Street luge is one of the fastest and most extreme gravity-powered sports in existence, with top speeds that can reach well over 90 miles per hour (145 km/h). On standard professional racing courses, riders typically maintain speeds between 60 and 80 mph, but on specifically chosen steep, long hills with ideal pavement, elite riders have pushed the limits even further. The current world record for the fastest street luge speed stands at 101.9 mph (164.1 km/h), set by Damian Adamaneve in 2017. Because the rider is lying just inches off the ground on a specialized aluminum or fiberglass board, the sensation of speed is significantly magnified. There are no mechanical brakes on a street luge; riders slow down by dragging the soles of their shoes—which are often reinforced with tire tread or heavy-duty rubber—against the asphalt. This combination of extreme velocity, low center of gravity, and high-stakes braking makes it one of the most dangerous disciplines in the world of extreme sports, requiring high-grade leather suits and full-face helmets to protect against the intense friction of the road.