Santa Monica and Venice Beach skate coach Coyote Rob shows us how in today's online skateboard lessons!
So you want to learn how to do a frontside boardslide? Well, grab your board, strap on your helmet, and prepare for a wild ride because we’re about to slide into the world of skateboard tricks that will not only boost your skills but also make you the star of any skate park. And don't worry, we're here to make it both informative and funny, because skateboarding is all about having fun, right?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the frontside boardslide, offer tips to troubleshoot common issues, and highlight how Coyote Skate & Surf School in Los Angeles can help you learn this trick through expert skateboard and surf lessons.
Understanding the Frontside Boardslide
What is a Frontside Boardslide?
A frontside boardslide is a classic skateboard trick where you slide the middle of your board along a rail or ledge while facing forward. This trick is a staple in skateboarding and is often one of the first slide tricks that skaters learn. It's not just about sliding; it's about doing it with style and finesse.
Key Components of the Frontside Boardslide
Approach: Getting your angle and speed right.
Ollie: Popping the board onto the rail or ledge.
Slide: Balancing while sliding along the obstacle.
Exit: Nailing the landing and rolling away smoothly.
Prerequisites: Building Your Foundation
Before attempting a frontside boardslide, it’s important to be comfortable with the following:
Ollie: Essential for getting your board onto the rail or ledge.
Frontside 180: Helps with the body position and rotation.
Balance: Being able to maintain control while sliding.
These foundational skills will give you the confidence and ability to tackle the frontside boardslide.
Preparing Your Skateboard Setup
Having the right skateboard setup can significantly impact your ability to perform a frontside boardslide. Here are some considerations for your gear:
Deck Size: A medium-sized deck (around 7.75" to 8.25") provides a good balance of control and stability.
Grip Tape: Ensure your grip tape is fresh and grippy to help with popping the board.
Trucks: Adjust your trucks to a comfortable tightness that allows for smooth slides.
Wheels: Medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) are ideal for street skating and learning slide tricks.
Foot Placement and Body Position
Correct foot placement and body position are crucial for successfully executing a frontside boardslide. Here’s how to set up for the trick:
Foot Placement
Front Foot: Position your front foot near the center of the board, angled slightly forward to help with the ollie.
Back Foot: Place your back foot on the tail, ready to pop the board.
Body Position
Shoulders: Keep your shoulders parallel to the board and prepare to rotate slightly in the frontside direction.
Knees: Bend your knees to prepare for the pop and slide.
Head: Look straight ahead and focus on the rail or ledge.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Frontside Boardslide
Step 1: Setup and Approach
Begin by riding at a comfortable speed toward the rail or ledge. Approach it at a slight angle, not too parallel, so you can slide smoothly across the obstacle.
Step 2: Pop the Ollie
Ollie Onto the Obstacle: Use your back foot to pop the board into the air and slide your front foot forward to level the board. Aim to land with the middle of the board over the rail or ledge.
Step 3: Begin the Slide
Position Your Body: As you land on the obstacle, shift your weight slightly forward. Keep your shoulders aligned with the board and maintain your balance.
Slide Smoothly: Allow the board to slide along the rail or ledge. Keep your knees slightly bent and use your arms for balance.
Step 4: Prepare to Exit
Spot Your Landing: As you near the end of the rail or ledge, look toward the landing area.
Rotate Your Shoulders: Begin rotating your shoulders back to your normal stance position.
Step 5: Land and Roll Away
Exit the Slide: As you leave the rail or ledge, guide the board back onto the ground. Bend your knees to absorb the impact and land with both feet over the bolts.
Roll Away Smoothly: Maintain your balance and continue riding forward, celebrating your successful frontside boardslide!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Learning the frontside boardslide can be challenging, and skaters often encounter similar issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Problem 1: Not Sliding Smoothly
Solution: Make sure you’re approaching the obstacle with enough speed. A lack of speed can cause the board to stick rather than slide. Waxing the rail or ledge can also help.
Problem 2: Losing Balance During the Slide
Solution: Focus on your body position. Keep your shoulders parallel to the board and your weight centered over the obstacle. Practice balancing on the rail or ledge by standing still on it before sliding.
Problem 3: Not Landing Properly
Solution: Pay attention to your exit strategy. Make sure to rotate your shoulders back to your normal stance and aim to land with both feet over the bolts for stability.
How Coyote Skate & Surf School Can Help
Mastering a trick like the frontside boardslide requires guidance, practice, and dedication. Coyote Skate & Surf School in Los Angeles offers expert lessons and personalized coaching to help skaters of all levels learn this and other tricks.
Why Choose Coyote Skate & Surf School?
Experienced Instructors: Our team of experienced instructors are passionate about skateboarding and surfing, and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
Tailored Lessons: We offer personalized lessons tailored to your skill level and learning style, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater or surfer.
Supportive Environment: At Coyote Skate & Surf School, we foster a supportive and encouraging environment where skaters and surfers can learn, progress, and have fun.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum covers a wide range of tricks and skills, from basics to advanced maneuvers. We provide structured lessons and practice sessions for efficient progress.
Convenient Locations: Located in the heart of Los Angeles, our school is easily accessible and offers diverse locations for skateboarding and surfing experiences, including Venice Beach and Santa Monica.
Benefits of Professional Skateboarding and Surf Lessons
Accelerated Learning: With professional guidance, you’ll learn tricks more quickly and efficiently. Our instructors provide valuable insights and techniques to accelerate your learning process.
Improved Technique: We focus on refining your technique and helping you overcome common mistakes. Our instructors provide personalized feedback to improve your skills and develop your unique style.
Increased Confidence: As you progress and master new tricks, your confidence on the board or in the water will grow. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can take risks and push your limits.
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 and surfing habits.
Practice Drills and Exercises
To improve your frontside boardslide consistency and confidence, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:
Ollie Practice
Work on your ollie technique by practicing ollies on flat ground. Focus on popping the board with your back foot and leveling it out with your front foot.
Balance Drills
Perform balance drills on a rail or ledge. Practice standing still on the obstacle to improve your balance and control.
Slide Practice
Find a low rail or ledge to practice sliding on. Focus on maintaining your balance and keeping your weight centered over the obstacle.
Exit Drills
Work on your exit strategy by practicing the rotation and landing separately. Pay attention to your shoulder and hip alignment during the exit.
Embrace the Journey
Learning the frontside boardslide is a challenging yet rewarding journey that requires patience, persistence, and passion. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and remember that every attempt brings you closer to mastering the trick. Whether you're skating or surfing in Los Angeles, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, enjoy the thrill of skateboarding and surfing and the endless possibilities they offer.
By following this comprehensive guide and seeking expert guidance from Coyote Skate & Surf School, you'll be well on your way to mastering the frontside boardslide and expanding your skateboarding repertoire. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, there's always something new to learn and discover in the world of skateboarding and surfing. Keep pushing your limits, exploring new tricks, and enjoying the incredible journey that skateboarding and surfing offer.
Conclusion
Skateboarding is more than just a sport; it's a lifestyle. It’s about expressing yourself, having fun, and pushing your limits. The frontside boardslide is a perfect example of a trick that embodies the spirit of skateboarding. It's stylish, challenging, and incredibly rewarding once you master it.
At Coyote Skate & Surf School, we believe that anyone can learn to skateboard or surf with the right guidance and support. Our lessons are designed to help you achieve your goals, whether you're looking to master the frontside boardslide or learn to ride the waves. With our experienced instructors, comprehensive curriculum, and supportive environment, you'll be well on your way to becoming the skater or surfer you've always wanted to be.
So why wait? Join us at Coyote Skate & Surf School in Los Angeles and start your skateboarding or surfing journey today. Whether you're looking for skateboard lessons in Los Angeles or surf lessons in Venice Beach or Santa Monica, we've got you covered. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the ride, and most importantly, have fun!
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