Classic Luge Construction

      These are just guidelines for construction. You won't find detailed plans or measurements here. Every buttboard rider should be involved in the construction of their own craft, built around their specific weight and shape, however, there are fine choices if you wish to buy instead. Tim Novak and HAE are not responsible in any way for mishaps, damages or injuries incurred while operating any buttboard built using these guidelines.

      I will use construction guidelines outlined in the Classic Luge (Buttboard) rules used for competition (GSI) which is also the best definition of exactly what a buttboard is. These guidelines reflect the true buttboard spirit of low cost, non elitist, pure gravity powered FUN. Of course, you can just BUY the best classic luge made from Skateluge USA right HERE.

The Classic Luge deck is made from wood, best if an eleven ply hardwood laminate (or better). Competition only allows foam padding to the top, non aerodynamic stiffeners to the bottom and skateboard style grip rails underneath.

    The complete Buttboard must not exceed five kilograms (5Kg / 11lbs), no more than one hundred twenty-five centimeters (125cm / 48") maximum, three hundred five millimeters (305mm / 12") at the deck's widest point.

    The trucks must be self centering, lean-to-steer activated. Competition rules require the trucks (and wheels) to be commercially available. They must not be wider than three hundred five millimeters (305mm / 12"), The board can only have two (2) trucks for competition but more trucks work great for recreational fun.

    The wheels are standard urethane skateboard wheels. The maximum size is 70mm, which are available everywhere. The board must use only four wheels (when competing).

    Bearings used in the wheels are standard steel 608 skateboard bearings. Some competition rules prohibit ceramic, Mini-mizers, prototypes and other high performance or rare bearing types.

     Darren Lott's Streetluge Survival Guide is the definitive handbook every street luge pilot should possess and much of the information applies to Buttboards as well. It contains all the information you'll need to get involved in this exciting sport, including: history, safety, protective gear, streetluge design considerations, riding techniques and racing. You'll also want to get a copy of the Street Luge 101 DVD by Jeremy Kahn. There will be a pop quiz at the top of the hill. Check out the Skateluge USA Classic in action HERE.

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