The art of speed longboarding, like all other gravity disciplines, go back to the 1975-1978 Signal Hill Speed Runs. This is where speed longboarding originated. The greats, like Guy Grundy, Cliff Coleman, "Waldo" Autry, John Hughes, Jamie Hart, Mike Goldman, John Hutson, and Bob Biniak just to name a few. In 1978, at the Speed Runs, John Hutson laid down a 54 mph pass, taking the top speed honors for longboard at the event. Impressive, considering what technology was then. In the early 80's a few aero boards showed up. Rick Ick of Badlands built one and Kurt Kimble was the rider.
Longboarding was basically an underground sport in it's infancy. The sport finally broke the skin of the mainstream in the 1990's when Sector 9 started mass producing and selling longboards. The 90's also saw new technology in trucks, such as, reverse kingpins, making the boards more user friendly at higher speeds. The longboard was here to stay. |
Through the years, longboarding has evolved into freeriding and the high speed thrill of downhill. Names like Biker Sherlock, Lee Dansie, the Rogers Bros., kept the sport alive up to and after the turn of the century With the advancement of deck and truck technology, now, in 2014, a whole new fast pack is on the scene. James Kelly, Zak Maytum, Mateus Cavinato, Carlos Guto Paixao, Jimmy Riha, Kyle Wester, and the list goes on and on. The longboarding community has never witnessed the ability or control these guys exhibited at the mach speeds they were achieving. Incredible was an understatement!
Longboard Speed Merchant, Zak Maytum
Mischo Erban
One of the fastest skateboard speeds achieved in a standing position is 130.08 km/h (80.83 mph) and was achieved by Mischo Erban (Canada), age 27, at an undisclosed location in Colorado, USA on Sept. 30 2010. He would become the first longboarder in history to record a speed in excess of 80 mph! The record attempt took place on the road descending at more than a 12% grade. The speed run was measured using a Tag-Heuer speed trap timing equipment with IGSA official, Gary Fluitt, verifying the run. The WGSA recognized this speed run as the true world speed record because of their proper verification and documentation.
Erban, on June 18, 2012 in Canada, had tried to better his world record but came up just shy by less than one tenth of a mph of doing so. Impressive! Mischo did set a Guinness Record that day of 80.74 mph (129.94 km/h) at Les Eboulements, Erban had proven he was one of the true gravity speed kings
Erban, on June 18, 2012 in Canada, had tried to better his world record but came up just shy by less than one tenth of a mph of doing so. Impressive! Mischo did set a Guinness Record that day of 80.74 mph (129.94 km/h) at Les Eboulements, Erban had proven he was one of the true gravity speed kings
Mischo Erban 129.94 km/h 80.74 mph
Eric Lundberg
Then on May 31, 2016, Erik Lundberg beat Mischo Erban's world record that was set on Sept 2010 in Colorado and the Canadian Guinness record of 2012. Erban had set the record with a run of 130.08 km/h 80.83 mph. Lundberg had now upped the Longboard Classic world record by throwing down a pass of 130.63 km/h 81.16 mph at Les Eboulements in Canada. The run was verified and witnessed by Red Bull and recognized to be official by the WGSA. The run beat Erban's by .55 km/h .34 mph! Eric Lundberg was now the reigning skateboard speed champ and new WGSA Longboard Classic world record holder. This record run was accomplished in accordance with WGSA Longboard Classic rules which do not allow the use of any aerodynamics. Impressive!
Kyle Wester
The world's fastest ultimate skateboard record was set on Aug. 29, 2016 by longboard speed demon, Kyle Wester (USA). The fastest recorded longboard speed had been set by Eric Lundberg only 3 months earlier when Wester would lay claim to it. With the high altitude and perfect weather conditions, Wester using leg aero work, riding in the WGSA Longboard Unlimited class, would stun the longboard world, exceeding the speed run by Eric Lundberg at 130.63 km/h 81.16 mph by unbelievable, 10 percent! Kyle would post this WGSA Longboard Unlimited world record speed of 143.89 km/h 89.41 mph on his high altitude pass in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Kyle Wester had proven to the gravity speed world he is without a doubt the FASTEST speed merchant on a skateboard. The WGSA would like to congratulate Kyle Wester on his incredible speed achievement and his new WGSA Longboard Unlimited world record. Question, will Kyles Wester be the first longboarder to break the next longboard barrier ........ 90 MPH! GO FAST
Kyle Wester had proven to the gravity speed world he is without a doubt the FASTEST speed merchant on a skateboard. The WGSA would like to congratulate Kyle Wester on his incredible speed achievement and his new WGSA Longboard Unlimited world record. Question, will Kyles Wester be the first longboarder to break the next longboard barrier ........ 90 MPH! GO FAST
Carlos Guto Paixao 2016 l'ultime descente
On September, 9 - 11, 2016, the first gravity speed event of the 21st century would occur on the fastest gravity road in the world, Les Eboulements, Canada, the event, the 2016 L'Ultime Descente. With longboards one of the disciplines featured, it would attract the worlds fastest of the fast longboarders. The current Longboard Unlimited world record holder, Kyle Wester was in attendance along with Longboard Classic world record holder, Eric Lundberg, who would be trying to defend his title. The three day event in Quebec, Canada would yield some of the fastest speed recordings in longboarding history.
Day one for the boarders was spent acclimating to the road and equipment. Speeds were big but not record breaking. Day two was time to throw down and proved to be the fastest. With the baro pressure up from Friday, the fast 10 pack still managed to all run in the 128.74 km/h 80 mph plus range. Carlos Guto Paixao would record the longboard top speed for the event and a new WGSA Longboard Classic world record, with a blistering pass of 137.02 km/h 85.14 mph with no aerodynamics! This would be a new Les Eboulements longboard speed record, an amazing feat considering the low corrected altitude for the day. Day three would basically be a wash for a world record because of a cold front that came thru with wind and rain. The whole day was plagued with nasty headwinds and crosswinds making any type of big speed numbers out of the question. Carlos however did make one pass on Sunday thru the beams at 131.50 km/h 81.87 mph.
For the event weekend, seven riders would run faster than Lundberg's record and all were within striking distance of Paixao. However, Carlos had always found that little more out on the hill and was able to out run the pack by just 1.52 km/h .95 mph ahead of the nearest competitor, Mateus Cavinato (BRA).
The WGSA congratulates event winner and new WGSA Mens Longboard Classic world record holder, Carlos Guto Paixao for his awesome speed accomplishment at the 2016 L'Ultime Descente. GO FAST
Day one for the boarders was spent acclimating to the road and equipment. Speeds were big but not record breaking. Day two was time to throw down and proved to be the fastest. With the baro pressure up from Friday, the fast 10 pack still managed to all run in the 128.74 km/h 80 mph plus range. Carlos Guto Paixao would record the longboard top speed for the event and a new WGSA Longboard Classic world record, with a blistering pass of 137.02 km/h 85.14 mph with no aerodynamics! This would be a new Les Eboulements longboard speed record, an amazing feat considering the low corrected altitude for the day. Day three would basically be a wash for a world record because of a cold front that came thru with wind and rain. The whole day was plagued with nasty headwinds and crosswinds making any type of big speed numbers out of the question. Carlos however did make one pass on Sunday thru the beams at 131.50 km/h 81.87 mph.
For the event weekend, seven riders would run faster than Lundberg's record and all were within striking distance of Paixao. However, Carlos had always found that little more out on the hill and was able to out run the pack by just 1.52 km/h .95 mph ahead of the nearest competitor, Mateus Cavinato (BRA).
The WGSA congratulates event winner and new WGSA Mens Longboard Classic world record holder, Carlos Guto Paixao for his awesome speed accomplishment at the 2016 L'Ultime Descente. GO FAST
2016 L'Utime descente longboard fast 10 pack
KM/H MPH
1. Carlos Guto Paixao 137.02 85.14 * New WGSA Longboard Classic world record holder
2. Mateus Cavinato 135.50 84.19
3. Tim Del 135.10 83.94
4. Max D. Ballestero 134.35 83.48
5. Adam Persson 134.22 83.40
6. Anders Inde 133.72 83.08
7. Erik Lundberg 130.67 81.19
8. Kyle Wester 130.46 81.06 * Current WGSA Longboard Unlimited world record holder 143.89 km/h 89.41 mph
8. Max Capps 130.46 81.06
10. Zak Maytum 129.98 80.76
1. Carlos Guto Paixao 137.02 85.14 * New WGSA Longboard Classic world record holder
2. Mateus Cavinato 135.50 84.19
3. Tim Del 135.10 83.94
4. Max D. Ballestero 134.35 83.48
5. Adam Persson 134.22 83.40
6. Anders Inde 133.72 83.08
7. Erik Lundberg 130.67 81.19
8. Kyle Wester 130.46 81.06 * Current WGSA Longboard Unlimited world record holder 143.89 km/h 89.41 mph
8. Max Capps 130.46 81.06
10. Zak Maytum 129.98 80.76
womens longboard race to the record
On a steep piece of pavement along the St. Lawrence River, a classic dual between two of the world’s fastest women longboarders would take place. The matchup would transpire at the 2016 L’Ultime Descente ultimate speed challenge in Les Eboulements, QC Canada. The road, a mere kilometer in length, had proven to be the fastest road in the gravity world. Roll off starts at 10% and intensifies to 13% at halftrack, then falls off the earth with a sprint to the speed trap on a 18 percent grade!
The two competitors, Emily Pross (US) and Cassandra Duchesne (CAN), both experienced longboarders, are known among their peers as two of the fastest women on the planet. Since no official women's world record had been recognized, one of these two downhill divas would set the bar and go down in the history books as longboards fastest first lady
Friday, the first day of speed sessions, the weather was excellent, sunny with calm winds and a thin air baro pressure of 29.94 Hg. Duchesne right out of the gate on her first pass would post a remarkable speed of 116.89 km/h 72.32 mph. Cassandra had just served notice that Pross would have her work cut for her. Pross would start out the day tip-toeing down the hill acclimating to her equipment and searching for the fast lane. She would increase her speed game throughout the day’s sessions. Duchesne meant serious business, she would in the 70’s with each pass, with a second lap posting of an incredible 118.06 km/h 73.35 mph! Pross on her final effort of the day, would stop the timers with an impressive 116.19 km/h 72.19 mph ! The great women’s speed race was on!
women's longboard Friday session
Emily Pross Cassandra Duchesne
km/h mph km/h mph
Run 1. 63.95 37.73 116.89 72.32
Run 2. 89.31 55.49 118.06 73.35
Run 3. 94.07 58.45 114.41 71.09
Run 4. 116.19 72.19 115.56 71.80
km/h mph km/h mph
Run 1. 63.95 37.73 116.89 72.32
Run 2. 89.31 55.49 118.06 73.35
Run 3. 94.07 58.45 114.41 71.09
Run 4. 116.19 72.19 115.56 71.80
Saturday was speed day for the event because of a front that would come through with wind and rain blowing Sunday out of any real chance of a world record attempt. Saturday’s weather was great however the air did thicken a bit with 30.04 Hg. Pross knew she would have to bring her best speed game because of Duchesne strong performances the day before. Emily “The PROSSecutor” had found her line and was now in the speed zone.
With both riders laying down big speeds all registering in the 70’s, it would turn out to be an epic mph battle between the two. Cassandra was bringing it, upping her speed stats with each round applying serious pressure to force Emily to search for any kind of mph that was left out there on the road. Pross would answer by finding that little more on each pass. At the end of the speed war, Emily Pross had posted a top speed of 123.18 km/h 76.54 mph, outrunning Cassandra Duchesne by just a mere 1.36 km/h .85 mph for the record and the title! The two had also placed 19th and 22nd respectively in the L’Ultime Descente 38 rider field in which the rest of the competitors were men. An amazing achievement by both.
women's longboard Saturday session
Emily Pross Cassandra Duchesne
km/h mph km/h mph
Run 1. 116.83 72.59 114.54 71.17
Run 2. 118.90 73.88 115.54 71.79
Run 3. 117.93 73.27 117.84 73.22
Run 4. 121.47 75.47 118.04 73.34
Run 5. 123.18 76.54 WR 121.82 75.69
Run 6. 122.27 75.97 119.44 74.21
km/h mph km/h mph
Run 1. 116.83 72.59 114.54 71.17
Run 2. 118.90 73.88 115.54 71.79
Run 3. 117.93 73.27 117.84 73.22
Run 4. 121.47 75.47 118.04 73.34
Run 5. 123.18 76.54 WR 121.82 75.69
Run 6. 122.27 75.97 119.44 74.21
The World Gravity Speed Association would like to congratulate Emily Pross on her outstanding speed achievement as the world's fastest woman's longboarder and the WGSA's new Women's Longboard Classic world record holder. Congratulations Emily GO FAST
2017 men's longboard world records, milestones, controversy
The 2017 L'Ultime Descente Speed Challenge provided some of the most incredible longboard speed performances the gravity speed racing community has ever seen. Along with three WGSA world records, a major milestone was eclipsed. Not by one rider, but by four who ran over 90 mph on the big Canadian hill. Since 2010 the longboard speed record has been upped by more than 16 km/h 10 mph! This year six riders would run faster than Kyle Wester's WGSA unlimited world record of 143.89 km/h 89.41. The event also generated some controversy.
the wgsa longboard 90 society
The 2017 event would see four extreme athletes make gravity speed racing history that weekend. Because of the spectacular milestone speed achievements, the WGSA created the Longboard 90 Society. This exclusive club recognizes those riders who have ridden faster than 90 mph! Max Capps (USA) was the first rider into the society, running 90.68. Pete Connolly (GBR) laid down a phenomenal pass of 91.17 mph making him the second into the club! This would also be the top longboard speed of the event. Anders Inde (SWE) became member number three with a high speed lap of 90.68. Tim Del (USA) flew over the 90 mph hurdle with a remarkable 91.05 mph run finishing off the group "The Fantastic Fast Four". These four athletes are the fastest longboard riders in the world.
The WGSA Longboard 90 Society Members
Anders Inde Tim Del Pete Connolly Max Capps
Anders Inde Tim Del Pete Connolly Max Capps
2017 wgsa longboard world records
The 2017 L'Ultime Descente was the fastest group of longboard riders ever assembled. Of the top 10 fastest riders only 6.11 km/h 3.80 mph separated them! Four of the riders would run in excess of 144.84 km/h 90 mph numerous times. This group's speed was the fastest ever recorded in longboard speed racing history. The event like last year was shortened to a two day event because of weather on the third day. Below is the results for the Top 10 Fast Pack longboarders. Runs 1 thru 5 are Friday followed by runs 6 thru 11 made on Saturday.
wgsa longboard world records and controversy
Pete Connolly (GBR) had been awarded the WGSA Classic longboard world record for his 146.73 km/h 91.17 mph at the event. Anders Inde (SWE) received the WGSA Unlimited Longboard world record for his 145.94 km/h 90.68 mph for his speed accomplishment. Following a few days after the WGSA world record announcements, a protest was filed on the Pete Connolly Classic Longboard world record for a rules violation and Connolly found he had classed himself wrong for his world record. Because the WGSA was not officially onsite at the event, rule enforcement is left up to the competitors integrity to be WGSA rule compliant for any WGSA world record attempts. Connolly, being a true world class sportsman and competitor made a full self disclosure including pics on the rule violation and misunderstanding. The WGSA officials took all things into consideration and resolved the issue with the following.
Because the WGSA was not onsite to enforce the WGSA rules, this caused some confusion on the Classic Longboard taping rule. Considering the WGSA Unlimited Longboard world record had already been issued Anders Inde, in fairness to him, we elected not to withdraw his Unlimited world record title. The WGSA would revoke Connolly's Classic world record title because of the rule infraction making Tim Del (USA) the new WGSA Longboard Classic record holder with his 144.19 km/h 91.05 pass. In all fairness and not to take anything from Pete Connolly's incredible performance, including the absence of the WGSA at the event for rule enforcement which contributed to some of the rule violation, Connolly's rule misunderstanding, and in the best interest of the longboard speed sport, the WGSA issued Pete Connolly an "Ultimate Longboard" world record. Because of this event that transpired, rule changes were made to the future WGSA world record issuance process.
Because the WGSA was not onsite to enforce the WGSA rules, this caused some confusion on the Classic Longboard taping rule. Considering the WGSA Unlimited Longboard world record had already been issued Anders Inde, in fairness to him, we elected not to withdraw his Unlimited world record title. The WGSA would revoke Connolly's Classic world record title because of the rule infraction making Tim Del (USA) the new WGSA Longboard Classic record holder with his 144.19 km/h 91.05 pass. In all fairness and not to take anything from Pete Connolly's incredible performance, including the absence of the WGSA at the event for rule enforcement which contributed to some of the rule violation, Connolly's rule misunderstanding, and in the best interest of the longboard speed sport, the WGSA issued Pete Connolly an "Ultimate Longboard" world record. Because of this event that transpired, rule changes were made to the future WGSA world record issuance process.
the 2017 wgsa longboard world record holders
the 2017 women's new wgsa world record & milestones
Like 2016, the 2017 L'Ultime Descente Speed Challenge promised to be a great women's longboard speed race. And it did just that, the gravity speed racing community witnessed some of the most incredible speed performances by the women longboarders. A new WGSA world record was set and two of the competitors made gravity speed racing history hurdling thru the 80 mph barrier! At this years event, the defending WGSA world record holder, Emily Pross (USA) was in attendance along with Cassandra Duchesne (CAN) and newcomer to the hill, Sabrina Ambrosi (ARG). This iconic speed event would create the world's three fastest women longboarders.
The Friday Speed Sessions:
Emily Pross, the current fastest woman longboarder in the world, was there not only to raise her current WGSA world record, but to possibly be the first woman in history to break thru the 80 mph barrier. In her classic GO FAST fashion, Pross would own the Canadian hill one more time. During Fridays speed sessions she would prove she was a force to be reckoned with. On Emily's third pass she reset the WGSA women's Classic world record, running 123.85 km/h 76.95 mph! She would finish Friday raising the record again to 125.29 km/h 77.85 mph! 80 miles per hour was now in her sights.
Cassandra Duchesne, always fast and a threat to Pross's record, warmed up to the hill running low to mid 70's with her last lap of the day running 118.81 km/h 73.82 mph. Definitely in the chase.
Sabrina Ambrosi, a newcomer to the hill, proved she had what it takes to run a big number. With every pass on Friday she would up her speed. With her last pass of the day, she would post an incredible run of 118.16 km/h 73.42 mph! Now in the hunt, and running neck and neck with Cassandra, Sabrina could no doubt cause an upset on her rookie debut. Pross and Duchesne took notice.
The Saturday Speed Sessions:
Saturday was the biggest historic speed day for the women longboarders. With perfect weather and moderate tailwind at their backs, the women would GO FAST! Emily Pross, right of of the gate on her first lap, would raise th WGSA world record again running 126.16 km/h 78.39 mph and was pushing for 80 mph. Pross was getting faster with every run. Duchesne and Ambrosi were posting speeds of 116 - 119 km/h 72 -74 mph their first three passes. Then on lap four of Saturday, BOOM! Cassandra and Sabrina had just served notice to Emily they were after her record. On run 9 for the women, Ambosi had just clicked the timers with a phenomenal 124.42 km/h 77.31 mph pass. Followed by Duchesne upping her game by posting a speed of 128.11 km/h 79.60 mph. With both right on her heels, Pross was feeling the heat and barely held the two back by recording a speed and new world record of 128.41 km/h 79.79 mph! Emily had her work cut out for her if she was going to retain her title. Any one of the three women speedsters could now take the WGSA world record and make it over the 80 mph hurdle. It was race on!
Run 10, Ambrosi charged with a lap of 125.87 km/h 78.21 mph. Duchesne still in the speed zone, gave chase with a big speed lap of 128.41 km/h 79.79 mph. Pross knowing the two meant serious business, let it all hang out and into the gravity history books she went! Emily lays down a mind numbing speed posting of 135.00 km/h 83.88 mph! She had just become the first woman longboarder in history to break the 80 mph barrier and set a new WGSA Women's Classic Longboard world record.
Run 11, Ambrosi layed down her personal best with a pass of 126.02 km/h 78.30 mph. Absolutely incredible speed performances all weekend by this first timer to the "Big Hill" and became the third fastest woman longboarder in history. Definitely will be a force to be reckoned with in the future and now in very fast company.
Duchense on her 11th and final pass of the weekend, went mach speed and made history by becoming the second woman to ever run over 80 mph, stopping the speed timers with a phenomenal 131.70 km/h 81.83 mph pass. Cassandra has again proved without a doubt she is one of the fastest of the fast and has made her mark in gravity speed racing history with her 80 mph milestone and incredible speed performances.
With the pressure now off, the world record holder slowed a bit. Pross still ran again in the 80's with a lap of 131.70 km/h 81.83 mph. Emily Pross was again the fastest womens longboarder in history retaining her WGSA world record status and becoming the first woman over 80 mph! GO FAST
The Friday Speed Sessions:
Emily Pross, the current fastest woman longboarder in the world, was there not only to raise her current WGSA world record, but to possibly be the first woman in history to break thru the 80 mph barrier. In her classic GO FAST fashion, Pross would own the Canadian hill one more time. During Fridays speed sessions she would prove she was a force to be reckoned with. On Emily's third pass she reset the WGSA women's Classic world record, running 123.85 km/h 76.95 mph! She would finish Friday raising the record again to 125.29 km/h 77.85 mph! 80 miles per hour was now in her sights.
Cassandra Duchesne, always fast and a threat to Pross's record, warmed up to the hill running low to mid 70's with her last lap of the day running 118.81 km/h 73.82 mph. Definitely in the chase.
Sabrina Ambrosi, a newcomer to the hill, proved she had what it takes to run a big number. With every pass on Friday she would up her speed. With her last pass of the day, she would post an incredible run of 118.16 km/h 73.42 mph! Now in the hunt, and running neck and neck with Cassandra, Sabrina could no doubt cause an upset on her rookie debut. Pross and Duchesne took notice.
The Saturday Speed Sessions:
Saturday was the biggest historic speed day for the women longboarders. With perfect weather and moderate tailwind at their backs, the women would GO FAST! Emily Pross, right of of the gate on her first lap, would raise th WGSA world record again running 126.16 km/h 78.39 mph and was pushing for 80 mph. Pross was getting faster with every run. Duchesne and Ambrosi were posting speeds of 116 - 119 km/h 72 -74 mph their first three passes. Then on lap four of Saturday, BOOM! Cassandra and Sabrina had just served notice to Emily they were after her record. On run 9 for the women, Ambosi had just clicked the timers with a phenomenal 124.42 km/h 77.31 mph pass. Followed by Duchesne upping her game by posting a speed of 128.11 km/h 79.60 mph. With both right on her heels, Pross was feeling the heat and barely held the two back by recording a speed and new world record of 128.41 km/h 79.79 mph! Emily had her work cut out for her if she was going to retain her title. Any one of the three women speedsters could now take the WGSA world record and make it over the 80 mph hurdle. It was race on!
Run 10, Ambrosi charged with a lap of 125.87 km/h 78.21 mph. Duchesne still in the speed zone, gave chase with a big speed lap of 128.41 km/h 79.79 mph. Pross knowing the two meant serious business, let it all hang out and into the gravity history books she went! Emily lays down a mind numbing speed posting of 135.00 km/h 83.88 mph! She had just become the first woman longboarder in history to break the 80 mph barrier and set a new WGSA Women's Classic Longboard world record.
Run 11, Ambrosi layed down her personal best with a pass of 126.02 km/h 78.30 mph. Absolutely incredible speed performances all weekend by this first timer to the "Big Hill" and became the third fastest woman longboarder in history. Definitely will be a force to be reckoned with in the future and now in very fast company.
Duchense on her 11th and final pass of the weekend, went mach speed and made history by becoming the second woman to ever run over 80 mph, stopping the speed timers with a phenomenal 131.70 km/h 81.83 mph pass. Cassandra has again proved without a doubt she is one of the fastest of the fast and has made her mark in gravity speed racing history with her 80 mph milestone and incredible speed performances.
With the pressure now off, the world record holder slowed a bit. Pross still ran again in the 80's with a lap of 131.70 km/h 81.83 mph. Emily Pross was again the fastest womens longboarder in history retaining her WGSA world record status and becoming the first woman over 80 mph! GO FAST