My Own Longboard?!

Leah C.

March 7, 2010 - 12:00 AM

I was walking to class on Friday and I saw the UO Outdoor Program promoting their group, as well as raffling off some prizes including a Sector 9 Longboard. The UO Outdoor Program is a place for everyone who is interested in adventurous, outdoor sports. They also rent out all kinds of sports and safety equipment including kayaks, climbing gear, life jackets, tents, and bikes. All UO students have free yearly membership and they charge $15 for the general public. Renting equipment is also very affordable. The program offers classes and group sporting events as well. In addition, they offer wilderness first aid classes and a free fully equipped bike maintenance shop open to everyone.

Well, I had heard about the program here many times and had considered renting a bike from them (unfortunately they were out). The UO outdoor program is such a unique place to visit for all students. It is a program that encourages students to engage in activities that bring awareness of the surrounding beauty of the Northwest.

Going back to my story, I thought I'd take a chance to see if I could get that longboard. I've seen many students ride longboards to and from class and they look really fun. I am not sure why, but I'd never seen a longboard until I was a freshmen in college. They are similar to skateboards, although the biggest differences is in the length. They are also mostly used for riding down hills and "carving." They told me to stop by for a film they were showing where the raffle would take place.
At 4pm I stopped by the outdoor center and was blown away by the beauty of the longboard video presented. They were not just skate videos of stunts or tricks. It was a very interesting video that looked very relaxing and calm which reflected the nature of those who ride them. All we heard in the movie was the sound of wheels on the gravel and the sound of the wind at 70mph. When the video was over they talked a little more about their upcoming workshops and future events. After they started drawing out names and those who were present got to claim their prize. There were about 20 people present and interestingly enough, everyone seemed to be present when they were raffling out prizes. I though my odds were not bad within this number and I was right. After raffling out a helmet, frames, and a set of wheels my name was picked and I was the proud owner of $200 longboard. Wow!!! I never expected to win. I just wanted to see if my name would ever be picked out. I never have good luck in anything that involves random acts of chance, so Friday was a very lucky day for me.

I have been playing around with my longboard inside. Practice includes balancing and riding distances of several feet and jumping off awkwardly when I need to stop. I will be needing a helmet, just in case, if I want to really ride outside. I have never skateboarding or surfed or anything requiring standing and keeping my balance on a board, so this is all very new to me. Hopefully I'll learn fast and by next term I'll be longboarding to class.