Skateboarding is not just a sport; it’s an art form that allows skaters to express themselves through tricks, style, and flow. One of the most iconic and rewarding tricks in skateboarding is the boardslide. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your technique, learning how to boardslide skateboard can be a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of mastering the boardslide, from essential tips to common mistakes, and even dive into skateboarding tricks for kids who are just beginning to ride.
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What is a Boardslide in Skateboarding?
The boardslide is one of the foundational tricks in skateboarding. It involves sliding across a rail or ledge with the skateboard’s deck parallel to the surface. Unlike some other grinds where only the trucks of the skateboard touch the rail, the boardslide requires the entire deck to make contact. It is a must-learn trick for any skater aiming to progress, and it forms the basis for many advanced maneuvers.
When performing a boardslide, the skateboarder jumps onto the rail or ledge, sliding across it while balancing, and then exits smoothly at the end. The trick can be done on different types of obstacles, such as flat bars, round rails, and even curbs.
How to Boardslide Skateboard: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to try your first boardslide? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you master the technique.
Step 1: Gear Up and Get Comfortable on Your Skateboard
Before attempting any trick, make sure you have the right gear. You’ll need:
- A reliable skateboard with good-quality wheels and trucks.
- Proper safety gear such as a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.
- A smooth, flat surface or a small rail to practice.
Start by getting comfortable with riding your skateboard. Practice balance, carving, and turning. The better you are at controlling the board, the easier it will be to perform the boardslide.
Step 2: Approach the Rail
For your first boardslide, choose a low, wide rail or ledge. Approaching the rail correctly is key to a successful boardslide. As you approach the rail, make sure your stance is straight and your knees are slightly bent.
Your speed is important here. Too fast, and you might lose control; too slow, and you won’t have enough momentum to slide. Aim for a moderate speed that you feel comfortable with.
Step 3: Set Up for the Trick
As you get closer to the rail, you’ll need to prepare to jump onto it. The moment before you get to the rail, angle your skateboard about 45 degrees. This gives you the necessary angle to hit the rail with the deck parallel.
At this point, make sure your weight is centered over the board. Keep your eyes focused on the rail and your body aligned with your feet.
Step 4: Pop and Jump Onto the Rail
To begin the boardslide, use your back foot to push down on the tail of the skateboard, giving it a pop into the air. The goal is to jump onto the rail with your deck parallel to it, using the same technique as you would when doing an ollie, but focusing on aligning the board perfectly with the rail.
Don’t lean too far forward or backward when jumping. Keep your knees slightly bent and your upper body relaxed to maintain control. As you land on the rail, your front foot should guide the board straight, and your back foot will stabilize it.
Step 5: Slide and Balance
Once you’re on the rail, focus on staying balanced. Keep your weight centered over the board and avoid leaning too much in either direction. Remember, it’s about maintaining stability as you slide.
It can be a little scary at first, but with practice, you’ll gain confidence. Let your body stay relaxed and trust the process. Don’t try to rush off the rail too quickly; just let the board slide smoothly until you reach the end.
Step 6: Exit the Rail and Land
As you near the end of the rail, prepare to exit by gradually shifting your weight to the back foot. This helps lift the front of the board, allowing you to clear the rail and land safely.
When landing, bend your knees to absorb the impact and roll away smoothly. If everything goes well, you’ll have successfully completed your boardslide!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning How to Boardslide Skateboard
It’s common for beginners to make a few mistakes when learning how to boardslide skateboard. Here are some of the most frequent errors:
- Not Approaching the Rail at the Right Angle: One of the biggest mistakes skaters make is approaching the rail too straight or too angled. A 45-degree angle is typically the sweet spot.
- Popping Too Early or Too Late: Timing your pop correctly is crucial. Popping too early will cause you to miss the rail, while popping too late might result in a harsh landing.
- Not Keeping the Board Parallel: If your board isn’t perfectly aligned with the rail, you risk falling off or even hitting the rail in an uncomfortable way. Practice keeping the deck parallel to the rail at all times.
- Overcompensating with Your Weight: Shifting your weight too much can cause the board to become unstable. Instead, try to stay centered over your skateboard.
Skateboarding Tricks for Kids: Boardslides and Beyond
Learning the boardslide is an excellent introduction to more complex skateboarding tricks. For kids who are just starting their skateboarding journey, mastering the basics is crucial. Start by practicing tricks like the ollie, kickflip, and even the simple grind.
You can explore more on skateboarding tricks for kids to find beginner-friendly tips that will set you up for success. Once you’ve got the hang of these basics, advancing to the boardslide will be a natural next step.
Tips for Progressing Your Boardslide
Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are a few tips to help you progress:
- Increase the Rail Height: Gradually work your way up to higher rails. This will increase the challenge and improve your confidence.
- Experiment with Different Obstacles: Don’t just stick to flat bars. Try your boardslides on ledges, downrails, and even curbs for variety.
- Focus on Your Exit: Perfect your landing technique to ensure a clean exit from the rail. A smooth exit is just as important as the slide itself.
How to Boardslide Skateboard Like a Pro
If you’re looking to take your boardslides to the next level, start focusing on style. Professional skaters often add personal flair to their slides, whether it’s tweaking the angle of the board mid-slide or extending the duration of the grind.
Work on increasing your speed while maintaining control and balance. A true pro boardslide looks effortless, so aim for smoothness and consistency.
Conclusion
Skateboarding is a sport of trial, error, and improvement. The boardslide is an iconic trick that every skater should learn, but it takes time, patience, and practice. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll soon find yourself gliding effortlessly across rails. Keep practicing, stay confident, and most importantly, have fun with the process!