Cruising on Danger

Longboarders are using campus grounds to hone their skills. The Nanyang Chronicle finds out more.

By Cynthia Choo, News Editor

THRILLS AND SPILLS: Longboarders insist that they take safety precautions while on the road.
PHOTO: LIM MU YAO

A group of longboarding enthusiasts have taken to the roads of NTU, audaciously skirting around oncoming traffic to sharpen their skating skills.

Often seen practising along the slope outside the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, these daredevils started longboarding five months ago while on an unintended bus journey around the campus.

“That slope is challenging as it is extremely steep,” said Mr Syairi Mohamed Iri, a 26-year-old freelance photographer.

“NTU has slopes everywhere on campus, even in deserted driveways. NTU also has road obstacles like sharp bends, humps, strips and manholes that make the terrain more exhilarating for us.”

Longboarding often involves traversing down steep slopes at high speeds whilst managing stunts.

As such, Mr Syairi and his crew have seen their fair share of injuries ever since they picked up the sport.

One slip usually results in serious injuries, he added.

“As we often practise on asphalt roads, deep cuts are a common injury in this sport,” he said.  Fellow longboarder Nabil Putra, 17, also acknowledged the high risks associated with the sport.

“I’ve got a scar under my right elbow and a gash on my stomach, but these are common in the sport, I’ve gotten used to it,” the Institute of Technical Education Central student said.

Yet for Mr Syairi, the allure of the sport outweighs the dangers involved.

“The adrenaline rush is unbeatable,” he said.

“After you get over the risks, the excitement is worth it. The sport tests your courage.”

But they face opposition from Campus Security, who have warned them for endangering pedestrians. Campus Security has since repeatedly evicted the longboarders each time they see them.

“Longboarding is a dangerous sport. They might hurt themselves, and cause vehicle accidents,” said a spokesman from Campus Security.

The high risk of the sport also has some recoiling in fear.

Ken Chin, a second-year Electrical and Electronic Engineering student said: “I have already gotten into accidents going down slopes with my bicycle; a longboard is even harder to handle.”

Mr Syairi, though, was quick to emphasise the safety precautions taken.

“We guard up with a helmet, knee pads and gloves,” he said.

“We also make sure we give way to oncoming cars.”

When asked whether they welcomed NTU students to join them, Mr Syairi said, “It is a difficult sport to pick up because most people are afraid to go at such high speeds, but it really tests your limits.”

“We welcome anyone who is interested, but most people are afraid when they actually have to go down the slope,” said Mr Syairi.

“Try it if you dare.”