How to Backside Slide a Longboard

A backslide allows a rider to quickly move their back foot to the front.

Longboard skateboards are ideally suited for individuals looking to ride their board more than perform tricks in a park. Although best suited for cruising, a longboard is not without the ability to perform eye-pleasing maneuvers. The backside slide is a longboard trick during which a rider quickly spins the tail of the board around 180-degrees to become the new front side. When mastered, the backside slide is both a quick way to change stance and a trick to impress your friends with.

Instructions

1. Push off the ground with your rear foot, or ride down a decline so you are traveling quickly. While you do not need to reach top speed, a successful slide is difficult to perform when riding slowly.

2. Place your feet on the board slightly wider than your shoulders, with your lead foot positioned so the toes of your foot hang off the front edge.

3. Bend your legs slightly so your are riding in a crouched position.

4. Shift your weight towards the balls of your feet, initiating a curve in the direction your body is facing.

5. Twist your upper body toward your front foot and your weight slightly forward.

6. Press up with both legs, straightening your legs.

7. Twist your upper body around toward your rear foot as you straighten your legs. This works in conjunction with the explosion from your lower body to initiate the turn.

References

• Hits Longboarding; LongboardUK Trick Tips: Backside 180 Standup Slide/Powerslide