by Garrett Cosgrave
 

Downhill, freeride, flatland, and slide jam competitions were on the docket as longboarding premiered in Harvard on Aug. 21. Competitors from all over New England and New York—and one from as far away as Michigan—competed. The 53 entrants ranged in age from 13 to older than 40. The downhill race ran down Old Littleton Road, which was closed for the afternoon from the intersection with Pinnacle Road, and finished at the bottom of the hill before the old public library. On the final stretch, racers reached speeds of up to 45 mph. First place went to longboard professional Alex Newton of Bristol, R.I.

The slide jam competition was combined with the longest slide contest and best individual trick. The longest slide on soft wheels was awarded to Alex Newton, and the longest slide on hard wheels to Dan Lawton. Boston resident Antoine Petrelli was awarded the best trick by his peers for drinking a soda while sliding on one hand.

Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz
 

Cory Wilder of Long Island seemingly defies gravity.

Harvard’s own Ryan Williams tries a slide. The boarders wear gloves with puck-like pads to protect their hands.

Dan Lawton of Attleboro pops onto two wheels during the slide jam event. He would later go on to win for the longest slide on hard wheels.

Will Mirando (left) gets edged out of first place by Alex Newton in the downill race.

Alex Newton of Bristol, RI, shows some flair on the freeride competition.

New York City skater and videographer, Jeffrey Vyain (white helmet), collides with competitor Alex Newton (red helmet) while filming. Vyain left the scene in an ambulance and was treated for a fractured collar bone.

Harvard EMT Will Blackwell attends to injured boarder Jeffrey Vyain.