How to Rail Slide on a Snowboard

Any sliding on the bottom of your board on a non-snow object (handrail, log, trashcan) is considered a rail slide - an excellent freestyle maneuver to add to your snowboarding bag of tricks.

Things You'll Need

• Ski And Snowboard Stone
• Helmets
• Snowboard Bag
• Snowboard Bindings
• Snowboard Boots
• Snowboard Clothing
• Snowboard Goggles
• Snowboard Hats
• Snowboard Leash
• Snowboards
• Waxes

Instructions

1. Approach the rail-slide object with cautious (but ample) speed.

2. Ollie or jump up early and high enough to get up and over the object.

3. Extend your legs to plant the board on the object. Plant it perpendicular for a rail slide or parallel for a 50/50 grind. There are other variations, but start with these two.

4. Plant the board lightly, allowing your speed and air to carry you rather than actually sliding on the object right away. Let your weight settle as slowly as possible onto the object.

5. Be ready for a change of speed as your weight settles into the slide. Metal tends to go faster than snow, while wood tends to go slower.

6. Hop up slightly as you reach the end of the slide and straighten the board out to land riding forward.

Tips & Warnings

• A snowboard park is the best place to find many rail-slide objects ready to ride.

• Try one of the many variations to add to rail slides, such as coming off the slider into a fakie or tweaking the slide out.

• Be creative (but respectful of property) in finding things to slide on, but be careful - scout objects before you start jumping onto them.

• Watch out for abrasive surfaces that can damage your snowboard when you slide on them.

• Be careful about slamming your board down on the slide object. Having your feet on opposite sides puts a lot of pressure on the board and can break it.

• Don't try rail slides until you're ready. Learn to ollie and air first. Be comfortable riding your board.

• Snowboarding is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.