How to Do a Mute Grab on Skiboards

The mute grab is a skiboarding trick that requires an intermediate level of expertise. In order to accomplish a mute grab, you need to be able to control your arms and legs fully while in air. Proper technique and practice can turn skiboarders like you into an expert on the mute grab. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Skiboards
• Ramp or jump area

Study the Technique Needed for a Mute Grab

1. Choose the side you want to grab before you do the initial approach to the ramp. Experienced skiboarders can do a mute grab without thinking too much. As a beginning skiboarder, you need to think through each step of the mute grab including simple aspects like which hand will be used.
2. Start toward the ramp or jump area using solid skiboarding technique. Skiboarders who successfully accomplish the mute grab start out with their knees bent, feet shoulder width apart and hands close to your body. Failure to follow basic techniques can lead to a poor jump and a failed mute grab.
3. Gather your knees toward your chest as you separate from the jump area. This step allows you to gather speed for maximum air during the mute grab. Contracted knees cut down on the space between your hands and skiboards for a quicker grab.
4. Reach your chosen hand to the outside edge of the opposite skiboard while in flight. For example, you can use your left hand to grab the outer edge of the right skiboard as you reach the climax of your jump.
5. Tug on the outside edge you have grabbed and pull your skiboards to your hand side. Skiboarders who use their right hand to grab the left skiboard pull to the right hand side and vice versa. Your lower legs and skiboards should move to the side quickly if you have accomplished the mute grab correctly.
6. Release the hand you used in the mute grab as you begin to descend back to the jump area. Use the release point as a reminder to return to your pre-trick formation. The key to landing the mute grab effectively is to extend your legs as you bring your hand back to your side.

Tips & Warnings

• Achieve comfort with standard grabs before you try the mute grab on skiboards. You can do a standard grab by taking your left hand and grabbing the outside edge of the left skiboard during a trick. The most overlooked part of skiboard grabs is comfort with moving hands from your sides while in the middle of a trick.