If you're itching to try something new - to get outside and immerse yourself in the good vibes this campus emanates when the sun is out - then I encourage you to jump on the bandwagon and buy yourself a longboard.
You've seen them everywhere and they've bumped youa few times - maybe almost plowed you over. You've probably judged the wickedly strange dude charging down the promenade and said: "that is definitely why I'm not getting one of those." But put your inhibition aside and put some passion in the air. Buy a longboard and take the ride.
Longboarding, like skateboarding, began as an activity for surfers to keep busy when the ocean was flat. Longboards have gained serious popularity in recent years, attracting guys and girls of all types.
According to a 2010 ActionWatch survey, longboard sales rose 43 percent in skate shops across the United States versus a 2 percent drop in skateboard sales.
The pleasure of longboarding comes from the smooth and fairly easy ride with an ability to cruise on most hard, flat terrain at a good speed. It's an excellent way to get around and just by looking around campus you can tell that tons of people are catching on.
A longboard doesn't require a lock like a bicycle does, and you can bring it with you almost everywhere. As it rests at your hip when you stride into class it whispers: "hey bud, let's party."
Longboarding is great for UB's many sidewalks and wider walkways. Weaving traffic and dodging the large cracks is allpart of the fun.
Before joining the longboard party, though, there are a few things to consider.
Anyone can fit in with this ever-growing trend, but be prepared for the possibility of getting judged along the way.
First off, skateboarders will forever be gnarlier and ultimately cooler than us in that mysterious "I really don't give a s***" way. While some longboarders do catch thrills bombing hills, skaters throw their bodies down stairs and have the scars to prove it.
Chances are that guys truly ripping on a longboard can also hold their own on a skateboard anyway. Longboarding is an opportunity for those of us who are less daring and talented on the hardwood to still have fun. The occasional nasty glare from a skater should be acknowledged with a laughing: "yes, dude, you are gnarly, and I am such a kook."
No matter what, ride proud.
In the spirit of any extreme 'sport,' longboarding shouldn't be done for chicks, glory, or any other bogus reason. Remember the Disney movie Brink!? Consider yourself a 'soul-skating' member of team Pup 'N Suds.
Longboarding comes with judgment from basically anyone who hasn't tried it, but it's not always negative. People have often asked to see my longboard and thought it was really cool. I've gotten several friends into it and I get really excited to share the experience with beginners and more advanced riders alike.
Where I come from there are more hills than there are in Buffalo, which makes longboarding at home more exciting, but longboards are still very useful here at UB. The spine can be a beast to walk in the heat and longboarding makes any trip quicker and more enjoyable.
The flat campus can be made into a playground with the right attitude. Open parking lots are good for learning the basics and practicing some simple maneuvers. Try bombing the Governor's hill to the bus stop and playing chicken with the buses approaching from both sides - just kidding, but there are ways to be creative.
It's important to respect others in your efforts to obtain respect from all members of the UB community. Know when to ride cautiously and also when to pick your board up to walk in heavy traffic. Don't give longboarding a bad reputation because the only thing you've shredded is some innocent girl's open-toed sandal outside of Starbucks.
Stay cool this spring and check out the many options for getting yourself a board to call your own. Longboards can be purchased in various shapes and sizes at any mall with a Zumiez, local skate shops, or online.
Price is probably the first thing to consider. Original Skateboards makes super high-tech and pricey boards that can be found online. Sector 9 and The Arbor Collective are trusted names and can be found at almost any shop that sells longboards.
I personally ride a longer board made by Sector 9 from its Bamboo Series, and I love it. A shorter board might be nice for those planning to just ride on campus where tighter turning is ideal. As someone who enjoys hills when I'm in the right place, a longer board is great.
Don't worry about going home this summer with the shame of being 'that kid who longboards' in the eyes of all your old friends, because here in my eyes you are soooo rad, brah.
Email: maxcrinn@buffalo.edu
