street luge or land luge

History has it that Street Luge evolved from Skateboarding; lugers from all over the United states and Europe claim to have started the sport, yet no one is really certain where it developed, and when, the evolution between skate and luge occurred.  

Street luge began when skateboarders decided to lay down on their boards at the top of a steep hill and raced each other downhill. Some people claim that Bob Pereyra of the USA, one of the pioneers of street luge, ran out of petrol in a mountain area. The legend goes that he pulled out a skateboard from the  trunk of his car and rode it down the mountain road.

we don't know if that story is true or not  but Pereyra holds a special place in the history of street luge. He was the 1st person to set down the rules of the sport and organized the 1st official street-land luge competition.

The 1st street lugers built their own sleds. As the sport continued to develop, manufacturers began to produce luges that were technologically quite advanced. Today, every professional rider’s sled is custom built to fit their body shape and  size.

In a street luge competition you lie on your back, in a molded seat pan that is lowered to suit your body contour. This part of the luge is usually one or two centimeters from the ground. The handlebars at the front end of the seat are located on the side of each hip, this helps you to stay centered on the luge and assists steering.

The dangers of traveling downhill at very high speeds in such an open vehicle are obvious, especially considering that your head, arms and legs are positioned so close to the road surface. It is essential that you wear a a padded leather racing suit, full face helmet,  leather gloves and thick soled shoes.

If you do try this sport, please take care and always have adult supervision.