How to Grind a Rail on a Skateboard

Grinds are a type of skateboarding trick. To do one on a rail involves sliding your board along it in a certain way. Grinding a rail on a skateboard takes practice. This skateboarding trick is all about the way you approach, the balancing of your weight and the speed you travel. A rail grind is also sometimes called a board slide.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Wax the rail with a silicone or Teflon skate wax to reduce friction and allow you to grind a rail on a skateboard faster. Apply a thick layer on the top and the sides.

2. Decide what type of grind trick you'd like to do. You can learn more than a dozen grind tricks, all different in spin and weight positioning.

3. Stand on your skateboard and approach the rail slowly if you're a beginner. Approach at about a 40 degree angle. Pop up on the rail by lowering your body, bending in the knees and popping your tail.

4. Center your weight on the rail, and avoid leaning to one side. Expect that the board will stick a bit to the rail if you've approached slowly. This side effect will change once you learn how to grind the rail at a faster speed.

5. Practice perfect weight distribution. If you lean too far back, you're going to fall on your rump. If you lean too far forward, you're going to fall on your face. Keep most of your weight in the tail so that you can slide longer.

6. Let your shoulders lead the board as you come out of the position and land.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick a short rail that's low to the ground for your first grind a rail on a skateboard trick.
• Wear protective head gear. Knee and elbow pads are also a good idea.

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