Chapter 18: How to Boardslide

Skateboarding Made Simple · Chapter 18 of 18

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

In a boardslide, the middle of your board slides across a rail or ledge with the obstacle between your trucks. It looks great and feels even better.

In This Chapter

  • Choosing a rail
  • Turning onto the rail
  • Sliding and turning off

Gear Check

Board, wax, flat bar or low rail, and a solid ollie.

Step by Step

  1. Start with a low, flat bar.
  2. Approach nearly parallel to the rail.
  3. Ollie and turn 90 degrees so the middle of the board lands on the rail.
  4. Keep your weight centered and knees bent.
  5. At the end, turn back 90 degrees and roll away.

Tip

Look at the end of the rail, not down. Your body follows your eyes.

Remember

Wax helps the board slide instead of sticking.

Warning

If you slide off the side, step off with both feet. Do not try to save it.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

  • Board sticks. Add wax and come in faster.
  • Over-turning. Turn exactly 90 degrees.
  • Weight too far back. Stay centered.

Skate Nerd Stuff

A lipslide is a boardslide where your back truck goes over the rail first.

Your Practice Plan

  1. Practice ollie 90s on flat ground.
  2. Try short boardslides on a low bar.
  3. Slide the full length.

Back to the start

Chapter 1: Build Your First Setup →

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

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