Article and Photo: Max Dubler

The International Downhill Federation had their third annual general meeting on Saturday and we tuned in to check on what’s going on in the world governing body for downhill skateboard racing. Here’s what you need to know going into 2016.

Racing Stuff

There is now a 35 and up masters division for open skateboarding.
Street Luge and Classic Luge are now combined into a single luge class.
IDF wants to have fewer world cups and make the selection process more competitive so only the best events qualify.
In 2016 each continent will have a maximum of 2 world cups, with 7 total world cups and 12 qualifying series.
The schedule has been arranged to make travelling to races easier. (The IDF schedule is here.)
The 2016 open skateboard world cup series championship will count your top 7 races, with a maximum of 5 world cups (5+2). Riders who want to contest the open class will have to race on at least 3 continents.
The 2016 women’s, juniors, masters, and luge categories will count your top 6 races, with a maximum of 4 world cups (4+2). The points system will also be adjusted for these classes to make them more competitive.
Continentaly rankings will include your top 5 finishes on the continent.

Money Stuff

Other Stuff

Please return your transponders at races. Lost transponders cost members $80 per piece, adding up to about $8500 this year.
IDF officials continue to attend IOC meetings about the inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics. Though there’s no movement on downhill right now, we will know in July whether street and park skating will be in the next Olympics.
There’s a brand new IDF website with all kinds of cool new features. Please let them know if you find any bugs.

Tireless Volunteers

IDF 2016 Annual General Meeting Notes