Chapter 17: How to 50-50 Grind

Skateboarding Made Simple · Chapter 17 of 18

Difficulty: ●●●●○ IntermediateTime to learn: 2 to 4 weeks

A 50-50 grind means both trucks slide along the edge of a curb, ledge or rail. It is the first grind most skaters learn.

In This Chapter

  • Choosing your first ledge
  • The approach
  • Locking in
  • Getting off

Gear Check

Board, sturdy trucks, wax for the ledge, and a solid ollie.

Step by Step

  1. Pick a low, waxed curb or ledge.
  2. Approach almost parallel to the ledge at a slight angle.
  3. Ollie up so both trucks land on the edge.
  4. Keep your weight centered over the board.
  5. At the end, lift the nose slightly and ride off.

Tip

Wax the ledge. A waxed ledge makes grinds smooth and easy.

Remember

Ollie high enough to clear the ledge before landing on it.

Warning

Ledges and rails can hurt if you slip. Start low.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

  • Not ollying high enough. Ollie up and over.
  • Leaning off the ledge. Stay centered.
  • Approach too steep. Come in at a gentler angle.

Skate Nerd Stuff

A 5-0 is the same idea but balancing only on the back truck.

Your Practice Plan

  1. Ollie up and land on top of the curb.
  2. Try short 50-50s.
  3. Grind the full length.

Next chapter

Chapter 18: How to Boardslide →

Need gear or a hand dialing it in? Stop by the shop inside the Carson City Mall or shop trucks online.

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