Cruising down Residential Boulevard

by Kristina Geerken

assistant features editor

Long, slender and available in a variety of colors and designs, long boards make performing tricks a challenge. In fact, their size makes it hard to stop the device. It is usually best to jump off or use your foot. Sound exciting?

Shaped like a miniature surfboard, long boarding is another invention for skateboarders, particularly females. At the beach or basically anywhere, long boarding is a way to "surf" on the boardwalk or sidewalk, instead of riding over the waves.

Carefully leaning her long board against her leg, Kelli Romano, a first year student, is a resident long boarder on the winding roads of Cabrini'ss Residential Boulevard.

Proudly displaying her board, Romano explained that long board skateboards are sometimes hard to find.

"I would say that they are hard to come across. Your best bet would be surf shops by the beach," Romano said, while toying with one of the wheels of her long board.

"In fact, my board is custom made by Tony Hawk, a pro skater, and some of his colleagues."

Romano's interest in long board skateboarding originated while she was hanging by Kristina Geerken out with some friends that use traditional skateboards. popular to a traditional sport. This is a very gutsy move with the potential to be a huge success."

"One day, I just got onto a board, pushed off with my other foot and just cruised. It was the best!" Romano exclaimed.

Red, with four wheels and an intricate Hawaiian floral design at the tail, Romano's long board has cruised along all over.

Without a trace of doubt in her voice, Romano declared that the beach was the best place to be when long boarding. According to Romano, it is a great way to cruise.

"Long boarding is basically skate boarding for females. Although some boys may use them, boys often prefer smaller skateboards," Romano explained.

Since the long board is not as compact as a short skateboard, it makes it somewhat difficult to jump around and perform daring feats.

"I just have fun riding around." Romano intends to continue long boarding. She recommends it to guys and girls alike, especially in a place without many hills.

At left, Kelli Romano, a first year student, poses with her longboard outside Woodcrest while she recovers from knee surgery.

Timing for the XFL season is ideal for capturing a following. "When the Super Bowl ends, just when interest in football is at its pinnacle, the XFL season will kick off, culminating in April with a championship game," McMahon said. For every question, McMahon seems to have an answer creating the strong possibility that this new league will gain a substantial following. McMahon is considering changing the rules of football for the new league so that the game never lasts over three hours, as well as more significant changes such as allowing receivers and running backs to move on the snap of the ball.

Whether this new edge to football is effective and will be successful, only time can tel1. Many are skeptical, in the face of this challenge, McMahon said, "I love it. I love the long odds, absolutely. That's what I'm all about in my life. Everyone is skeptical... I don't care what they say because the public understands." McMahon has many fans who might just come through for him making the XFL successful and very profitable.