Ever since I was little, I’ve lived on a plateau just outside of Seattle. We’re just minutes from the foothills of the Cascades, and we certainly share some of their geographical features. Aside from the several thousand-foot climb to the top of the plateau, steep hills are strewn throughout the landscape.

During the winter, this terrain is incredibly treacherous, but it lends itself well to summertime diversions. This time every year, there are droves of people riding Arbor longboards down the steep hills. Although it’s been several years since I tackled those hills myself, I’ve noticed that—much like when I was a kid—longboarders tend to roll in packs.