In a sport where there are no engines three things are key to being the fastest down the hill, braking, cornering and aerodynamics. On a long fast course with no corners the first two become fairly obsolete, leaving aerodynamics and as the major factor to getting down the hill quickly.

There are several things that you can do to make your Luge more aerodynamic. Firstly, you can make the underside as smooth as possible. Fairings can be added to the underside, with only small gaps for the wheels, to prevent the air being disturbed and building up as it moves under the Luge. Fairings can also be added to the sides and top of the Luge at the front and rear to fully enclose the trucks and wheels. This will also allow to be channelled/deflected around the Luge in a smooth manner rather than being churned up and causing a lot of turbulence.

Finally you can add an air box/cone behind the head. Your head is the highest point of the Luge/rider combination and causes a lot of turbulence. It is, in fact, turbulence behind the Luge, rather than an un-aerodynamic front, which slows you more. The air box closes the gap behind the head and reduces the turbulence. The added bonus of this is that it also helps prevent other riders from drafting you, as there is less "wake" for them to tuck into.

A Luge is only a few inches high, but when you put a rider on it this increases dramatically. No matter how aerodynamic your Luge may be, if the rider isn't then it is all for nothing. I would probably say that 90% of aerodynamics is in the person and only 10% from the board. To be as aerodynamic as possible you need to concentrate on four things:

Firstly, and most importantly, keep your shoulders as low as possible. Raised shoulders act like a spoiler, causing a huge amount of turbulence, thus drag, behind you.

Secondly get your head low. As with your shoulders the head causes turbulence behind you, the lower it is, the less turbulence. This is why Wedge helmets are so good, the narrow chin piece allows you to get your head very low and still provides forward vision.

Thirdly are your arms. Build up a good speed on your Luge, then spread your arms out so they are nearly 90 degrees to you. You will be amazed how much pressure is on them and how much it will slow you down. This is called "Air Braking" and can be a very useful tool. When in a tuck keep your arms and hands in as close to your body as possible. I have my elbows very slightly bent as it helps get my shoulders lower.

Finally are your legs. Poor leg position will cause a build up of air in front of you causing a barrier and will also cause turbulence up and over your body. Your legs should be extended out in front of you, keeping them low and flat with as little bend in the knees as possible. Your toes should be pointed out and your thighs, knees and feet should be pressed together.

It is with this final point that one of the many advantages of a Boomless Luge becomes apparent. A boom that is too short will mean that your knees will be bent preventing you from being able to extent your legs and point your feet (a boom that is too long defeats its purpose). The boom it self prevents you from holding your legs and feet together. This causes the air to be channelled up between your legs and gather at your crotch, causing a lot of turbulence, a similar effect to air braking with your arms.

A digital camera can be a very useful tool when it comes to improving your tuck. Get your kit on and set up a camera at about ground level facing your Luge side on. Set the timer, get on your board and assume your best tuck. You can then look at the photo to see where you can improve. Repeat this from the front to check the front profile.

In conclusion, aerodynamics is hugely important, but concentrate on your own aerodynamics before moving on to those of the board as this is where the biggest difference can be made. However, aerodynamics alone will not make you win, there are the other two key factors mentioned above, braking and cornering. Together all this adds up to Rider Skill and is more valuable than any equipment that money can buy.

Hope this helps

Joel

Original Thread:
UKGSA Forum Topic: Body Pan Question