by Jake Lessels
In past months, longboarding has become a very popular past time in Hopkinton. Several students, including myself, have purchased or made their own boards. Longboarding is a form of skateboarding, and as the name hints, it is done primarily on boards that are longer than normal skateboards. Longboarding started in California in the 1960’s as a substitute for surfing.
Longboards are built the same way as regular skateboards, just with different decks, wheels and trucks. Longboards consist of a deck, wheels, trucks, bushings, bearings and risers. Longboards are sold mostly on the internet, but can be found at skate shops and sporting goods stores around. Some popular brands around town are Sector Nine and Original Skateboards.
One of the local longboarders is Will Hastings; he rides an Original Custom 35. Will has been riding for about three moths now and says, “It’s a great way to get around and I don’t have to pay for gas.” Some of Will’s favorite skate spots include Farrington Corner and Briar Hill road.
Longboarding is a fun and easy way to get places and just have a good time with friends. Go get a longboard and roll with your friends or just by yourself, but be careful and wear your helmet. Go longboard!
