How Longboarders Ensure Safety When Skating Downhill Roads

When watching videos of downhill longboarding, it’s easy to perceive the skaters as daredevils, hurtling down roads at incredible speeds, navigating sharp turns, and sharing the lane with oncoming traffic. This perception is understandable, but it doesn’t reflect the reality of how most experienced downhill longboarders approach the sport. The truth is, safety is a top priority for most of us, and we implement several precautions to minimize risk. This article will delve into the various safety measures employed by downhill skaters to stay safe on the road.

Downhill Skating Safety: A Comprehensive Guide

The Importance of Spotters

Spotters are crucial for safe downhill longboarding. They are positioned at corners and use hand signals to communicate whether it’s safe to proceed. A large circular hand wave indicates a clear path, while an “X” or a raised board signals potential danger. With this information, the skater can decide to either stay in their lane, stop completely, or execute a controlled slide. This method is particularly important for corners that may require crossing lanes or a slide that could briefly place the skater in the other lane. Spotters are also invaluable for less experienced riders practicing difficult corners.

Spotter signaling a clear pathSpotter signaling a clear path

Strategic Timing of Skate Sessions

The time of day significantly impacts safety when downhill longboarding. Some roads might be quiet enough to skate at any time, while others are only suitable for early weekend mornings. Busy roads, especially during peak hours, are generally avoided, forcing skaters to choose off-peak times. By carefully selecting when to skate, riders can reduce traffic and the risk of interaction with other road users, thus improving their overall safety. Early mornings are often favored by downhill skaters for this reason.

Leveraging Walkie-Talkies

Walkie-talkies are a common tool for skaters, especially on long mountain passes or roads with blind corners. A spotter at the bottom of the hill can use a walkie-talkie to communicate the presence of approaching traffic, advising the rider on when it’s safe to proceed. Another common method involves using a lead vehicle equipped with a walkie-talkie. The vehicle communicates information about traffic, providing details about the number and type of vehicles, and maintains a consistent “clear, clear, clear…” signal, alerting the rider if communication is interrupted. This allows riders to utilize the entire road and maintain a high level of safety.

Lead car using walkie-talkies for safetyLead car using walkie-talkies for safety

The Reality Behind the Camera Lens

Many downhill longboarding videos don’t show the complete picture. Often, a rider can see the entire road from the top, including upcoming corners and potential hazards. However, the camera’s narrow field of view often hides these details, making it appear more risky than it actually is. In reality, some roads allow skaters to assess the conditions and confidently use both lanes, cutting deep into corners with minimal danger.

Longboarder at the top of a hill with full visibilityLongboarder at the top of a hill with full visibility

Other Crucial Safety Measures

Taking It Slow and Steady

Experienced riders typically don’t immediately push their limits on a hill. Instead, they start with slow, controlled runs to understand the corners, identify the best lines, and get a feel for the road conditions. Warming up and adjusting gear based on the terrain are crucial steps. This measured approach helps skaters avoid unexpected hazards and ensure they’re in the right mindset to safely navigate the downhill run.

Sticking to Their Lane

One of the safest ways for skaters to navigate downhill roads is to remain in their lane. While it can be difficult to manage slides and turns within a single lane, this practice eliminates the risks associated with using the opposite lane. It’s a critical skill that ensures a safer ride, and it’s recommended that beginner skaters focus on mastering it before tackling more complex runs.

Longboarder safely in their laneLongboarder safely in their lane

Investing in Quality Gear

Downhill skaters generally use high-quality, specialized gear that is designed for performance and safety. This includes everything from bushings and griptape to trucks and wheels, all carefully chosen and often customized to suit an individual’s weight, style, and preferences. These high-end setups offer enhanced stability, which is a fundamental aspect of safe downhill skating. While equipment does make a difference, it’s the skill and experience of the rider that ultimately contributes to their ability to safely navigate a course.

Skill and Confidence

A skater’s skill and confidence are vital for safe downhill riding. Most skaters in videos know their limits and capabilities, only attempting hills they have mastered through hours of practice on smaller runs. This experience ensures they can handle the speeds and conditions encountered during a downhill run safely. Years of experience enable seasoned professionals to navigate the courses with confidence.

Effective Braking Techniques

Downhill skaters employ various techniques to control their speed, including air braking, foot braking, and sliding. Foot braking is a reliable, controlled method of stopping in a straight line, often used in emergencies or when sliding is not suitable. Sliding is the most effective way to decelerate, but it requires a significant amount of practice to master. Skaters typically work incrementally, gradually increasing the speed at which they practice sliding. When speeds are high, air braking is used to slow down before initiating a slide.

Longboarder sliding for safe corneringLongboarder sliding for safe cornering

Fall Safety and Injury Prevention

Falls are an inevitable part of downhill longboarding, even for the most experienced skaters. To mitigate injuries, riders use high-quality protective gear, including certified helmets, back and hip protectors, knee pads, and slide gloves. This equipment helps to protect from serious injuries. In addition, implementing the safe practices mentioned above further reduces the risk of serious accidents involving cars or other hazards. Over time, seasoned riders fall much less frequently. However, accidents do happen, emphasizing the importance of having good health insurance.

Longboarder in full protective gearLongboarder in full protective gear

Uncontrollable Factors

Despite all these safety measures, some factors are simply beyond a skater’s control. These include unpredictable driver behavior, weather conditions, road hazards, and animals. Therefore, downhill longboarders need to remain vigilant at all times.

Conclusion: Is Downhill Longboarding Safe?

Downhill longboarding does carry a high level of risk, and no one can guarantee that a rider won’t get seriously injured. However, by implementing safety measures and consistently training, experienced downhill longboarders manage the risks and significantly reduce the potential for injury. Downhill skating is not 100% safe, but it is safe enough that riders can engage in it without constant worry of severe injuries or death.

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LongboardsGuide Team

Hi guys! We are LongboardsGuide team, welcome to our blog. We are here to help you choose the right gear to ride safely, together with Tom creating helpful tutorials and guides for beginners. Everyday I try to share my knowledge about it with all of you.