Skateboarding has had a long history in the Long Island area. Many adults that you speak with will remember having a skateboard at one point in their lives, as do I. There were several skate parks around in the 70’s and 80’s, and when you couldn’t get to them, there were always freshly paved streets and lots. Tricks, stunts, and aerial maneuvers were, and still are the rage. Today’s skateboarders take their gravity defying skills to new heights – literally. I have the utmost respect for these talented athletes, but something new has been developing over the past several years and has beckoned this “mature” adult with its call.
A phenomenon with a different take on skateboarding…..Longboarding. This sport has actually been around for quite a while, but has really taken off in recent years with street free riding and down hill becoming very popular. The “Zen” of the perfect carving run down a freshly paved hill is taking root. This sport’s self expression and creativity can be found in pictures and videos all over the internet. Technology has truly made these Longboards a joy to ride with that special feeling once only experienced by surfers, skiers, and snowboarders.
New skate shops are popping up all over and are featuring an array of these super-machines. You can travel for miles on these without getting tired. Talk about going-green. These boards are a viable mode of transportation. Mom’s, if you constantly drive your kids everywhere, these things might pay for themselves in gas! Your kids will be in great shape as well. Dads, this something you could actually do with your kids as it is easier to learn than riding a short board. I ride a 46” sector 9 Pipeline with my son in a local Longboarding Club called the North Shore Cruisers. This club has many members with ages ranging from 13 to “mature” adults. Charity runs and special events are attended and hosted by this group which is located in the Northport area. Members from other towns join as well. Some of the shops that support local township are Helisport of Huntington, Area 51 Skateboards, Boulevard Boards, and Xtreme Surf and Sport located in East Northport.
“Kids” of all ages can be seen riding these Longboards through out the Island. Athletic activities like this should be supported by local townships and can actually benefit the community’s with charitable runs and events. Notably, Lenny Lamb Day Skate Tournament in June which supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Wank Longboards “Poker Run” which supports cancer research. More charity runs are being planned for immediate future.
The next time you are out driving and see a Longboarder in the street, give them some room. They are practicing an athletic, green and economical form of transportation while having fun doing it!
Scott Norcott
North Shore Cruisers
