Clearly the latest trendy mode of transportation, longboards suit the needs of students, especially on a campus like Wichita State’s.

The popularity of longboarding seems to have sprung up over night; its many devotees are visible between classes on the sidewalks of WSU. They dodge groups of people like pros, rolling and sometimes almost flying past them.

Brittany Seiler, a junior, and sophomore Tsun Kit Man both said they have managed to steer clear of any “biffing,” or crashing, while boarding on campus.

“People get scared and they’ll move out of my way, and sometimes they get scared and move in my way,” Seiler said. “I almost biffed it right in front of a car, but I ran it out. It was good.”

The similarities of a longboard to a skateboard are obvious. Both are made of wood, quasi-rectangular in shape, and have four wheels. However, longboards are different because they are, as in the name, longer. Additionally, they ride differently.

“It’s easier [than skateboarding] because the board is much longer,” Man said. “You have more control, and it’s more stable.”

Chad Akard, store manager of Zumiez at Towne East, said that while a skateboard is usually used for tricks, longboards are used to simply cruise or free-ride, similar to surfing.

Longboarding’s popularity can most likely be credited to rising gas prices and the lack of available parking at WSU. It is also an easy way to save time on the way to class.

“I live on campus, so it’s easier to just board, instead of walking,” Man said. “I don’t have to waste gas to get over and fight for parking spots, since the parking spots here are crazy right now. I can get from Wheatshocker to anywhere on campus in five minutes.”

Seiler said she uses her board often on her way to classes.

“I almost all the time, because I park all the way in Heskett. I don’t like walking, and I’m always late for class,” she said. “It makes me like five minutes late, instead of 15.”

Longboards are not just for between classes either. Seiler said she uses hers for riding downtown. Man said he likes to ride his when campus is empty of its usual crowds.

“Sometimes at night, when no one is around, I can go as fast as I want,” Man said.

Akard said the skate supply store Zumiez, located in Towne East Square, has been selling quite a few of the boards lately.

“They’ve been selling pretty well,” Akard said. “I came from another town, but they sell way better here than they do anywhere else I’ve seen.”

He said at his store the longboards usually retail for anywhere from $100 – $280, depending on the style. Despite what some may call a higher price tag, Man said they are worth it.

“It definitely beats walking, especially under the heat,” Man said. “When you go at a certain speed, you get a little breeze, so it’s nicer. You go by people and it’s like, ‘See ya’.’”

Seiler echoed this thought.

“People are jealous that they have to walk on two feet,” Seiler said, “and I just get to roll everywhere.”