-olds skated rings round me, twirling and popping on their boards with ease, I decided it was time for a change. It was not until last summer when I took a trip to Southern California that this miraculous change would take place.

23

OARD ION 23

I was sitting in Santa Monica, sipping my way through a ‘Snapple’ when something caught my eye ... A tall man in a business suit went flying by, almost hovering motionless above the sun-beaten ground. Something about the way in which he was moving attracted me enough to stare at him disappearing into the distance. It wasn’t until he had disappeared that I learned he was riding a longboard.

His body seemed to flow with the board like a gentle wave lapping the shore, without even breaking a sweat. This was something I just had to try for myself.

After doing some longboarding research on the web, I learned that they were originally based around surfboards. This gave surfers something to do when there was no surf. I decided to take myself along to the home of surfing, Santa Cruz. It didn’t take me long to pick out an elegant-looking longboard that didn’t break the bank. It was a ‘Sector-9’ board that sat proudly on bright yellow wheels, decorated with a curling wave sparkling in the sun.

Even if I never managed to ride it properly, at least it would look nice on my bedroom wall! I took myself and my board to a nearby car park where I would introduce myself into the world of longboarding. Standing on it couldn’t have felt more different to a skateboard.

This board was soft and springy and turned with the slightest of movements. As I pushed off for the first time, I felt the power and freedom straight away that I had seen flowing through the man in the suit. I felt as if I was flying above the trees and shops, shooting through tunnels of waves on the pacific and I was still in a carpark! I couldn’t help thinking that everyone should put down their skateboards and hop on a longboard to share the experience. Why wasn’t this a mode of transport worldwide? Within minutes I had got the hang of riding my longboard and took to the streets of Santa Cruz, flowing through the town under the beating sun.

concrete’ because the big wheels and thin board allow quick turns and carves, just like surfing waves. Back then, surfers looking to train in poor weather or toorough seas affixed rollerskate “trucks,” or wheel-bearings, to their wooden decks to create “sidewalk surfboards,” according to Internet lore. Skateboarding won mainstream attention when it migrated to the mainland, first to California in the 1960s and later up the coast. But lesser-known longboards also made the journey. They too gained momentum in underground scenes before hitting the mainstream in recent years a late-bloomer that is finally having its day. Unlike the rudimentary boards once geared for flat terrain with limited mileage achievable on rickety wheels, today’s longboards are fine-tuned instruments engineered for speed and common fixtures on the steep slopes around Metro Vancouver — particularly on the North Shore. It’s the perfect new toy for kids raised in the Lower Mainland’s cradle of extreme sport, where snowboarding, mountain biking and downhill skiing are as omnipresent as the steep slopes that have stoked the imagination of adrenalin seekers. When people use them to race down steep hills they often wear protection similar to that of skateboarders, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads. Sometimes riders wear ‘slide gloves’ which allow them to use their hands to turn more sharply.

LONG BOARDING ISN’T BASED AROUND TRICKS . . IT’S ABOUT FLOWING

Longboarding is becoming increasingly popular among surfers and skateboarders. Though, no one person lays claim to

fashioning the first prototype, most sources agree the longboard was born, along with its better-known cousin, the skateboard, in Hawaii circa 1959. Longboards were built for racing downhill or general transportation, but longboarding is often described as ‘surfing on

The great thing about longboarding is that if you intend to longboard purely as a mode of transport or for fun, the only piece of kit you’ll need is the board itself, so you won’t break the bank! Most longboards measure between 90 and 150cm and come in lots of different shapes. Mid-length boards are the most versatile, whereas shorter boards are better for downhill racing. Different shapes of longboards include pintails and flatnose riders. Pintails generally have looser trucks and a wider diameter which gives more or a ‘surfing’ feel when riding. The best way to choose a longboard is to try a few out. Try standing on different longboards in the shop and see what feels the most comfortable.

Remember that if you are used to skateboarding, a longboard will feel quite weird when you first try one.

If you want your board to be practical, choose a small to medium length board to make it easier to carry around. Unlike skateboarding, longboarding isn’t based around doing different tricks. Instead it is about flowing with the board and is generally more laid-back and

12

relaxing. And you can do it pretty much anywhere! No fuss, no pressure, unless you’re in the mood for bombing hills.

We’ve covered skateboarding and longboarding -- which one is easier? Some people might get offended if you say skateboarding is easy, but relatively speaking, few would disagree that it takes less time and effort o get used to the feel of a longboard [source: Krcmar]. With their long wheelbases and bigger decks, longboards give the rider more room to move around and find a comfortable stance.

But is longboarding really easier than skateboarding? The answer depends on a few key differences between the two activities. For one, longboards are designed specifically for turning and smoothly cruising at high speeds over long distances. You could argue then that for extended downhill runs, a longboard is going to be much easier to control than a skateboard. Whenever you set out to ride a narrow plank of wood downhill at high speeds, you risk the chance of hurting yourself -- badly. As with anything else, becoming an accomplished longboarder takes practice. To get the most out of your practices sessions, you have to be comfortable on the board. Part of being comfortable involves taking

safety precautions. Maybe you’ll be a little looser if you know that your noggin is safely encased in, say, a Triple 8 Brainsaver Helmet made from black rubber.

There has to be a reason they named it that, right? In addition, if you also wear knee and elbow pads, plus flat-soled closed-toe shoes, you’ll be less susceptible to injuries and more comfortable on the board, which will allow you to make the most out of every session. Having said that, you’ll of course want to do everything possible to prevent wiping out on hard asphalt. If you’re riding downhill, and your board begins to shake and wobble, you have a short amount of time to choose your next move. On a clear roadway, it’s possible to maintain control by shifting your weight -- effectively turning -- to one side or the other. If executed properly, you’ll overcome the board’s vibration by making a smooth turn and slowing down your downhill dash, rather than allowing the board to vibrate out of control.

IF YOU’RE A BEGINNER . . YOU’ll PROBABLY HAVE A BETTER TIME ON A LONGBOARD.

As every rider is different, you should consult an expert to determine the best board and board settings for your own purposes. If you live near a skate shop, stop in and talk to the longboard specialist if there is one.

If that’s not an option for you, hop online. Numerous online forums, such as Silverfish Longboarding, are available specifically for longboarders of all abilities to

share ideas and learn from one another’s bloody palms. busted elbows and bruises. Conversely, skateboards have evolved over the years for specific niche activities like hanging in skate parks, going for verticals on half-pipes and hitting the streets for some urban trick skating, so if your goal is to do some railslides and kickflips, a skateboard is going to be easier to maneuver.

However, which contributes to its reputation.

I decided to take myself along to the home of surfing, Santa Cruz. It didn’t take

me long to pick out an elegant-looking longboard that didn’t break the bank. It was a ‘Sector-9’ board that sat proudly on bright yellow wheels, decorated with a curling wave sparkling in the sun. Even if I never managed to ride it properly, at least it would look nice on my bedroom wall! I took myself and my board to a nearby car park where I would introduce myself into the world of longboarding. Standing on it couldn’t have felt more different to a skateboard. This board was soft and springy and turned with the slightest of movements. As I pushed off for the first time, I felt the power and freedom straight away that I had seen flowing through the man in the suit. I felt as if I was flying above the trees and shops, shooting through tunnels of waves on the pacific and I was still in a carpark! I couldn’t help thinking that everyone should put down their skateboards and hop on a longboard to share the experience. Why wasn’t this a mode of transport worldwide? Within minutes I had got the hang of riding my longboard and took to the streets of Santa Cruz, flowing through the town under the beating sun.

Longboarding is becoming increasingly popular among surfers and skateboarders. Though, no one person lays claim to fashioning the first prototype, most sources agree the longboard was born, along with its better-known cousin, the skateboard, in Hawaii circa 1959.

Longboards were built for racing downhill or general transportation, but longboarding is often described as ‘surfing on concrete’ because the big wheels and thin board allow quick turns and carves, just like surfing waves. Back then, surfers looking to train in poor weather or too-rough seas affixed rollerskate “trucks,” or wheel-bearings, to their wooden decks to create “sidewalk surfboards,” according to Internet lore.

Skateboarding won mainstream attention when it migrated to the mainland, first to California in the 1960s and later up the coast. But lesser-known longboards also made the journey. They too gained momentum in underground scenes before hitting the mainstream in recent years — a late-bloomer that is finally having its day. Unlike the rudimentary boards once geared for flat terrain with limited mileage achievable on rickety wheels, today’s longboards are fine-tuned instruments engineered for speed and common fixtures on the steep slopes around Metro Vancouver — particularly on

the North Shore. It’s the perfect new toy for kids raised in the Lower Mainland’s cradle of extreme sport, where snowboarding, mountain biking and downhill skiing are as omnipresent as the steep slopes that have stoked the imagination of adrenalin seekers for generations.

When people use them to race down steep hills they often wear protection similar to that of skateboarders, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads. Sometimes riders wear ‘slide gloves’ which allow them to use their hands to turn more sharply. When people use them to race down steep hills they often wear protection similar to that of skateboarders, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads. The great thing about longboarding is that if you intend to longboard purely as a mode of transport or for fun, the only piece of kit you’ll need is the board itself, so you won’t break the bank! Most longboards measure between 90 and 150cm and come in lots of different shapes. Some people might get offended if you say skateboarding is easy, but relatively speaking, few would disagree that it takes less time and effort o get used to the feel of a longboard [source: Krcmar]. With their long wheelbases and bigger decks, longboards give the rider more room to move around and find a comfortable stance.

But is longboarding really easier than skateboarding?

The answer depends on a few key differences between the two activities. For one, longboards are designed specifically for turning and smoothly cruising at high speeds over long distances. You could argue then that for extended downhill runs, a longboard is going to be much easier to control than a skateboard.

No responsible discussion of longboarding would be complete without mentioning safety. Whenever you set out to

ride a narrow plank of wood downhill at high speeds, you risk the chance of hurting yourself -- badly. As with anything else, becoming an accomplished longboarder takes practice. To get the most out of your practices sessions, you have to be comfortable on the board.

Part of being comfortable involves taking safety precautions. Maybe you’ll be a little looser if you know that your noggin is safely encased in, say, a Triple 8 Brainsaver Helmet made from black rubber. There has to be a reason they named it that, right?

Olivia Gregson

beginn

bib 23

s er n n

ble

Choosing your first board can be a little overwhelming.

Unlike skateboards, which are built standard, longboards have a variety of different flexibilities, lengths and shapes that cater to specific needs. Follow these tips to learn more.

23

17

Arbor 2013 Koa “Fish” $144.95

Choosing the Right Deck Length

Boards in the length range of 28”-46” will be a good choice for a cruising deck. You could go smaller, but if you’re just getting started, it’s saf¬er to stay in this range till you’re comfortable.

Finding an appropriate-sized deck for cruising and carving is pretty easy - just read the descriptions for the different sizes below to get a feel for the length you will be comfortable with.

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19

Sector 9 “Hot Steppa” $169.95

Choosing a shorter deck

Longboards in the range of 28”32” — although they’re not actually “long”boards — are a great for young riders and smaller riders.

Taller riders can also make good use of these smaller boards as long as they are confident in their riding ability.You could go smaller, but if you’re just getting started, it’s saf¬er to stay in this range till you’re comfortable.

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20

Earthwing MiniGlider $148.95

Choosing a longer deck

These boards are great for longer, relaxed rides on the sidewalk or practicing your boardwalking skills when the surf is flat. If you don’t mind carrying a hefty longboard around, feel free to get a longer board, but don’t say we didn’t warn you... The larger ones can get pretty heavy!

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22

Never Summer “Assault� $200.95

Choosing a Flexy deck

Flex is certainly something to consider for your cruising longboard deck. Having a board that flexes can be a great help on those long rides. The flex on the board will absorb some of the rough terrain you may encounter as well as allow you to ride a bit lower to the ground than non-flexible counterparts. This type of shock absorption will generally help to relieve some of the stress on your ankles and knees.

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24

Choosing a deck with a kicktail

A kicktail can be very convenient when you need to make quick turns, do tricks, and pop up and down curbs. Beginners can ride boards with kicktails or without, since it ends up just being a matter of preference. If you feel that you’d put a kicktail to proper use (as is mentioned above) go for it!

Choosing a deck with no kicktail

If you’re not the type to make aggressive, kicktail assisted maneuvers, there are still plenty of options to fit your personal preferences. Most boards without kicktails are able to maximize the effective wheelbase (distance from one axle to the other), thereby making them a bit more stable for beginners.

Sector 9 Baseline $145.95

Choosing a deck with a small amount of flex

Many longboards seems to have a bit of flex to them after you ride them for a long time, but some are more special than others.

Longboarding companies offer a longboard with a small amount of flex designed to give the rider some extra leverage through turns, as well as some shock dampening effects for rough surfaces.

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26

Arbor Dropper $171.95

Choosing a stiff longboard deck Some riders prefer to have a “direct” response from their lean and sway (rather than the “softer” feel found with flexible boards), and that is OK with us! Stiff longboards are easy to come by since they are quite common in the downhill longboarding scene as well as being what many people might consider to be a “real longboard”.

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28

Never Summer “Heist” $227.95

Choosing a Kicktail or No Kicktail

The twin-tip shape of the Loaded Dervish Longboard Skateboard Deck and the near symmetrical shape of the Honey AMP 6 Longboard Skateboard Deck keep these boards easy to ride for everyone as well as make the board more aesthetically pleasing.

That doesn’t mean, however, that there’s someone out there who won’t use a kicktail l.

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30

crash course

By Sky Siljeg

“I never thought it would happen to me.” it’s how the story always begins. but no matter how many times people are warned, many choose to ride without a helmet every day, and the consequences are chilling.

“No, I never thought that would happen to me, and I had only been skating without a helmet on street for a few months,” said 16-year old Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins. “It sure taught me a lesson!” These are not the words of a beginning skateboarder. Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins, winner of the top positions in both women’s street and vert the past three years at the Gravity and X-Games, has been skating since she was a year old. She showed me pictures of the 11 staples that had held her head together as she told me about one of the toughest lessons she had to learn about skating safely. “I was always the one to wear my helmet . . . and then a few months before I got hurt I went without a helmet,” said Hawkins. “I felt good on my board so I just kept skating street without it.” As for me—I skate safely, and I am grateful to the sponsors who encourage me to stay protected.

Bob Hendrich of Khiro Skateboard Products always ends his e-mails to me by writing, “Skate safe.” He will not put pictures of skaters in his ads or flyers, if they aren’t wearing safety gear. It’s an important message, and one he takes very seriously (Hendrich lost a close friend and a fellow pro to a head injury he got while skating without

a helmet). “If it were not for a family rule that I have to wear a helmet when hitting sliders, I think I would have been severely injured during my [wakeboarding] crash in 2004,” said Phillip Soven, a 16-year-old team rider for Liquid Force and Pro-Tec. Phillip has been riding professionally for 6 years and was 14 at the time of his accident.

“The whole episode was filmed,

my left ear,” he said. “I was told I could never skate again. I just believed I would and now I am . . . I don’t want this to happen again.” Head injury is accumulative. This means that every time you hit your head, the risks are greater. “Second Impact Syndrome” occurs when the combined effect of repeated head trauma becomes fatal. Two injuries that might be considered mild separately can have bad results. In fact, it takes less of a blow to cause injury the second time, and longer to recover.

A person who suffers a concussion is up to four times more likely to have another.

Phillip Soven, Professional Wakeboarder Lyn Z, who rides for TSG safety gear, can give people plenty of reasons to skate with a helmet. “It’s uncool when you have huge metal staples in your head like I did,” she said. “It’s uncool to see a friend not wear a helmet and get so badly hurt that they don’t know who you are . . . It’s uncool to look into someone’s eyes and they look

I was told I could never skate again...

I don’t want this to happen again. and it was clear that my helmet took the brunt of the force,” he said. “It was clear that my skull was securely protected despite the degree of the impact, and I avoided suffering anything greater than cosmetic injuries.” My friend Phil Kammer is a pro skater for Manik Skateboards. The first time he hit his head skating, he spent five days in intensive care. “In just one small fall I cracked my head in two places, bruised the front of my brain, and went partially deaf in

continued23 ...

safety

Q+A

Q: Should I get gloves?

A:If you intend to do slides or ride downhill, we definitely recommend protecting your hands.

Slides gloves will help you perform technical slides and shut-down slides in the need of an emergency stop.

Q: Skateboarding pads.

Do i need them?

A:If you plan on reaching high speeds downhill we recommend that you wear quality protection.

Having tight fitting pads will prevent slipping when contact to the pavement is made.

Q: isn’t falling unlikely on a longoard?

A: Falling is nearly always a surprise in the longboarding world. For that reason, a helmet is important. We recommend one thst’s certified. These helmets offer better protection against heavy impact. Put it simply: Wear a helmet!

Q: what are leathers and why do i need them?

A: Ever wonder why motorcyclers are always decked out in leather?

Leather helps prevent road rash and other unfortunate impact related events when reaching high speeds. If you can, find some leathers with knee and elbow pads to protect your body more.

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empty because they have had so many concussions.” Some of my favorite parks require safety gear.

I skate for Pro-Tec safety gear, and my helmet is pretty cool. It’s got a KillerPaint.com job from Mike Lavallee (seen on Monster Garage andOverhaulin’), and it helps me to “skate safe” every time.

It’s no secret that skateboarding and longboarding are dangerous activities that definatley require safety gear. Arguablly the most dangerous fact about enjoying these modes of transportation is the fact that there are no brakes.

Many people believe boarding is the safer choice because when the ride gets out of hand, you can just step off. However, when reaching great speeds, bailing can be the

Among longboarders, 8 percent had a head fracture, 31 percent had a traumatic brain injury and 14 percent had a hemorrhage.

Among skateboarders, 0.5 percent had a head fracture, 12 percent had a traumatic brain injury. None had an intracranial hemorrhage.

Skateboarders sometimes train in skate parks, while longboarders are more likely to ride on open roads, which introduces obstacles such as moving cars and light posts that can increase injury risk, said study researcher Steven M. Thygerson, an assistant professor of health science at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Some types of longboarding specifically involve riding downhill or weaving around obstacles.

Longboarders may also achieve greater speeds, and be less likely to wear a helmet (out of a desire for “freedom/wind in the hair”) than skateboarders, Thygerson said.

Doctors who treat longboarders for injuries should be more suspicious than usual that the patient has a head injury, and should consider conducting a brain scan, Thygerson said. Public health campaigns that promote helmet use may significantly reduce head fractures and traumatic brain injury if they appeal to longboarders, Thygerson said. Another study presenting at the meeting found that about 68,100 children ages 5 to 19 visit the emergency department for skateboarding-related injuries each year.

68,100 children ages 5 to 19 have visited health departments for skateboarding -related injuries each year. equivalent of hopping out of a moving car. This is exactly why people are asking the question; is longboarding more dangerous thatn skateboarding?

A recent study put forth by the Boston Center for Sports Injury suggests that wearing a helmet is increasingly important when longboarding. People who use longboards may be at greater risk for severe injuries than those who use regular skateboards.The study included information from 824 people (whose average age was 19) who were treated from either longboarding or skateboarding at a trauma center in Utah between 2006 and 2011, researchers reported here today (Nov. 5) at a public health research meeting. More than half, or 57.5 percent, were injured from longboarding -- which uses a longer, wider board than a skateboard --while 42.5 percent were injured from skateboarding.

[9 Weird Ways Kids Can Get Hurt] Longboarders were at greater risk of head fracture, traumatic brain injury and bleeding inside the skull than skateboarders.

Though you can gain a collection of some pretty nasty injuries by doing impressive tricks on your skateboard, the longboard is generally used for greater speeds, escpecially when going downhill.

This is when accidents happen.

With longboards, injuries happen when you least expect it - you get speed wobbles, you hit a rock at great speeds, something comes into your path, making you swerve ... It’s always better to be ready for these situations before the occur. Longboarding is a potentially dangerous sport that requires a lot of attention to safety.

Contrary to what the “cool kid” at the park may tell you, the cool thing to do is to wear a helmet.

That being said, remember to Cover your head before you shred. Longboarding spills are somewhat similar to falls in other extreme sports — they can be controlled falls, or they can be rough and painful. Besides a helmet, wearing slide gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads can protect your body from harm in different longboarding situations.

Slide gloves should be worn by riders seeking to step up to the next level. Good slide gloves from trusted brands like Loaded, Sector 9, Landyachtz, and Gravity will protect your hands and fingers when riding at high speeds and help you to perfect your slides and drifts. Because falls are most often unpredictable, knee pads and elbow pads should be worn to protect the most likely points of impact on your body. Landing safely on your slide gloves and knee pads in the event of a spill can protect you from injury and allow you to get up and ride another day. The 187 brand knee and elbow pads lead the industry and are our gear of choice because they are comfortable, durable, and protect your body.

To protect your head, Predator and Triple Eight helmets are the way to go. Buying replacement slide pucks or replacement caps for your pads is the best way to bring new life to your well loved safety equipment. Selecting the right safety gear will help you skate at your best and allow to safely reach the next level.

One of the most important peices of advice you will ever receive (aside from “wear a helmet!”) is learning how to fall. Let’s face it, falling is a part of longboarding. The beginner is going to have his or her share.

How can you minimize the damage of falls?

First, get the right safety equipment. They will not, however, protect you in every circumstance.

That is why learning how to fall is important. When we fall on a longboard, our tendency is to try to catch ourselves with our hands. This is just human nature. That is why broken wrists are common. I used to work at a ski resort, and we would

see people with broken wrists every day. That is because of this inborn tendency to catch our falls with our hands.

So, how should you fall?

Fall with your hands and elbows tucked in toward your body. Try to absorb the impact by falling on your back and shoulders. Of course, this is easier said than done. A good way to learn how to fall is to practice, not

on the pavement, but in your yard. Get on your longboard and simulate a fall, absorbing the blow with your body instead of your hands and arms.

Even after you get some practice in, I would still recommend wearing wrist guards until you get falling down to a science.

However you decide to longboard, remember to put safety first.

Sky Siljeg

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Every month we ask a few of our most ambitious kick-ass GIRLS to open up about inspirations, backgrounds and what makes them take life on four wheels.

everyday Top 5 skateboarders of all time?

1. Christian Hosoi 2. Bob Burnquist 3. Mark Gonzales 4. Cara-Beth Burnside 5. Danny Way Do you prefer to skate with guys or girls?

Both.

jen o’Brien BIRTHDAY: June 5 HOMETOWN: Daytona Beach, RESIDE: Fallbrook years skating: 17 How did you start skating?

When I was about 15, my friends & I used to spend literally every day hanging out at the coach park in Rochester and they taught me how to ride around & do nose stalls on curbs on their boards.

Haha! Then when I was 20 my best friend bought me a set up for my birthday,

What kind of music have you been listening to?

Samba songs.

Describe your dream session.

Yoga then surf session with warm water, nap, lots of hotties! Afterward, skate session in a fun pool with rad inspiring people.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I’m terryfied of heights! I’m afraid of a lot, actually, haha. But I think you have to face your fears every day to live life to the fullest.

What kind of music have you been listening to?

A lot of healing mantra stuff and reggae.

What was your first setup?

Schmitt Stix with 169’s Indy’s and Coachroach 60’s.

What do you have planned for this year?

Plan to keep riding my skateboard, staying healthy and going with the flow.

Besides skateboarding, what do you like to do?

Read about spirituality, yoga, palates and surf.

Shout outs and thanks?

To all my friends out there and the Universe for all the support and blessings. :)

Top skate videos of all time?

Mouse, Jump Off a Building, Antisocial, Yeah Right, Are you alright?

Monica Shaw BIRTHDAY: December 21, 1984 HOMETOWN: Sydney RESIDE: Melbourne years skating: 11 years How did you start skating?

The first time I ever played with a skateboard was with my little brother, we had Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fish tail boards.

What was your first set up?

My brothers hand me down Plan B board, with the tiny tiny wheels.

Besides skateboarding, what do you like to do?

Screen printing, sewing, painting, camping and bike riding.

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Top skateboarders of all time?

Marc Johnson, Anthony Pappaldaro.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I will be printing soon for your collectibles. More info soon.

What do you have planned for this year?

Finishing off my last year of University, then renting a car and driving across the States.

Favorite new trick or trick you want to learn?

Frontside feeble grinds on transition would be nice in my dreams.

Shout outs and thanks?

Thanks Lisa, thanks Melbourne.

strays Were there any influences on your skating?

Yeah, the fact that my sister skated and my mom and my other aunts did too. What is the best and worst thing about your hometown? The best thing is that it’s not that far from Vans and its close to a lot of things. There really isn’t anything bad about it.

Jen, Monica, and Arianna are listening to: Mantra/healng tunes

Check out: Konshens, Ninja Mab, RDX

Besides skateboarding, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I hang out with my friends a lot. I just go walk or skate somewhere with them and have fun.

Arianna Cornoa BIRTHDAY: September 9, 1998 RESIDE: Buena Park years skating: 10 years.

How did you start skateboarding?

When I was little my aunt used to ride around with me on the front of her longboard ,then when I got older she took me to Barb Odnaka’s Mighty Mama Skate-o-Rama event and I loved it and began skating.

Do you remember what your first setup was?

I had two. One was those cheap boards you buy from Target and it was Sponge Bob. My other was an Identity board and I’m not sure about the trucks,or wheels.

Where has skateboarding allowed you to travel?

For a contest I went to San Jose, but for fun I went to Oregon.

samba

Check out: El biale Del Osito, Banto, Eoeal

What kind of music do you listen to?

I don’t listen to a specific kind, but I really like Blink 182 and Secondhand Serenade.

Shout outs and thanks?

I would like to thank my aunt, parents, and sponsors for all doing so much for me and supporting me.

punk/pop Check out: Blink 182, A

Day to Remember, Boys Like Girls

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