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Sam Silvey and Trey Dix meet in North Chattanooga Monday nights to ride their longboards with fellow enthusiasts around Chattanooga — attempting to avoid traffic and misunderstandings.
“Probably the biggest misunderstanding is we’re often mistaken for skateboarders,” said Dix. “Skateboarders have gotten a bad rap in general.”
Dix said longboards are a longer version of the skateboard, which can range anywhere from 38 to 60 inches in length. The longboards are capable of movements similar to a snowboard or surfboard, but are gliding over the harder medium of concrete. The boards are built for speed, balance and distance.
Trey Dix and Sam Silvey, from left, meet every Monday night in North Chattanooga with other longboard enthusiasts to improve their skills.
“They make good commuting tools,” Silvey said. “They actually design the tracks and wheels to maintain speed.”
Dix uses his longboard to get to work every day and often finds the reception for his transportation is less than encouraging. He said he is stopped by police or motorists who say that he is breaking rules. However, Dix said the law for skateboards and longboards is blurry and uncertain.
Dix said he follows road rules used by bicyclists. He has installed lights on the front and rear of his board to insure that he can be seen on the road. He rides on the smaller roads that have less traffic or in the bike lanes on larger roads and always wears his helmet and pads.
Silvey said trouble comes for his group of friends when others mistake them for skateboarders who grind on rails or curb sides, often harming both in the process. Silvey said longboards aren’t capable of performing those types of tricks.
Recreationally, Dix and Silvey practice riding in the evenings when less traffic is on the roads. Silvey said there really isn’t anywhere in Chattanooga for longboarders to ride for fun. He said the traditional skateboarding parks don’t have much to offer.
“Sometimes, if they have a bowl or pool you can get in it, but can only do a figure eight,” Silvey said. “Those places don’t apply to us at all.”
Silvey said an ideal venue for riding would be a Soapbox Derby hill with smooth concrete where the boards can reach speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour.
Silvey said stopping can be easier for longboarders than for skateboarders because the stability allows riders to use a foot or a sliding glove to slow down or turn. Sliding gloves have a piece of cutting board bonded to the palm that creates friction with concrete.
Dix and Silvey said right now they are looking for others interested in riding. If they can get enough people into their sport and can change the public’s negative opinions, they said they would like to host a longboarding event in Chattanooga.
“I think the big thing is finding enough people and drawing them in,” Dix said.
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