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Longboarding is one of the world's fastest-growing board sports and its popularity is positively exploding in New Zealand. Riders from Auckland to Queenstown are commuting to work, performing slides and tricks, and bombing down steep, winding roads.
Locum tenens doctors on assignment in New Zealand are sure to find a friendly and growing group of longboard enthusiasts to teach them the ropes and point out the best boarding spots in communities throughout the islands.
What the heck is longboarding?
Longboards are an oversized evolution of the skateboards invented in the 1970s and popularized in the '90s. The decks are long, rigid and wide, allowing riders to comfortably cruise in a way that shorter boards can't handle. The wheels are larger to handle variable terrain. They are also set farther apart to provide stability and clearance for rocks and road debris.
How to ride
Some riders use longboards for the same tricks and stunts that are more commonly associated with traditional skate parks. However, the most common uses for longboards are bombing and commuting.
Bombing – or downhill longboarding – is most similar to snowboarding. Essentially, it's an adrenaline sport where riders hit speeds upwards of 50 miles per hour. If you're the adventurous type and sure of your balance, join longboarding groups that meet up to organize safe downhill experiences in communities all over New Zealand.
Most recreational longboarders ride as a fun, fast and active form of transportation. Locum tenens doctors working in urban areas might use a longboard just as they would a bicycle. But boarding offers a different experience and a completely new way to explore during your next international assignment.
Safety first
We're doctors, so we know better than to ride without a helmet. And, even though longboarding may look somewhat extreme to the uninitiated, commuting is remarkably safe once you're comfortable riding.
Longboarders follow the same rules of the road as bikes and other wheeled recreational devices, so consider taking a class if you're serious about commuting on public roads. Understanding the road rules in New Zealand, as well as some of the common hazards, will get you up and running quickly and safely.
Wherever your locum tenens travels may take you, you're likely to see longboarders hugging the paved shoulder of the road and sharing bike lanes with active commuters. It's a sustainable form of travel that eases road congestion, doesn't generate polluting emissions and can be enjoyed by riders of all ages. And New Zealand is the perfect boarding-friendly place to get started.