How to Do a 180 Slide on a Freebord

Once you've learned to turn and slide on your Freebord, the first real trick to learn is the 180 slide.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Freebords
• Skateboard Helmets
• Skateboard Pads
• Skateboarding Shoes

1. Learn to turn and slide on your Freebord. In learning these techniques, you probably already did a 180 by overextending your slide. Now do this trick on purpose.
2. Do this slide either frontside or backside. Frontside is easier at greater speeds; backside is easy if you're going slow.
3. Think of the 180 slide as simply an overextended turn. Make it smooth by transferring your weight from the nose to the tail as you pass the halfway point of the slide. This action keeps your weight downhill at all times.
4. Carve into the turn, switching your weight from your uphill edge to your new uphill edge at the end of the turn.
5. Lean slightly over the nose of your board as you enter the turn.
6. Push with extra force on your back foot as you begin to slide.
7. Keep your weight on the same edge, but lean toward your new nose, keeping your weight downhill, as you pass the 90-degree point in your slide.
8. Continue riding fakie (backward) down the hill once your board has slid a full 180 degrees, making sure to ride on your uphill edge.

Tips & Warnings

• As you improve on this trick, it will look more like spinning 180 degrees than sliding - that should be your goal.
• A Freebord is unlike a traditional skateboard, and it will slide sideways and stop suddenly when you catch an edge. Use extreme caution until you are very familiar with the way your board rides.
• Always wear full skateboard pads and a helmet when riding your Freebord.