Have you ever watched a skateboarder glide effortlessly across a rail and thought, “How do they make it look so easy?” Learning to perform a boardslide is a thrilling milestone in any skateboarder’s journey. It combines balance, precision, and style, allowing you to express your creativity on a skateboard. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to master the boardslide, starting from the basics and building up to pulling off the trick on your next skate session.
Understanding the Basics of a Boardslide
Before attempting a boardslide, it’s crucial to understand what it is. A boardslide is a trick where you slide along an object, such as a rail or ledge, while your skateboard is perpendicular to it. It’s a fundamental move used by skateboarders to showcase their skills, and mastering it opens the door to a whole host of other tricks.
What You Need
To begin, you’ll need a skateboard, safety gear, and a suitable rail or ledge to practice on. Consider wearing a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads to protect yourself from potential falls.
The Right Equipment
Ensure your skateboard is in good condition. It should have a grippy deck and properly inflated wheels. Waning or damaged grip tape can make it challenging to maintain control during tricks. Choose a rail or ledge that’s not too high off the ground to minimize the risk of injury when learning.
| Equipment | Specification |
|---|---|
| Skateboard | Good grip tape, well-maintained |
| Safety Gear | Helmet, knee pads, elbow pads |
| Rail/Ledge | Low height, smooth surface |
Preparation Steps
Getting ready to perform a boardslide involves some critical steps that ensure you are mentally and physically prepared.
Warm Up
Warming up is essential to prevent injury and perform at your best. Spend at least 10 minutes on basic skateboarding maneuvers like pushing, kickturning, and popping ollies.
Mental Readiness
Visualizing the boardslide can significantly affect your performance. Picture yourself successfully completing the slide while maintaining composure and style.
Learning the Boardslide
Let’s break down how to execute a boardslide step-by-step so you can practice and tweak your form as you progress.
Step 1: Approach the Rail
Approach the rail at a straight angle. You need enough speed to slide across but not so much that you feel out of control. Practice finding a comfortable speed before heading to the rail.
Step 2: Ollie Onto the Rail
As you near the rail, prepare to ollie. Keep your knees bent and eyes on your target. Popping a good ollie is crucial as it helps you land on the rail correctly.
Step 3: Landing in the Boardslide Position
Once you’ve ollied, your aim is to land with the center of your skateboard on the rail. Your feet should be positioned over the bolts for stability, and your weight centered to maintain balance.
Step 4: Maintain the Slide
Balance is key here. Look in the direction you’re sliding and keep your body relaxed. Use your arms to help maintain balance and stay focused on your end goal.
Step 5: Completing the Slide
As you reach the end of the rail, begin preparing for the dismount. Shift your weight slightly back, and allow the front wheels to lift, guiding your board smoothly off the rail.
Step 6: Roll Away Cleanly
Aim to land with your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact. Keep rolling away with style, and take a moment to feel great about achieving the boardslide!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect Speed
Finding the right speed can be tricky. Going too fast can lead to loss of control, while too slow might not allow for a smooth slide. Practice on different sections of the rail to find your optimal speed.
Poor Balance
Improper weight distribution can cause you to fall off the rail. Consistently work on your balance and core strength through additional exercises like yoga or balance boarding.
Inaccurate Ollie
If your ollie isn’t accurately positioned over the rail, you’re likely to miss the boardslide. Work on your ollie technique regularly to improve accuracy.
Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence
Skateboarding is as much a mental challenge as it is physical. Overcoming fear and anxiety is fundamental to successfully performing tricks like the boardslide.
Start Small
Choose a smaller rail or ledge initially. As your confidence grows, progressively increase the difficulty by moving to taller or longer rails.
Practice Regularly
Consistency is key. The more consistent you are with practice, the more natural the boardslide will become. Aim for daily practice sessions if possible.
Surround Yourself with Support
Skateboarding with friends who encourage and support you can massively increase your confidence. Learning with peers can also be motivating and increase the fun you have while skateboarding.
Improving Your Boardslide
After you’ve mastered the basic boardslide, there are techniques to refine and enhance your style further.
Style and Precision
Skateboarding isn’t just about performing tricks but how stylish and precise you can be while doing so. Try different variations and incorporate your unique style into each boardslide.
Incorporating Other Tricks
Once you’re comfortable with boardslides, consider adding combinations with other tricks like a kickflip or shuvit before or after the slide.
Increasing Difficulty
Challenge yourself by practicing on different surfaces, such as different rail materials or wider ledges.
Safety Tips While Performing A Boardslide
Always Wear Protection
Even when you feel confident, continue to wear protective gear. Accidents can happen, and it’s crucial to stay safe.
Watch Your Surroundings
Be mindful of your surroundings, ensuring the area is clear of obstacles or people for a distraction-free practice session.
Know Your Limits
While pushing yourself is essential for progress, knowing when to take a break is equally important. Skateboarding is demanding, and overexertion can lead to injuries.
FAQs on Boardslides
How long does it take to learn a boardslide?
Learning a boardslide can vary from person to person. Some might pick it up in a few weeks, while others may take a couple of months. It all depends on the frequency of practice and your comfort with skating.
What should I do if I’m stuck on a certain step?
If you find yourself struggling, break the trick down into smaller parts. For instance, focus solely on perfecting your ollie for a week before attempting the slide.
Can boardslides be done on different surfaces?
Yes, boardslides can be performed on various surfaces. Beginners are advised to start on smoother metals or plastic rails which offer less resistance, making the slide easier.
Is it normal to fall a lot when learning boardslides?
Absolutely. Falling is part and parcel of skateboarding. Ensure you’re wearing your safety gear and embrace falls as learning opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to do a boardslide on a skateboard is a rewarding experience that challenges both your mental and physical skills. As you practice, remember that patience, persistence, and positivity are key components of success. Keep challenging yourself, stay safe, and enjoy the process of mastering one of skateboarding’s signature moves. Your dedication will pay off, and you’ll be sliding and gliding like a pro in no time!