in a slalom race, longboarders race against the clock to maneuver through or around gates or flags, while downhill is a race to see who can complete a downhill course in the fastest time, and freeride is the most competitive and most complicated discipline - it is similar to downhill, but racers are judged on tricks and slides performed while racing - speed isn't the only goal in freeride since impressing the judges is extremely important.

longboarding is very popular in rio de janerio - it is relatively new in the country but nowadays visitors will see cariocas longboarding on every beach pathway around the city - the  exciting thrill of longboarding's speed and mobility make it ideal for to navigate around rio de janeiro.