Dirtsurfer
a.k.a. "Inline Board"
The Dirtsurfer was invented by Australian engineer, Graeme Attey. With a passion for snowboarding, Graeme was looking for a way he could simulate the snowboard experience without the snow. The result was a innovative and exciting new gravity sport vehicle.
Dirtsurfing can best be descibed as a cross between Snowboarding and Surfing. You have the carve aspect of both snowboard and surfboard combined with high speeds on the street and off road capability. Anywhere a bike, skateboard or car can go, the Dirtsufer does with no special equipment or upgrades.
The Dirtsurfer has a frame made of 7005 (grade) aircraft aluminum and feature bicycle style wheels and a calf activated brake system. "The patented steering geometry is initially stabilized by rider weight and further stabilized by the progressive gyroscopic stability instilled by increasing speed of the two in-line 20 inch wheels. "
The first model of the Dirtsurfer was released in 1999. Dirtsurfers were introduced to the US at a Mountain bike race in West Virginia in 2000. Since then inline boarders have been trying to find a place in the racing genre. Dirtsurfers have been on mountain boarding circuits but found that the race tracks were too narrow for the wider turning radius of the mountian boards. The roads used by gravity sport competitors of GSI are perfect for high speed inline board racing.
GSI welcomes Inline Boarding to their downhill competitions however, all gravity sports, including the Dirtsurfer, are inherently dangerous. Rider AND spectator safety is very important, especially during competitions. Gravity Sports International requires ALL riders to wear protective gear including: leathers, DOT helmet, and stout gloves. Dirtsurfers should also consider impact resistant gear such as chest, elbow and knee pads.
- Thanks to Rob Turman, aka "Papa Surf"
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