Have you ever marveled at skateboarders gracefully sliding along an obstacle before coming to a smooth stop? Among all the jaw-dropping tricks in skateboarding, the blunt slide is a classic that stands out due to its complexity and elegance. Whether you’re seeking to nail your next trick or simply wishing to understand the mechanics behind it, learning how to do a blunt slide can bring you immense satisfaction and elevate your skateboarding prowess.
Understanding the Basics of a Blunt Slide
Before embarking on the journey to mastering a blunt slide, it’s important to comprehend what it actually entails. In skateboarding terms, a blunt slide is a trick where the skateboard’s tail slides across an edge, rail, or ledge while the front wheels stay suspended in the air. It requires a sturdy balance, precise control, and ample practice to get it just right.
Essential Prerequisites
Getting a hang of a blunt slide isn’t an overnight affair. It requires building upon foundational skills and ensuring your comfort level with certain moves. Here are some prerequisites you need to have under your belt:
- Ollie Proficiency: Being comfortable with the ollie is crucial as it sets the stage for most trick initiations, including the blunt slide.
- 180-degree Spin: You should be able to perform a 180-degree spin since the entry into a blunt slide often involves a rotational component.
- Confidence with Slides: Before attempting a blunt slide, practice other slides like the board slide or nose slide to better your understanding of balance and control.
Basic Equipment Needed
- Skateboard: Choose a skateboard that you feel comfortable and balanced on. The size and shape should complement your stature and skill level.
- Skate Shoes: Ensure you have a good pair of skate shoes for enhanced grip and protection.
- Safety Gear: Helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads are essential to protect yourself from potential falls and injuries while practicing.
Steps to Perform a Blunt Slide
Once you’ve got your prerequisites and equipment squared away, it’s time to focus on the steps to perform a blunt slide. Keep the following stages in mind and try each out at your own pace.
Find the Right Spot
Finding the appropriate spot to practice your blunt slide is crucial. Start with a low ledge or rail where you can practice getting into and out of the trick slowly. Ensure the surface is smooth and non-slip to maintain control during the slide.
Gain Speed and Approach
Begin by gaining a comfortable amount of speed. While not all tricks require high speed, having enough velocity can help you maintain momentum during the blunt slide. Approach the ledge or rail at a slight angle, preparing to pop your board into the slide.
Initiate the Ollie
As you approach the obstacle, use your back foot to pop the tail of your skateboard down while simultaneously dragging your front foot upwards to initiate an ollie. The aim is to get enough height and control to position your wheels above the rail or ledge.
Position the Board
Here’s the critical part of securing your board for the slide:
- Tail Positioning: As you settle from the ollie, aim to plant the tail of your skateboard onto the edge. Take care to ensure your board is as parallel as possible with the obstacle, keeping the front wheels lifted.
- Balance and Control: Your body weight should be centered over the tail. Use your shoulders to align with the board and keep the balance steady as you slide.
Sliding Along
Once the tail is secure and your balance is centered, the slide should feel fluid. Keep your gaze slightly ahead to anticipate the end of the obstacle. Maintain tension in your legs to adjust your balance if needed.
Preparing for the Exit
As you reach the end of the slide, ready yourself to exit the blunt slide smoothly. Here, precision is key:
- Releasing the Tail: Shift your weight slightly forward to lift the tail and make a clean exit from the obstacle.
- Guide with Shoulders: Let your shoulders’ movement guide your board, helping to align it back to a stable position ready to roll onward.
Common Challenges and Fixes
Like any skateboarding trick, blunt slides come with their own set of challenges. Understanding some common obstacles and how to address them can make the learning process smoother.
Balance Issues
Struggling to keep your balance during a slide? This is often due to misalignment of body weight.
- Fix: Practice standing in a blunt slide position on a stationary board to build confidence. Focus on keeping your center of gravity over the tail and use your arms for additional balance.
Board Sticking
If the board tends to stick or halt abruptly on the rail, it could be an issue with the surface or technique.
- Fix: Ensure the obstacle is waxed where you’ll perform the slide. Additionally, check that your tail is properly positioned, keeping pressure constant throughout the slide.
Failing to Exit Smoothly
Finding it tricky to wrap up the trick with style? Exiting a blunt without catching on the rail calls for precise timing.
- Fix: Practice the exit motion separately. Focus on lifting the tail sharply before reaching the end of the slide and let your upper body guide the direction.
Tips for Perfecting the Blunt Slide
It’s no secret that practice is the secret ingredient to mastering any skateboarding trick. Here are some additional tips to help polish your blunt slide technique:
Consistent Practice
Allocate regular practice sessions at your local skatepark or on a controlled surface. Repeatedly attempting the blunt slide reinforces muscle memory, making each attempt more intuitive.
Watch and Learn
Watching other skateboarders execute a blunt slide can provide visual cues you might have missed. Consider observing skilled skateboarders in action or checking out video tutorials online.
Keep a Positive Mindset
Skateboarding is as much about mental resilience as it is about physical skill. Stay patient and positive with yourself. Treat each unsuccessful attempt as a stepping stone towards mastering the trick.
Experiment with Style
Once you’re comfortable with the basic movement, personalize your blunt slide approach. Experiment with your speed, entry angle, and exit flair to make the trick uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
Attempting a blunt slide on your skateboard is an exhilarating challenge that embodies the spirit of skateboarding—creativity, patience, and perseverance. Embrace each stage of learning, from initial tumbles to the triumphant slide, knowing that each phase enriches your journey and hones your skills. Remember, every skater has a unique style and pace, so focus on what feels right for you and continually push the boundaries of your capabilities. Now, it’s time to immerse yourself in the experience, enjoy the thrill, and slide into your sense of accomplishment!
