This passion/legend/sport has a lifespan directly proportional to the length of the skis – that is, it seems to go on forever. Longboarding first became popular at the peak of the 1850s gold rush when local mining communities with names indicative to the lifestyle lead at the times (Poker Flat, Whiskey Diggings, and Porte Wine to name a few) were looking for an activity to help them while away the long Sierra winters. They say necessity is the mother of all invention and so, with few women in sight, a new activity was born: downhill ski racing.
The big foot of all skis or ‘Norway Skates’ didn’t start out as a means of recreation, but transport. Introduced to the Northern California mining camps in 1853, the skis, 12 to 16 feet long, 2-inches thick and fabricated from the plentiful pine of the area, made them the ideal means of traversing the remoteness and altitude of the Plumas and Sierra counties. Once man attached ski to foot and realized there was some fun speed behind this practical vehicle – the race was on. Informal competition sported up between the camps dotting the area and was followed by cheering crowds of up to 500 and a purse for the winner, which could reach $1,000 dollars. It wasn’t until a decade later, however, that the first organized tournament was held in 1867 near La Porte on Lexington Hill. Cornish Bob, the world’s first champion speed skier crossed the 1,804-foot track on his 12-foot long wooden skis in 14 seconds. The sport continued to gain momentum and in the early 1900s, the now defunct Chipmunk Club was introduced to the race circuit, opening up the competition to children.
Women and dogs were still relegated to the spectator stands.
Least you think you could try this activity at home, think again. Old Cornish Bob and every other speed skier of the day had a little help from his ‘doper,’ the man behind the magic potion that waxed the huge timbers, turning them into greased lightning. Formulas included concoctions made from Spermaceti (the excretion from the brow of a Sperm Whale, not a pasta), pine tars, saps and glycerin – and were guarded with secrecy. So invaluable was the ‘doper’ that it was not unusual for him to make more money than the contestant as he was often responsible for more than one person’s boards.
The format of the race was simple and is still used today. Contestants carry their skis up the hill and queue up to be placed at the starting gate. Usually two contestants at a time (sometime three) progress to the ‘go’ position. Here they get to choose a lane based on picking a hand of the line judge. Once this highly-technical outcome is determined, the racers take their stations and a Clapper (this really is another Moonshine Ink story) fits shoe to ski. At this point Bob Phenning, a Plumas Ski Club board member is heard to say, ‘It’s a drag when you get a drunken Clapper.’ Now comes the traditional pull from the flask of whiskey for each skier, the gong is rung, and they’re off!
The initial push-off at the start is crucial. Skiers are armed with one six-foot long pole and you need to give it a couple of good thrusts to get your momentum going. Once you’ve launched, the pole is held to the side and skiers drop into the classic longboard crouch, with the pole held to the side. From here, until the bottom of the run, it is all about balance and holding the position (not to mention the menacing pole) while leaning a little forward to get your weight to propel you to victory. As the finish line approaches, the contestants switch the pole from the side to between their legs and skis and use it like a rudder/brake. Some decide it is better just to wipe out directly after crossing the finish line rather than risks the hazards of a well-placed pole catching a not-well-placed edge and, well, you can fill the blanks…this is a family newspaper.
The winner of each heat progresses to the final where the winner takes all. However, one day’s champion does not automatically qualify for advancement to the next tournament. Each is a new day on the slopes and everyone is welcome to try again for the word championship title.
The format today remains relatively unchanged, albeit girls can play. The rules are not hard to remember: no swearing, no spitting, no cheating.
Says Phil Gallagher, longboard supporter and enthusiast and board member of the Plumas Ski Club, ‘The event is unique and full of character and not duplicated anywhere in the world. It celebrates the beginning of the romance of skiing.’
How right he is. To attend one of the longboard ski championship races is like stepping back in time – except with better concessions. Racers and spectators are decked out in traditional garb from the late 1800s, some long-term Quincy residents even wearing their great-great grandmother’s hand-me-downs. Women are wearing lace and lose blouses with an oh-so-elegant flask nestled between bosoms and minks tucked into their decorative belts. Men are sporting wool knickers and suspenders and hats with feathers, turquoise and Indian beads. There are quartets playing music using accordions and a drum seen in the long ago days and introduced via one poor melodic sole from Ireland. Names of participants, both real and fabricated, including one (real) worthy of note: Buster Hyman. Clearly a man in the right sport.
Most recently fans can thank Rob Russell for the resurrection of what was to become the grandfather of the sport of ski as we know it today. Fifteen years ago he had the pleasure of meeting a Quincy resident, the late Ellinor Redstreet, widow of Johnny Redstreet who’d brought back longboard skiing in the 1940s and ‘50s at Sugarbowl. A spark was ignited and grew after attendance at the Redstreet Pioneer Celebration where the ‘Old-timers’ got up and shared their stories. From there a group of long board enthusiasts was formed into the Plumas Ski Club and the rest is history – again.
Says Russell about the event’s revival, ‘It’s about honoring the unique history, preserving the small downtown feel of the community and, above all, it’s for the fun and keeping it alive.’
The tournament circuit is alive and well and, though short, it is sweet and addictive. Held the third Sunday of January, February and March it is absolutely worthy of a calendar note. The enthusiasm of the crowd is infectious, the participants generous with information and even their ‘gear.’ (Moonshine Ink’s photographer took a well-received run on Tahoe Truckee Clubs borrowed boards.)
Plumas County is home to Eureka Peak and the largest gold nugget ever found in California. Looks like they just stuck gold again
How You Can Be a Part of It, March 16
Where: Johnsville, Plumas/Eureka State Park, about six miles northwest of Graeagle.
When: March 16, first race beginning around noon, but stick around for the award ceremony between 3 to 4 p.m. If you plan to compete be there for registration at 9 a.m.
What: A Truckee longboarder took the first on opening day and a Quincy rival won it back it round two. So this final chapter for the 2008 World Championship of Long Board Skiing will be intense.
What to bring: Cash (there are no ATM machines), camera, chair and your own alcoholic beverages. Also great sledding for the kids if you are so inclined. Plenty of concession on-site with a barbeque going, homemade cookies, coffee and non-alcoholic beverages with all proceeds going to cover the cost of the club’s insurance.
For more information: Visit plumascounty.org, 530-283-6345. Also: Free shuttle bus for those attending the races. Park at the museum, just before the town of Johnsville, and get a ride up.
