YOUNG STAR ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Extreme gravity: The street luge narrative

MANILA, Philippines – Imagine lying flat on a longboard, careening down the road at 80kph, mere inches above the ground with just a helmet, gloves and the clothes on your back as protection between you and the asphalt. “I don't want to die!” was 21 year-old Adrian Portugal's first reaction before trying out the sport that moved his life.

The Far Eastern University student is arguably the pioneer of Philippine street luge. His first foray into the gravity-powered sport began after three years of longboarding. “There just comes a point when you want to figure out how to go faster and faster,” he explains. “You feel most alive when you are near death.” Without giving it much thought, he lay on his board and rolled into the first of many luge runs.

In luge, one maintains control with the use of the body. Your hands are used to grip the sides of the board (thus, the gloves to prevent your knuckles from being scraped to the bone) and your body weight—which you shift from side to side—helps maneuver the board. As if it wasn't enough to worry about, Portugal warns that crashing your board at the breakneck speed is just like jumping out of a car whizzing along the South Luzon Expressway.

Obviously, this extreme sport is not done in a polished court or an air-conditioned arena. When it comes to luge, resourcefulness is key. Portugal and his friends travel around Central Luzon looking for secluded spots where roads go downhill and traffic is minimal. “We're always looking out for places we think have potential,” he shares. “The quality of roads we have in certain parts of the mountains of Quezon and Subic can definitely be compared to those places in other countries like Australia, Malaysia...good quality roads with breathtaking views.” The locations of runs range from peaceful and scenic rolling hills to slightly busier roads where one has to be extra alert to avoid being run over by a passing truck.

It is also his group's job to find transportation to shuttle them up the road once they've reached the bottom. “Everybody wants to skate so nobody volunteers to drive!” he laughs. A jeep can be rented for P1000, which is split between a dozen people. Or, they hitch a ride. “We don't have to but we pay a small amount to thank those who give us a ride. We want to make a good impression on the people in that village.”

Anyone interested in joining or simply learning more about street luge should join their Facebook group "Street Luge Philippines.”

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