Skateboard Lessons: How to Crooked Grind

LA's favorite skate coach Coyote Rob shows us how in today's online skateboard class!

Ah, the crooked grind—a trick that brings a smile to your face and a shiver to your spine. If you’re reading this, you're probably itching to add this stylish maneuver to your skateboard arsenal. Whether you’re a fresh-faced beginner or a seasoned skater looking to spice up your tricks, mastering the crooked grind can elevate your street cred and give your skate game that extra oomph. So, grab your board, get ready to laugh, and let’s dive into how you can nail this trick with some help from Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles!

What’s a Crooked Grind Anyway?

Imagine you’re sliding along a rail or ledge, but instead of just chilling out like a lazy cat, your skateboard is angling and sliding in a slightly diagonal fashion. That’s a crooked grind in a nutshell. Specifically, the crooked grind involves the front truck locking onto the ledge or rail while the back truck stays slightly off the obstacle. It’s like doing the cha-cha while the rest of the board just kinda tags along.

Key Components of the Crooked Grind

1. Front Truck Lock: The front truck locks onto the rail or ledge.

2. Back Truck Clearance: The back truck is slightly off the ledge.

3. Balance and Control: Keeping your weight centered to slide smoothly.

Prepping Your Skateboard Setup

Before you start trying to slide like a pro, let’s make sure your board is up to the task. A crooked grind isn’t something you want to try on a wobbly board or one that looks like it’s been through a blender. Here’s what to check:

1. Deck Size: Go for a deck that’s wide enough to give you stability. A medium to wide deck (around 7.75" to 8.25") works best for keeping those trucks locked in.

2. Grip Tape: Fresh grip tape means your feet will stick like glue. If your grip tape looks like it’s been through a cheese grater, it might be time for a replacement.

3. Trucks: Tighten those trucks just enough so they’re not loose but not so tight you need a crowbar to turn them. You want them to be responsive but stable.

4. Wheels: Medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) are great for street skating. Too big, and you’ll be catching every crack; too small, and you might as well be skating on marbles.

Foot Placement and Body Position

Getting your feet and body in the right position is crucial for a successful crooked grind. It’s not just about looking cool (though that’s a huge part of it), it’s about making sure everything is set for a smooth slide.

Foot Placement

1. Front Foot: Place your front foot about a third of the way up the board, angled slightly to ensure the front truck locks onto the ledge or rail. Your toes should hang off just a little—this helps with the lock-in.

2. Back Foot: Position your back foot on the tail, ready to pop and guide the board. Your back foot’s main job is to provide that extra bit of pop and control.

Body Position

1. Shoulders: Keep your shoulders aligned with the rail or ledge. Your body should be angled slightly forward.

2. Knees: Bend your knees to prepare for the pop and the grind. The more you bend, the more control you’ll have.

3. Head: Keep your head up and eyes on the ledge. You don’t want to end up grinding the rail like a human wrecking ball.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Crooked Grind

Step 1: Approach with Confidence

Start by riding towards the rail or ledge at a moderate speed. The key here is confidence—if you’re unsure, the board will sense it and throw you off.

Step 2: Set Up the Grind

1. Nose in Position: As you approach, make sure your front foot is in the right spot to lock the front truck onto the ledge.

2. Prepare to Pop: Bend your knees and get ready to pop the board up. You want the front truck to catch onto the ledge smoothly.

Step 3: Pop and Lock

1. Pop the Tail: Use your back foot to pop the tail of the board up towards the ledge. The front truck should start to lock onto the obstacle.

2. Lock the Front Truck: As the board comes up, ensure the front truck is securely locked onto the rail or ledge. Your back foot should guide the board into position.

Step 4: Slide and Maintain Balance

1. Keep the Board Level: As you slide, keep your weight centered over the board. Lean too far forward, and you might slide out; lean back, and you’ll risk falling off.

2. Focus on Control: Use your back foot to steer and maintain control. The goal is to glide smoothly along the obstacle without getting caught up.

Step 5: Prepare for the Landing

1. Spot the Landing: As you near the end of the grind, prepare to land. Keep your eyes focused on where you’re going to land.

2. Pop Off: Use your back foot to guide the board off the rail or ledge and prepare to land.

Step 6: Stick the Landing

1. Land with Both Feet: Aim to land with both feet over the bolts for balance. Bend your knees to absorb the impact and maintain control.

2. Roll Away Smoothly: Roll away with style and confidence. A clean roll away makes the trick look even more impressive.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The crooked grind is a tricky move, and it’s common to encounter some issues along the way. Here’s how to tackle some common problems:

Problem 1: Not Locking In

Solution: Check your front foot placement and make sure it’s angled correctly. Sometimes, you might need to adjust the way you pop the board to ensure a clean lock-in.

Problem 2: Falling Off the Rail

Solution: Focus on keeping your weight centered over the board. Adjust your approach speed and practice maintaining balance during the grind.

Problem 3: Board Not Sliding Smoothly

Solution: Ensure your board is well-maintained and that your trucks are adjusted properly. You might also need to work on your approach and pop technique.

Problem 4: Difficulty Landing

Solution: Practice your landing technique and make sure you’re spotting the landing correctly. Work on bending your knees to absorb the impact and roll away smoothly.

How Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles Can Help

Mastering a trick like the crooked grind requires guidance, practice, and a sprinkle of humor to get through the challenges. That’s where Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles comes in. Our expert instructors are here to help you land that crooked grind while having a blast.

Why Choose Coyote Skate School?

1. Experienced Instructors: Our team of seasoned skaters are not just good at tricks—they’re great at teaching them. They’ve been in your shoes and know exactly how to guide you through each step.

2. Tailored Lessons: Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, we offer personalized lessons tailored to your skill level. We’ll focus on the areas you need to improve to master that crooked grind.

3. Supportive Environment: At Coyote Skate School, we believe in learning through laughter. Our supportive and encouraging environment makes learning new tricks fun and less intimidating.

4. Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum covers a wide range of tricks and techniques, from the basics to more advanced maneuvers like the crooked grind. We provide structured lessons and practice sessions for efficient progress.

5. Convenient Locations: With locations throughout Los Angeles, including Venice Beach and Santa Monica, we offer diverse skateboarding experiences and are easily accessible for your lessons.

Benefits of Professional Skateboarding Lessons

1. Accelerated Learning: Professional guidance helps you learn tricks more quickly and efficiently. Our instructors provide valuable insights and techniques to help you progress faster.

2. Improved Technique: We focus on refining your technique and helping you overcome common mistakes. Personalized feedback helps you develop your unique style and improve your skills.

3. Increased Confidence: As you progress and master new tricks, your confidence on the board will grow. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can take risks and push your limits.

4. Safety and Injury Prevention: Our instructors prioritize safety and teach proper techniques to minimize the risk of injury. We emphasize the importance of wearing protective gear and practicing smart skateboarding habits.

Practice Drills and Exercises

To improve your crooked grind consistency and confidence, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:

Front Truck Lock Practice

Find a small ledge or rail and practice locking your front truck onto it. Focus on your foot placement and pop technique.

Slide and Balance Drills

Practice sliding along flat-ground rails or curbs to get a feel for maintaining balance during a grind. Work on keeping your weight centered and your board level.

Pop and Approach Exercises

Work on your pop and approach by practicing ollies and nollies on flat ground. Focus on maintaining a consistent pop and a smooth approach to the ledge or rail.

Crooked Grind Variations

Practice crooked grinds on different obstacles to build confidence and improve your technique. Experiment with different speeds and approaches to find what works best for you.

Embrace the Journey

Learning the crooked grind is a rewarding journey that requires patience, persistence, and a sense of humor. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and remember that every attempt brings you closer to mastering the trick. Whether you're skating in Los Angeles, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, enjoy the thrill of skateboarding and the endless possibilities it offers.

With this comprehensive guide and the expert support of Coyote Skate School, you'll be well on your way to mastering the crooked grind and adding a touch of flair to your skateboarding repertoire. Keep pushing your limits, exploring new tricks, and enjoying the incredible journey that skateboarding offers. And remember—if you can’t quite nail that crooked grind just yet, there’s always a spot for you at Coyote Skate School to help you get there with a smile.