Have you ever found yourself watching skateboarders effortlessly glide across rails with the coolest boardslide moves and wondered, “How do they do that?” It’s one thing to appreciate the skill from a distance, but it’s another to get on the board yourself and master the move. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater looking to expand your trick repertoire, boardslides can be both a fun and challenging trick to learn. This guide will walk you through the entire process, helping you understand what it takes to conquer the boardslide on a skateboard with confidence and style.
Understanding the Boardslide
First, let’s clarify what a boardslide is. A boardslide is a type of skateboarding trick where you approach an obstacle such as a rail or ledge and slide along it in a balanced stance, using the middle of your board. It’s considered one of the foundational rail tricks in skateboarding. While it may seem complex, breaking down the trick step-by-step can make the learning process smoother.
Why Learn the Boardslide?
Aside from looking incredibly cool, mastering the boardslide opens up a world of possibilities for integrating more advanced tricks into your skateboarding routine. It’s a key step for any skateboarder interested in expanding their skills and offers a great way to build confidence on the board.
Ideal Conditions for Learning
Before you dive into attempting a boardslide, consider the environment in which you’ll be practicing:
- Surface: Choose a smooth, flat surface to start. This will make the learning process easier and help prevent accidents.
- Obstacle: Start small, such as a low rail or ledge. Too high an obstacle can be daunting and increase the risk of injury.
- Safety Gear: Always wear protective gear—helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards—to ensure your safety while learning new tricks.
Preparing Your Equipment
Having the right equipment can significantly impact your learning curve and safety. Here’s what to focus on:
Selecting the Right Skateboard
While almost any skateboard can be used for a boardslide, certain features might make it easier:
- Deck: A standard skateboard deck is typically ideal, but ensure it’s not too narrow, as balance is crucial.
- Trucks and Wheels: Ensure your trucks are not too tight or too loose. A moderate setting will allow flexibility and control. Wheels should be hard enough to slide smoothly but not so hard that they risk sliding out too easily.
Maintaining Your Skateboard
Regularly checking your skateboard for any loose hardware, damaged parts, or excessive wear is essential for both performance and safety. Before practicing, make sure everything is in prime condition to handle the trick.
Getting to Know the Steps of a Boardslide
Breaking down the boardslide into sequential steps makes it easier to learn and master:
Step 1: Approach
Begin by cruising towards the rail or ledge at a moderate speed. Approaching too quickly can cause loss of control, while going too slowly might hinder the slide. Your feet should be positioned as they normally would be for a simple ride, with your front foot just behind the front trucks and your back foot on the tail.
Step 2: Ollie Onto the Rail
The ollie is an essential maneuver in many skateboarding tricks, including the boardslide. As you near the rail, get ready to ollie, lifting the board so that it lands perpendicular to the rail. Your front trucks should clear the rail completely to ensure a smooth slide.
Step 3: Center Your Weight
Once on the rail, center your weight over the deck. Balance is crucial; too much weight on one side can lead to a fall. Keep your knees slightly bent and your shoulders parallel to the rail, maintaining balance throughout the slide.
Step 4: Sliding
While sliding, try to stay relaxed and let your skateboard do the work. Using your arms for balance is important here; adjust their position as needed to maintain stability. Your eyes should remain focused on the end of the rail, anticipating the landing.
Step 5: Exiting the Boardslide
As you near the end of the rail, prepare to exit smoothly. A slight push with your back foot can help navigate the board off the rail. From there, simply ride away with a sense of accomplishment and a bit more confidence in your skateboarding skills.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with guidance, you may encounter some common challenges when learning the boardslide. Here are a few issues you might face and how to overcome them:
Losing Balance
Issue: Losing balance during the slide is a common difficulty.
Solution: Focus on keeping your knees bent and shoulders parallel to the obstacle. Practice balance on flat ground to build confidence.
Stalling on the Rail
Issue: Stalling, or stopping midway through a slide, can be frustrating.
Solution: Ensure you’re approaching with enough speed and that your body weight is properly centered over the rail.
Falling from the Board
Issue: Falls happen, especially when trying new tricks.
Solution: Don’t forget to wear your safety gear and practice on a forgiving surface first. Start slow and build your way up to more speed and height.
Progressing Your Skills
Once you’ve nailed the basic boardslide, there’s a natural progression to explore more advanced variations and tricks. You can experiment with boardslides on different types of obstacles, such as kinked rails or hubbas. You can also incorporate spins or style variations that add flair to your trick execution.
Tracking Your Progress
Keeping a log of your practice sessions can be beneficial. Note the conditions, outcomes, and any adjustments you made. Over time, reviewing your progress can reveal patterns and areas where more practice is needed.
Celebrating Your Achievements
Mastering a new skateboarding trick is no small feat, so take the time to celebrate your progress, no matter how minor it may seem. Achievements not only build confidence but also fuel motivation for learning additional tricks. Share your success with fellow skaters or record your progress on social media to inspire others.
Remember, every skateboarder was once a beginner, and practice is the key to progress. Embrace the challenges and enjoy the creative, expressive journey that skateboarding offers. As you get more comfortable with boardslides, you’ll open up doors to more complex and fulfilling tricks, making your skating experience even more enjoyable. So get out there and let the ride begin!