By Matt Park
park@newsroom.byu.edu
Skate boarding's version of Shawn Bradley is getting more popular than ever.
That's right, the long board craze is huge in Provo and only promises to get bigger.
Both guys and girls seem to be finding fulfillment by cruising on their long boards.
Local skating legend, Joe Piche, 39, owns Joe's Board Shop in Orem, Utah, and skates as often as he can.
'It's a great workout for guys that like to snowboard and want to keep in shape, or just love flying down hills at amazing speed,' he said.
Some riders may use the long board as a way to train for other sports like snowboarding or surfing. However, many users enjoy the thrill of rocketing down hills at freeway speeds.
'People ask me what my best trick is on a board, I just smile and say 55 (mph),' Piche said.
Piche said that the larger concave boards are the most popular, because they give the rider a better carve.
While some riders are only interested in rocket-like speed, others are into silky smooth carving. Most prefer a marriage of the two styles, Piche said.
Mid-flex skate decks are the best choice for the widest range of people. They offer stability at high speed and flexibility that gives a floating sensation when turning.
Another way to change the ride of a long board is to loosen or tighten the trucks on the board. This will give the board a more surfy or stiffer ride.
Lastly, the type of wheels on a board can customize its feel. Harder wheels are faster and more durable, while softer wheels give a more comfortable ride.
Safety seems to be an after thought for some riders
Erik Svendsen, 18, an undeclared major from Provo, Utah is a long board salesman at Copeland's Sports.
'I wear a helmet, but usually they (riders) won't buy a helmet until they eat it and once is enough,' he said.
Favorite spots for long boarders include Provo Canyon, and Ninth East in Provo. This is because they both have gradual slopes.
Fernando Pindeda, 24, an information systems major from Los Angeles, loves the gas money he saves from riding.
'Since gas prices are so high, long boards are a great way to get around, and it saves the trees,' he said.
The boards are made of fir, spruce, or a combination of the two. Both woods are known for being lightweight and strong. These characteristics make it ideal for transportation.