Longboard "sheath"

[Facebiter]

So I've been toying with the idea of some kind of back mounted "sheath" for my longboard, so that when I'm getting around and need to use my feet for walking (i.e. going off the path or going indoors etc. How lame is that?) I can still have both my hands free.

At first, I was thinking just some straps that I could throw around the trucks (the wheely dealies) and sling it over my back, but that would be uncomfortable and most likely get my back really dirty from whatever dirt just happens to be on the board.

Then winter happened and I haven't used my longbord for months and I left the idea alone, but now winter is coming to and end and as soon as the snow melts I am going to start rolling around again, so I figured I should get on my ass and get some planning done.

I've decided I'm going to go with a sort of leather backpack/sheath. I'd have a fairly wide panel at the back to keep the board from getting my clothes dirty with a little boot at the bottom to stick one end of the board into with something at the other end to keep the board from bouncing around too much or falling off.

The part I am having trouble with is thinking up something to put at the top of the sheath; it basically just needs to be a little strap but I want it to be strong enough to keep a long, wooden plank (essentially) from moving around a lot but still be able to do/undo easily with one hand so I can actually get the board off my back when I want too.

I'm stumped so, any ideas? I was thinking one of those plastic snap-buckles that you see on backpacks (Looks like a fork, fits into another receiver and you press the sides in to get it out again) but I'm scared those might be too flimsy. My board isn't really heavy but it's still a fairly large plank of wood and has some heft to it.

[rickybobby]

So I've been toying with the idea of some kind of back mounted "sheath" for my longboard, so that when I'm getting around and need to use my feet for walking (i.e. going off the path or going indoors etc. How lame is that?) I can still have both my hands free.

At first, I was thinking just some straps that I could throw around the trucks (the wheely dealies) and sling it over my back, but that would be uncomfortable and most likely get my back really dirty from whatever dirt just happens to be on the board.

Then winter happened and I haven't used my longbord for months and I left the idea alone, but now winter is coming to and end and as soon as the snow melts I am going to start rolling around again, so I figured I should get on my ass and get some planning done.

I've decided I'm going to go with a sort of leather backpack/sheath. I'd have a fairly wide panel at the back to keep the board from getting my clothes dirty with a little boot at the bottom to stick one end of the board into with something at the other end to keep the board from bouncing around too much or falling off.

The part I am having trouble with is thinking up something to put at the top of the sheath; it basically just needs to be a little strap but I want it to be strong enough to keep a long, wooden plank (essentially) from moving around a lot but still be able to do/undo easily with one hand so I can actually get the board off my back when I want too.

I'm stumped so, any ideas? I was thinking one of those plastic snap-buckles that you see on backpacks (Looks like a fork, fits into another receiver and you press the sides in to get it out again) but I'm scared those might be too flimsy. My board isn't really heavy but it's still a fairly large plank of wood and has some heft to it.

Facebiter,

I think you are on the right track with the backpack style. you need some padding inbetween layers to keep it off of your back bone. The clip thingys work well, you need the heavy duty ones. My business partner has done a lot of prototype work for this kind of thing, he is a member here on the forum (azsewitall). Send him a personal message and he can answer some questions. It might even get him to post on here! Post some pictures of your board so we can see length, width, location of the trucks to get some ideas going. Some folks here may not know what you are trying to make, a photo will clear up any questions and get the ideas flowing!!

Rick J.

[Facebiter]

Thanks, Rick.

I've drawn up a couple of plans, and I think I found one that will work. Now I just need some of those snap buckle things...

What are those even called, anyways?