How to Do a 50/50 Grind on a Skateboard

Grinding on a skateboard - in other words, sliding your board along an object - is all about weight, the angle of approach, and speed.

Things You'll Need

• Skate Rails
• Skateboard Decks
• Skateboard Helmets
• Skateboard Pads
• Skateboard Parts
• Skateboard Trucks
• Skateboard Wheels
• Skateboarding Shoes
• Skateboards

Instructions

1. Decide on the object that you want to grind. A curb or small ledge is easiest.

2. 

   Approach the object on a near-parallel course at a comfortable speed. If your approach angle is too wide, you'll glance off your target; too narrow and you'll just smash into it.

3. 

   Ollie a little higher than the object, and aim your trucks over its edge.

4. 

   Stay light on your board when your trucks first make contact, and lay into it slowly to see how it's going to grind.

5. 

   Lift your front truck off the object as you do a small ollie (no need to hit your tail), turning your shoulders in the direction you want to come off.

Tips & Warnings

• Some objects will grind fast and easy; other stuff has to be forced into submission. When this occurs, you'll need more speed and varying ollie height.

• The faster you go at the object, the faster and further you will grind (and occasionally, when it doesn't grind, the harder you will fall).

• Eventually you'll figure out how much weight you need, the angle of approach, and the speed you need to put into a particular grind by instinct. Then anything will be possible.

• Skateboarding 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.