How to Boardslide

The step-by-step guide “How to Boardslide” offers instructions for mastering the popular skateboarding trick. It is suitable for beginners and experienced skateboarders looking to improve their skills.

1

Get the Right Equipment

Before attempting a boardslide, make sure you have the right skateboard.

  • Choose a skateboard with a sturdy deck that can withstand the pressure of tricks. Check for any cracks or signs of wear and tear.
  • Ensure your skateboard has smooth wheels that roll effortlessly on different surfaces. This will make it easier to slide and maneuver during the boardslide.
  • Check the trucks of your skateboard. They should not be too tight, as this can restrict movement, nor too loose, which can make it difficult to maintain balance.
  • Make sure your skateboard is properly assembled. Tighten any loose bolts and ensure that all components are securely fastened.

By having a skateboard that is suitable for tricks, in good condition, and properly assembled, you will have the confidence and stability needed to successfully perform a boardslide.

2

Find a Suitable Spot

  1. Find a skatepark or a smooth, flat surface: Look for a location that provides a suitable space for practicing your boardslide. For example, you can head to your local skatepark, which usually offers various obstacles and ramps designed specifically for skateboarding. Alternatively, find a smooth and flat surface, such as a parking lot or an empty basketball court, where you can practice your boardslide.
  2. Ensure the presence of a low obstacle: Look for a spot that has a low obstacle, such as a curb or a rail, that you can use for your boardslide. This obstacle should be of a height that you feel comfortable with and matches your skill level. For instance, if you are a beginner, find a lower curb or rail to start with and gradually progress to higher obstacles as you gain confidence and skill.
  3. Clear the surface of any debris or hazards: Before attempting your boardslide, make sure the surface is free from any debris, like rocks or sticks, that could potentially cause accidents or interfere with your slide. Additionally, check for any potential hazards, such as cracks or uneven surfaces, that could lead to unexpected falls or injuries. For instance, sweep away any loose gravel or dirt and inspect the obstacle for any loose screws or sharp edges that could cause harm.

Remember to prioritize your safety and choose a spot that suits your skill level. By finding a suitable spot with a skatepark or a smooth, flat surface and ensuring the absence of debris or hazards, you can create a safe and optimal environment for practicing your boardslide.

3

Approach the Obstacle

  • Approach the obstacle with enough speed to carry you through the boardslide.
  • Keep your front foot slightly angled towards the nose of the skateboard.
  • Position your back foot near the tail for stability.
  • Maintain a balanced stance as you approach the obstacle.
  • Prepare to execute the boardslide smoothly and confidently.
4

Ollie or Pop Shove-it

Perform an ollie by popping the tail of the skateboard down. Slide your front foot towards the nose while lifting your back foot. Example: Pop the tail down, slide your front foot forward, and lift your back foot to initiate the ollie.

Execute a pop shove-it by using your back foot to kick the tail sideways. Jump slightly off the ground. Example: Use your back foot to kick the tail sideways and jump a little off the ground to perform a pop shove-it.

5

Position Your Body

  1. As you’re in mid-air, position your body over the obstacle: Ensure that your upper body is aligned with the rail or curb, keeping your shoulders parallel to it. This will help you maintain stability and control throughout the trick.
  2. Keep your knees bent for balance: Flex your knees slightly to lower your center of gravity and provide better stability. This will help you absorb any impact upon landing and maintain control of your skateboard.
  3. Maintain a centered stance on the skateboard: Make sure your weight is evenly distributed on the skateboard to maintain balance and control. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward, as this can cause you to lose your balance or pop your board off the obstacle.
6

Slide and Balance

  • Approach the obstacle.
  • Slide your board along the rail or curb using the bottom of your skateboard.
  • Shift your weight slightly towards your toes to maintain balance and control.
  • Keep your eyes focused on the landing spot.

For example, as you approach the rail, use the bottom of your skateboard to slide along it, keeping your weight slightly towards your toes to stay balanced. Keep your eyes on the landing spot to ensure a smooth and controlled landing.

7

Prepare for Landing

  • Keep your body centered and your knees bent as you near the end of the boardslide.
  • Focus your eyes on the landing spot and be prepared to absorb the impact with your legs.
  • Maintain a stable position and continue to keep your body aligned.
  • Bend your knees to cushion the landing and distribute the impact evenly.
  • Stay relaxed and ready to adjust your body position if needed.
  • Aim to land with both feet at the same time to maintain balance and stability.
8

Land and Roll Away

  1. As your skateboard reaches the end of the rail or curb, land with both feet on the bolts of your skateboard.
  2. Absorb the impact by bending your knees. This will help you maintain balance and prevent any jarring movements.
  3. Once you’ve absorbed the impact, roll away smoothly. Use your momentum to continue moving forward and regain control of your skateboard.
  4. Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your successful boardslide! Take a moment to appreciate your accomplishment and enjoy the satisfaction of nailing the trick.

Remember, practicing this maneuver repeatedly will help you improve your landing and rolling technique, making it easier and smoother each time. Keep pushing yourself, and have fun mastering the art of skateboarding!

Mastering the Technique

In conclusion, the boardslide is a trick that can be mastered with dedication and perseverance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enhance your skateboarding abilities and showcase a stylish maneuver. Prioritize safety by wearing the necessary protective equipment and practicing in a controlled setting. Now, get out there and enjoy the thrill of skateboarding!

Necessary supplies

  • Skateboard
  • Skate shoes
  • Helmet
  • Knee pads
  • Elbow pads
  • Wrist guards
  • Skate wax

Master the Slide

  • Start by practicing on flat ground before attempting to boardslide on a rail or ledge
  • Approach the rail or ledge at a moderate speed with your feet positioned slightly wider than shoulder-width apart
  • As you approach the obstacle, bend your knees and prepare to jump onto it
  • As you pop off the ground, lift your front foot and angle your board at a 90-degree angle to the rail or ledge
  • Aim to land with your board centered and perpendicular to the obstacle
  • As you slide, keep your weight centered over the board and your knees slightly bent to maintain balance
  • Use your arms for stability and to help maintain your balance
  • Look in the direction you want to slide and focus on keeping your body aligned with your board
  • When reaching the end of the rail or ledge, prepare to lift your board and pop off to land smoothly
  • Practice, practice, practice! The more you try, the better you will become at boardsliding

Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Skateboard Tricks

  • Start by practicing the basic riding techniques, such as finding your balance, pushing off, and turning
  • Learn the different types of skateboard tricks, such as ollies, kickflips, and grinds
  • Watch tutorial videos or seek guidance from experienced skateboarders to understand the proper techniques and body movements for each trick
  • Start with small and simple tricks, gradually progressing to more advanced ones as you gain confidence and skill
  • Practice regularly and be patient, as mastering skateboard tricks takes time and perseverance

Mastering Skateboard Tricks: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you explain the concept of a “vert trick” and give examples?

A “vert trick” refers to a type of trick performed by skateboarders, BMX riders, or inline skaters on a vertical ramp, also known as a halfpipe or quarterpipe. The main characteristic of these tricks is that they are executed while the rider is airborne, typically launching off the ramp and performing various maneuvers in mid-air before landing back on the ramp.

Examples of vert tricks include:

  1. Air: A basic trick where the rider launches off the ramp, extends their legs, and maintains balance in mid-air before landing back on the ramp.
  2. Ollie: This is a foundational trick where the rider pops the board off the ramp using their back foot and levels it out in the air before landing.
  3. 540: A spin trick where the rider rotates their body and board 540 degrees in the air before landing.
  4. McTwist: A more advanced trick invented by Mike McGill, which involves a 540 spin with a front flip, where the rider grabs the board and rotates while flipping forward.
  5. Indy Grab: A grab trick where the rider reaches down and grabs the skateboard between their feet while in mid-air.
  6. Invert: In this trick, the rider extends their body upside down, with their head pointing towards the ramp, while holding onto the board.

What are some basic skateboard tricks that beginners can learn?

There are several basic skateboard tricks that beginners can learn:

  1. Ollie: The most fundamental trick in skateboarding, where the rider jumps and brings the skateboard off the ground.
  2. Manual: Balancing on the rear wheels of the skateboard while keeping the front wheels off the ground.
  3. Kickflip: A trick where the rider flips the skateboard in the air by kicking the edge with their foot.
  4. Pop Shove-It: The rider pops the board into the air, makes it spin 180 degrees horizontally, and lands back on the board.
  5. Boardslide: Sliding along an obstacle, like a rail or ledge, with the underside of the skateboard.
  6. Rock-to-Fakie: Riding up a ramp, turning 180 degrees, and rolling back down fakie (riding backward).
  7. 180: Turning the skateboard 180 degrees while in the air or on the ground.
  8. Boneless: Grabbing the board with one hand and jumping off the ground, then putting the board back under the feet.

Can you explain the difference between a kickflip and a heelflip?

Certainly! A kickflip and a heelflip are two different skateboarding tricks.

A kickflip is performed by using the front foot to kick the skateboard’s tail down while simultaneously sliding the front foot diagonally towards the edge of the skateboard. This causes the skateboard to flip, spinning in a horizontal axis, usually 360 degrees, before landing back on the ground. The skateboarder’s back foot stays on the board during the flip, guiding it and preparing to catch it before landing.

On the other hand, a heelflip is executed by popping the skateboard’s tail in a similar manner to a kickflip, but instead of sliding the front foot diagonally, the skater uses their heel to drag along the side of the skateboard, causing it to flip vertically. The board spins 360 degrees in this vertical axis and is then caught by the skater’s back foot before landing.

In summary, the main difference between a kickflip and a heelflip lies in the direction and axis of the flip. While a kickflip spins horizontally, a heelflip spins vertically, resulting in distinct variations in style and technique.