LA's favorite skate coach breaks down the boardslide in today's trick tip video!
Ready to glide into the world of skateboarding with the classic boardslide? This iconic trick is a staple in any skater's repertoire and serves as a gateway to more advanced rail and ledge tricks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater looking to refine your technique, mastering the boardslide is a must. In this humorous and informative guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to execute a flawless boardslide, troubleshoot common issues, and highlight how Coyote Skate & Surf School in Los Angeles can help you learn to skateboard and surf with expert lessons.
What is a Boardslide?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of executing a boardslide, let’s break down what it actually is. A boardslide is a trick where you approach an obstacle, like a rail or ledge, and slide across it with the middle of your board. It’s a stylish maneuver that showcases control and balance, making it a favorite among skaters of all levels.
Anatomy of a Boardslide
Approach: Skate towards the obstacle with the right speed and angle.
Ollie: Pop the board and get the back truck over the obstacle.
Slide: Land the middle of your board on the obstacle and slide across.
Exit: Shift your weight to return the board to the original stance and ride away smoothly.
Building Your Foundation: Prerequisites
Before tackling the boardslide, make sure you're comfortable with the following:
Ollie: You’ll need to pop the board confidently to get it onto the obstacle.
Balance: Core strength and balance are key to sliding smoothly and maintaining control.
Speed Control: Understanding how to control your speed on approach is crucial.
Safety First
Before hitting the rail, gear up! Wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to protect yourself from any mishaps. It’s better to look like a well-padded ninja than to end up with a boo-boo!
Setting Up for Success: Skateboard and Environment
Skateboard Setup
Deck Size: A medium-sized deck (7.75" to 8.25") provides stability and control.
Trucks: Make sure your trucks are well-maintained and not too tight, allowing for smooth grinds.
Wheels: Medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) are ideal for street skating.
Choosing the Right Obstacle
Start Small: Begin with a low rail or ledge to build confidence.
Smooth Surface: Ensure the obstacle has a smooth surface for a clean slide.
Flat Ground: Practice on flat ground to avoid any unexpected bumps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Boardslide
Step 1: Approach the Obstacle
Start by approaching the obstacle at a comfortable speed. Too fast, and you might overshoot; too slow, and you won’t slide. The sweet spot is somewhere in between.
Angle: Approach at a slight angle, not directly perpendicular.
Speed: Maintain a consistent speed for a smooth ollie.
Step 2: Pop the Ollie
As you get close to the obstacle, prepare to ollie. The goal is to get the back truck over the obstacle while keeping the front truck elevated.
Foot Position: Front foot near the middle of the board, back foot on the tail.
Pop: Use your back foot to pop the tail down while dragging your front foot up the board to level it out.
Step 3: Land the Slide
Once your board is above the obstacle, turn your shoulders perpendicular to the rail or ledge, and aim to land the middle of your board on the obstacle.
Balance: Center your weight over the board to maintain control.
Shoulders: Keep your shoulders aligned with the board to prevent slipping out.
Step 4: Control the Slide
As you slide, focus on maintaining your balance. Use your arms to stabilize yourself and avoid leaning too far forward or backward.
Eyes: Keep your eyes on the end of the obstacle to prepare for the exit.
Core: Engage your core muscles to stay balanced during the slide.
Step 5: Exit the Boardslide
When you reach the end of the obstacle, gently shift your weight back to bring the board back into its original position. Roll away with style!
Weight Shift: Use your hips to guide the board back to its original stance.
Ride Away: Bend your knees slightly to absorb any impact and continue skating smoothly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
As with any trick, boardslides come with their own set of challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
Problem 1: Slipping Out
Solution: If you’re slipping out backward, try leaning slightly forward to center your weight over the board. If you’re slipping out forward, lean slightly backward to regain balance.
Problem 2: Not Sliding
Solution: Ensure you’re applying enough speed and force when popping the ollie. A weak ollie or approach can cause you to stick instead of slide.
Problem 3: Losing Control
Solution: Focus on keeping your shoulders aligned with the board and engaging your core muscles for stability.
Problem 4: Falling Off the Obstacle
Solution: Practice your approach angle and ensure you’re not coming at the obstacle too steeply. A slight angle helps maintain control during the slide.
How Coyote Skate & Surf School Can Help
Mastering a trick like the boardslide requires practice, guidance, and a bit of humor to keep things light-hearted. Coyote Skate & Surf School in Los Angeles is here to help you learn to skateboard and surf with expert lessons tailored to your needs.
Why Choose Coyote Skate & Surf School?
Experienced Instructors: Our team of skilled instructors brings years of skateboarding and surfing experience to the table, helping you learn efficiently and safely.
Tailored Lessons: We offer personalized lessons to suit your skill level, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to master advanced tricks.
Fun and Supportive Environment: Learning should be fun! Our instructors create a positive and encouraging atmosphere where you can enjoy the journey.
Diverse Locations: With lessons available in iconic skate and surf spots like Venice Beach and Santa Monica, you’ll have access to a variety of environments to hone your skills.
Benefits of Professional Skateboarding and Surfing Lessons
Accelerated Learning: With professional guidance, you’ll progress faster and avoid common pitfalls.
Improved Technique: Our instructors focus on refining your technique, ensuring you build a strong foundation.
Confidence Boost: As you master new skills, your confidence will soar, both on and off the board.
Safety and Injury Prevention: Our instructors prioritize safety, teaching you how to prevent injuries and practice smart skateboarding and surfing habits.
Practice Drills and Exercises
To improve your boardslide consistency and confidence, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:
Ollie Practice
Work on your ollie technique by practicing on flat ground. Focus on popping the board and leveling it out consistently.
Balance Exercises
Engage in balance exercises, such as standing on one leg or using a balance board, to improve your stability and control.
Speed Control Drills
Practice skating at different speeds to understand how speed affects your ability to ollie and slide smoothly.
Slide on a Rail or Curb
Start with a low rail or curb to practice sliding. Focus on maintaining balance and controlling the slide from start to finish.
Embrace the Journey
Learning to boardslide is a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and plenty of laughs along the way. Remember, even the pros were beginners once, and progress comes with persistence and practice.
At Coyote Skate & Surf School, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re mastering the boardslide or catching your first wave, our expert instructors will guide you with humor and expertise. With personalized lessons, a supportive environment, and a commitment to safety, we’ll help you reach your skateboarding and surfing goals.
Take the Leap: Book Your Lesson Today!
Ready to take your skateboarding skills to the next level? Book a lesson with Coyote Skate & Surf School and experience the thrill of learning in iconic Los Angeles locations. Whether you're seeking skateboard lessons or surf lessons, our team is here to help you achieve your dreams.
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