Are You a Dirtsurfer? Get to Know This New, Exciting Sport

If you’ve never heard of the term dirtsurfer before, you’re probably not the only one. Dirtsurfing isn’t a household word but if its fans had their way, it would be a sport you’ll find nearly everywhere there’s sand or for that matter, dirt. Although people who engage in this sport are often referred to as dirtsurfers, the name ‘Dirtsurfer’ is actually a trademark. The sport itself is referred to as inline boarding. However, we will refer to it using its more popular name.

Dirtsurfing is a sport that originated in Australia and is a combination of skating, surfing and snowboarding using a board that is a cross between a bicycle and a skateboard.

What is a dirtsurfing board made of?
Imagine a skateboard with two wheels and you have a recipe for speed and some adrenaline-pumping action. The skateboard part is about 5 feet long and made of two sturdy bike wheels. It functions as a basic skateboard with no handlebars and some oversized wheels. It can be used on sand dunes, hills, pavements, even mountain sides.

The dirtsurfing machine
A dirtsurfer board frame is usually made of tough, durable material such as composite, laminate or aluminum. The wheels are similar to those used on BMX bikes. Dirtsurfers can choose between 16 inch tires or 20 inch tires. Dirtsurfers can also choose whether to use foot straps or not.

How fast does a dirtsurfing board go?
Depending on the user, a dirtsurfing board can go as fast as 60 or 70 miles an hour, faster if used with a sail or even a kite. Many dirtsurfers use their boards in this manner in order to gain and maintain speed.

How is dirtsurfing performed?
Dirtsurfers, or better yet, inline boarders stand on the board in much the same way they would on a skateboard or snowboard. As they navigate the sands or pavement, they control the board using their legs and bodies. If you’ve surfed, skated or used a snowboard before, you should be familiar with the moves used to control a dirtsurfing board.

The dirtsurfer board can’t propel itself so it relies heavily on the momentum produced by gravity. This makes it ideal to use on downhill terrains. On flat surfaces, however, it can be pushed forward like a skateboard. It can also be used with sails or kite wings to gain speed.

The board
The first dirtsurfing boards were made without brakes and were labeled GP for general purpose. Its operating system used a retro-fitted calf lever which was later developed into the limited edition GP, complete with silver anodized frames.

The next dirtsurfing board design featured silver anodized frames once again, along with calf brakes. This was called the GP-X, which also featured a disc hub located on the wheel at the rear end. A modified GP-X model, the Road Racer, was later developed, followed by a dirtsurfing board that could be fully utilized for beach use. The disk brake became a standard starting with this model.

Later on the Flexi deck model was introduced, combining fiberglass, epoxy and wood composites to develop a strong, reinforced frame that offered enough flexibility for a smoother ride on uneven surfaces. Ground clearance was also increased.

If you have these dirtsurfing models, make sure to hold on to them fast because they are no longer available. Newer models have emerged, including Dirtsurfer’s Flexi Pro and the Freestyle board, both of which were modeled after the Flexi deck. The brake is operated using the leg.

Advantages of dirtsurfing board
Probably the first advantage you’ll notice in a dirtsurfing board is the speed. It’s faster than a skateboard and is quite flexible to use, considering that it can be ridden on asphalt, cement and sand.

Because of the way the dirtsurfing board is built, the sport is also more stable, allowing speed and excellent control. The front wheel is designed to pivot below and in front of the wheel axle, allowing the dirtsurfer better control of the board.

Like the skateboard, surfboard and snowboard, the dirtsurfer board can be maneuvered with the user’s weight, which can center, straighten and help propel the board forward. The large wheels on the board function as a gyroscope, allowing improving stability as speed increases.

Who does dirtsurfing?
Dirtsurfing is a relatively new sport and dirtsurfers aren’t as common as skateboarders and inline skaters. However, its popularity is increasing. People who are attracted to this sport are usually those who like speed and are willing to try a new sport. Sports fans and athletes familiar with surfing, skating and snowboarding may also like dirtsurfing because its closely related.

How to Design a Custom Scooter for Your Teenage Son

If your teenage son is begging for a motorcycle but you’re unwilling to give him a vehicle that could easily take his life, you can prevent your son from rebelling by giving him the next best thing: a custom scooter to make him the kid with the coolest ride in town!

Stickers The cheapest way to give your son a custom scooter is by distinguishing it from the rest of the scooter population with stickers. Of course, don’t just place any decal on it; you need to consider your sons interests and find a sticker that can reflect them.

When choosing stickers, consider where you’re sticking them. Size definitely matters: a small sticker suits the tube parts of your sons scooter while bigger ones are best displayed on the frame of your sons scooter. Caution your son from using too much stickers, because they’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your plans for his custom scooter.

Getting a Paint Job Although paint jobs for cars can be terribly expensive, they’re not that costly when it comes to scooters. You have two choices if you wish to give your sons custom scooter a paint job: change of colors or creating artwork.

A change of color doesn’t have to be a change from one color to another. You can also use two or more colors to create patterns like racing stripes or plaids; it all depends on your sons preferences. You can also use special tones for your sons custom scooter by going for metallic shades, pearlescent tones, or even chameleon colors.

If you go for artworks, you have to choose which materials you wish to use on the custom scooter: ordinary or spray paint? Artworks may be printed on stickers as well. Choose this type if you think your sons likely to have it replaced after a while.

Hardware Changes and Accessories You can add a storage compartment or basket to the custom scooter for your sons books. If not that, then you can add a cell phone or cup holder at least.

Replacing the stock rims are also a good way of customizing your sons scooter, but be sure to ask your sons opinion about it. The variety of rims available can easily make your respective tastes miles apart!

Handlebars can be also changed not only to make them more stylish but easier to grip as well. Lastly, you can change the seat to make it more comfortable or durable.

Once you’re done with all these changes, your sons custom scooter is ready for gift-wrapping. And don’t worry, your sons sure to appreciate all the effort you’ve done for his gift!