On May 1, 2015, skaters arrived at Pine Nursery Park on the northern edge of the city for the first Bend Beatdown longboarding race.
On May 1, 2015, skaters arrived at Pine Nursery Park on the northern edge of the city for the first Bend Beatdown longboarding race.
David G Allan
"Sidewalk surfing" on homemade longboards was obscure for decades before manufactured longboards began showing up on college campuses in the late 1990s.
"Sidewalk surfing" on homemade longboards was obscure for decades before manufactured longboards began showing up on college campuses in the late 1990s.
David G Allan
Andrew Andres, a competitive long-distance skater, holds the world record from most miles (more than 300) in a 24-hour period. He trained for the Bend Beatdown in his hometown of Miami.
Andrew Andres, a competitive long-distance skater, holds the world record from most miles (more than 300) in a 24-hour period. He trained for the Bend Beatdown in his hometown of Miami.
CNN
Andres, left, won the overall men's final at the Beatdown.
Andres, left, won the overall men's final at the Beatdown.
David G Allan
Unlike traditional skateboarders, longboarders alternate kicking legs, building strong calves and glutes with every power push.
Unlike traditional skateboarders, longboarders alternate kicking legs, building strong calves and glutes with every power push.
David G Allan
The Bend Beatdown consisted of two races, a 5K and 10K, with most of the 60 racers competing in both.
The Bend Beatdown consisted of two races, a 5K and 10K, with most of the 60 racers competing in both.
David G Allan
The flat but winding course was chosen because it was easy for spectators to watch and get inspired.
The flat but winding course was chosen because it was easy for spectators to watch and get inspired.
David G Allan
Beatdown competitors ranged in age from 8 to 56.
Beatdown competitors ranged in age from 8 to 56.
CNN
The trophies were designed by Don Griffiths at the local ISCO Manufacturing Solutions, which creates aerospace machines.
The trophies were designed by Don Griffiths at the local ISCO Manufacturing Solutions, which creates aerospace machines.
David G Allan
Some longboard skaters use a paddle to propel themselves, not unlike a water paddleboard.
Some longboard skaters use a paddle to propel themselves, not unlike a water paddleboard.
David G Allan
A longboarder relaxes along Bend's Deschutes River.
A longboarder relaxes along Bend's Deschutes River.
David G Allan
"I'm completely stoked. We had a really great weekend. Everyone is already talking about next year," said Conan Gay, one of the competitors and organizers of the Beatdown.
"I'm completely stoked. We had a really great weekend. Everyone is already talking about next year," said Conan Gay, one of the competitors and organizers of the Beatdown.
CNN