How To Do A Smith Grind On A Skateboard?

Have you ever watched a skateboarder execute a smooth Smith Grind and thought, “How do they make it look so effortless?” You’re not alone. Many skateboarding enthusiasts, whether you’re just beginning to explore skateboarding or you’re seasoned on the deck, find the Smith Grind to be an impressive yet attainable trick to add to their repertoire. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of performing a Smith Grind on a skateboard and break it down step-by-step so you can feel confident the next time you’re out at the skate park.

Understanding the Smith Grind

Before getting into mastering the Smith Grind, it’s beneficial to understand what this trick entails. Named after the legendary skateboarder Mike Smith, the Smith Grind is a grind trick where you balance on a rail or edge. The front truck goes over the obstacle while the back truck grinds along the rail. It’s a trick that requires a blend of balance, confidence, and timing.

The Science Behind The Trick

So, what happens when you perform a Smith Grind? Imagine you’re approaching a rail. You’ll need to pop an ollie to get the board airborne. Once you’re up, the back truck latches onto the rail while the front truck dips below, providing both the point of contact and a stylish stance. This position provides a unique look that distinguishes the Smith Grind from other grind tricks like the 50-50 or the Feeble Grind.

Pre-requisites for a Successful Smith Grind

While enthusiasm is excellent, having a foundation of skills is crucial for a successful Smith Grind.

Mastering the Ollie

The ollie is the starting point for various tricks, including the Smith Grind. Without a strong, controlled ollie, you’ll struggle to approach the rail or ledge with the confidence needed. Practice your ollies to maintain a clean and controlled pop. Your board should level out in the air, preparing you for a precise landing onto the rail.

Understanding the Basics of Grinding

Before you hit the Smith Grind, make sure you’re comfortable with basic grind tricks. Practice the 50-50 grind, where both trucks lock onto the rail. This experience gives you a feel for the balance required and gets you used to the notion of sliding along an edge.

Setting Up for the Smith Grind

Every trick begins with a solid setup. Approach matters, so getting your stance, speed, and angle correct is crucial.

Stance and Positioning

Your feet should be set up for an ollie. Position your back foot on the tail of your skateboard and your front foot just behind the front bolts. This positioning primes you for an easy ollie.

Speed Control

Speed is your friend when trying a Smith Grind. Go too slow, and you might lose momentum and fall off. But go too fast, and you might lose control. Aim for a moderate speed that gives you enough energy to complete the grind while still maintaining control.

Approach Angle

Approaching the rail at the correct angle makes all the difference. A slight angle is often best – not too straight to avoid sliding out, and not too steep to miss the grind entirely. The angle helps you lock the back truck on the rail while navigating the board into a balanced grind position.

Executing the Smith Grind

Once you’re set up, it’s time to tackle the Smith Grind. Break it down into manageable steps so you can master each part before combining them for a complete trick.

Popping the Ollie

As you near the rail, pop an ollie. Use your back foot to press down and snap the tail against the ground. This action launches your board into the air. Simultaneously, use your front foot to level the skateboard out while bringing it over the rail.

Locking In the Grind

While in the air, aim to land with your back truck on the rail while your front truck dips below the obstacle. This move is the essence of the Smith Grind. Properly “locking in” provides stability and the confidence to slide.

Balancing the Grind

Balance is paramount once you’ve locked in. Use your knees to absorb shocks and help maintain equilibrium as you slide. Keep your weight distributed over the back truck, which acts as the pivot point of the grind. A slight lean helps control the board and ensures you’re ready for the dismount.

Finishing the Grind

Successfully getting on the rail is an accomplishment, but you’re only halfway there. Dismounting cleanly is just as important.

Preparing for the Dismount

As you near the end of the rail or your desired ending point, prepare to dismount. Shift your weight slightly towards the tail and prepare for a small pop to lift the front truck over and back down to the ground.

Landing the Trick

Bring the front truck up, leading into a small jump off the rail. Level out your board in the air, so both trucks land simultaneously. Aim for a clean landing, bending your knees to absorb impact and ride away smoothly.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Like any advanced skill, the Smith Grind presents challenges. Understanding and addressing these roadblocks will speed up your learning process.

Loss of Balance

Struggling with balance is common, especially as you first attempt this trick. Practice makes perfect. Utilize balance exercises away from the skateboard, such as balancing on one leg, to improve your overall stability.

Inconsistent Speed

Speed control takes time and practice. If you’re finding it hard to get your speed right, practice controlling your approach alone, just riding towards the obstacle without actually grinding. Once comfortable, add back your ollie and grind.

Misjudging the Rail

Another common issue is mistiming the rail approach angle. Spend time observing and understanding the angle before attempting. Visualize the movement before executing it. Slowly increasing your attempts will help in adjusting your perception and approach.

Tips for Successful Learning

As you embark on mastering the Smith Grind, embrace these tips to enhance your learning curve.

Record and Review

Taking videos of your attempts can be incredibly informative. Analyze footage to pinpoint areas needing improvement. Note where you succeed and where adjustments are necessary.

Patience is Key

Like learning any new skill, patience is crucial. Progress might seem slow at first, but persistence will pay off. Celebrate small victories, like getting your trucks on the rail for the first time.

Seek Feedback and Coaching

Sometimes, an external perspective can uncover areas for improvement that you haven’t noticed. Whether it’s a friend, a fellow skater, or an instructor, seeking feedback can provide insights that propel you forward.

Staying Safe While Learning

Safety should always be your top priority when learning skateboarding tricks. Adopt practices that protect you and build your confidence.

Wearing Protective Gear

Ensure you’re equipped with protective gear before hitting the rails. This includes a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Such protection minimizes injuries, especially during early attempts.

Selecting the Right Environment

Choose a safe environment to practice, free of unnecessary distractions. Whether it’s a skate park or a less crowded area, ensure the space is welcoming and conducive to focused practice.

Understanding Your Limits

Pushing boundaries is part of skateboarding, but recognizing your limits prevents injuries. Don’t shy away from backing off if a trick isn’t working. Sometimes, a bit more observation or practice is needed before you can safely execute the move.

Your Path to Mastering the Smith Grind

Practice, perseverance, and patience transform ambitions into accomplishments. As you spend time mastering the Smith Grind, remember to enjoy the process. Personal growth and skill development take time, so savor each moment on your board. Skateboarding is as much about expression and personal style as it is about technique, so infuse your journey with your unique touch.

Here’s a quick reference table summarizing key points:

By understanding these aspects, you can tailor your practice to build towards landed Smith Grinds, enhancing both your skills and enjoyment in skateboarding. Now, go ahead and bring life to your Smith Grind aspirations. Happy riding!