“Longboarding is very popular among college students, mainly for transportation and commuting purposes, and there are many people on campus that skate but haven’t joined the club,” said Jon Vickers, the group’s faculty adviser and father of founding member and sophomore ?Max Vickers.
The father-son duo and their team have managed to grow the club roster to more than 100 active members in less than two years.
“This is because anyone can join the club, it is completely free, and once you become a member we offer discounts on new longboarding setups,” said Chanelle Biangardi, the social events director and previous marketing director of the club. “We attract newcomers by hosting call-out meetings where we explain what the club is all about and holding learn-to-longboard sessions.”
The learn-to-longboard sessions are open to everyone, from those who have never stepped foot on a longboard to people who would just like to improve their technique, she said. This session is free and offered Sunday afternoons. Members also have ?access to gear.
“We are fortunate enough to have companies in the longboarding industry that provide boards and helmets for the club to use at these events,” she said. “We also allow members of the club to borrow equipment if they have not yet purchased a board, since that is a big investment for a college ?student.”
Biangardi said much of the club’s growth has been due to successful student outreach. The group will play host to a Slide Jam event this weekend.
“A slide jam is an event where participants skate down a road and do maneuvers known as power slides,” Max said in an email. “During the event, there will be judges along the sides of the road rating the maneuvers that the participants do based on speed, difficulty of trick, ?consistency, et cetera.”
The group is expecting more than 100 people to attend the event from across the Midwest, Max said.
“This is the fourth year this event is being held,” Jon said. “Proper permits are required, and the roads are blocked for the long boarders to show their skills.”
Longboarding Club at IU holds the largest slide jam in the Midwest, Biangardi said. This event will not only have riders from IU, but also from other areas around ?the Midwest.
