How to Properly Grind a Rail With Rollerblades

Executing a grind on rollerblades requires practice, patience and proper technique.

Grinding on rollerblades is one of the most impressive looking tricks. One of the best grinds for beginners to start with is the Soul Grind. This grind is impressive looking and great for beginners and experts alike. It is executed by sliding the outer edge of your boot sole along the rail or curb while placing your other foot on the grinding surface between the middle wheels. You may have to experiment to find which foot you want to use as your "soul" or predominant foot. This foot is where you'll place 70 percent of your weight.

Things You'll Need

• Rollerblades
• Paraffin wax
• Curb or ground rail

Instructions

1. Find an appropriate gutter, curb or ground level rail to grind on. This should ideally be away from busy streets and somewhere you won't be kicked out of for using. The curb should be squared-off so you can get "edge" on it with your boot sole.

2. Use your paraffin wax to wax the grinding surface. The surface should show a light glazed look when done.

3. Put your skates, safety pads and helmet on. Skate around an empty parking lot for a bit to warm up your muscles and prepare yourself for grinding practice.

4. Skate parallel to the grinding surface at a slow to medium speed. Place your Soul foot onto the grind, while leaving your other foot rolling along beside it. Do this until your have successfully and solidly hooked your Soul onto the edge of the grind. Repeat this procedure until you can hook onto the grind edge every time.

5. Complete the grind when you feel ready and can hook onto the edge every time. Once you're hooked on and sliding along with your Soul foot, lift your other foot up off the ground and place it on the grind between the middle wheels. Repeat this process until you can do it every time you try it.

6. Coordinate the grind. Jump onto the grind with both feet simultaneously when you're ready. This is how the grind should ideally be executed. When you can do this perfectly, you can try it on a higher rail or grind.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch videos of experts doing grinds to get a feel of what body positions to emulate and how the rail jumps are performed.

• Do not attempt high rail grinds until you are absolutely ready for it. You can be seriously injured from attempting high rail grinds, especially without safety gear such as pads and a helmet.

References

• Rollerblading.com.au: Inline Skating Tips