Absolute Guide: Master The Skateboard Rail Like A Pro

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Ever watched a skater effortlessly glide along a metal bar, wondering how they do it? That's the magic of a skateboard rail, a simple yet versatile piece of equipment that opens up a whole new world of tricks. But before you start envisioning yourself as the next Tony Hawk, it's important to understand the ins and outs of using a skateboard rail. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right rail and setting it up safely to mastering basic and advanced tricks.

Understanding Different Types of Skateboard Rails

So, you're thinking about getting a skateboard rail? Awesome! But before you examine in, let's talk about the different types out there. Knowing your options is key to finding the right rail for your skill level and the tricks you want to learn. It's like choosing the right surfboard – you wouldn't grab a shortboard if you're just starting out in mellow waves, right?

First up, we've got the round rail. This is probably what comes to mind when you visualize a skateboard rail. It's a classic, versatile option that's great for learning basic grinds and slides. The rounded surface makes it a bit more forgiving than other types, which is perfect for beginners. Think of it as the "all-purpose" rail.

Then there's the square rail. This one's a bit more challenging. The flat edges offer more grip, which can be good for locking into certain tricks, but it also means you have less room for error. It's like the difference between driving a sedan and a sports car – one's comfortable and easy to handle, the other requires more precision.

Next, we have the flat bar. As the name suggests, this is a flat, rectangular bar. Flat bars are often wider than round or square rails, which can make them feel more stable. They're good for learning longer grinds and slides, and they're also a popular choice for street skating. Imagine it as a long, smooth canvas for your tricks.

Finally, there are kinked rails. These are rails with bends or kinks in them. Kinked rails add an extra level of difficulty to your tricks, as you have to manage the change in angle. They're definitely for more advanced skaters who are looking for a challenge. Think of them as the "expert mode" of skateboard rails.

No matter what type of skateboard rail you choose, make sure it's sturdy and well-built. You don't want it collapsing under you mid-grind! Look for rails made from heavy-duty steel with a smooth, consistent surface. And always, always wear a helmet. Safety first, shredding second!

Setting Up Your Skateboard Rail: Placement and Safety

Choosing the Right Spot

Alright, so you've got your skateboard rail. Now, where do you put it? Location is key, my friend. You want a smooth, flat surface – think a driveway, a parking lot, or even a quiet street. Avoid areas with cracks, rocks, or other obstacles that could send you flying. Also, consider the surroundings. Are there any cars, pedestrians, or other hazards you need to be aware of? You don't want to end up in a YouTube fail compilation.

Think about the run-up and run-out space. You need enough room to get up to speed and enough space to roll away after your trick. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 10-15 feet of clear space on either side of the rail. And for the love of skateboarding, make sure you have permission to skate in the area. Trespassing is not cool, and it could get you into trouble.

Safety First, Shredding Second

Now, let's talk safety. I know, I know, it's not the most exciting topic, but trust me, a few precautions can save you from a world of hurt. First and foremost, always wear a helmet. I don't care if you're just practicing ollies – a helmet is non-negotiable. Brain injuries are no joke. And while you're at it, consider wearing knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. They might make you look like a robot, but they'll protect your joints when you inevitably bail.

Before you start skating, inspect your skateboard rail for any damage. Are there any sharp edges, loose bolts, or wobbly legs? If so, fix them before you start skating. A faulty rail can be a recipe for disaster. And finally, be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to traffic, pedestrians, and other skaters. Skateboarding is more fun when everyone is safe and having a good time.

Mastering Basic Tricks on a Skateboard Rail

The 50-50 Grind: Your Gateway Trick

Alright, let's get down to business. The 50-50 grind is the foundation for almost every other rail trick. It's where you lock both trucks onto the rail and slide. Sounds simple, right? It is, but it takes practice. Start by approaching the skateboard rail at a comfortable speed. You don't want to go too fast, or you'll overshoot it. You also don't want to go too slow, or you'll stall out. Find that sweet spot. As you approach the rail, ollie high enough to clear it and land with both trucks squarely on top. Keep your weight centered and your knees bent to absorb the impact. Then, just slide! Focus on keeping your balance and looking ahead. Don't look down at the rail – that'll throw you off.

The Board Slide: A Classic for a Reason

Once you've got the 50-50 down, it's time to move on to the board slide. This is where you slide on the deck of your board, perpendicular to the rail. It looks cool, and it's a great way to add some style to your skating. To do a board slide, approach the skateboard rail at a slight angle. As you get close, ollie and rotate your board 90 degrees, so the deck is facing the rail. Land with the middle of your board on the rail and slide. The key here is to commit. Don't be afraid to lean back slightly to keep your balance. And remember to spot your landing. Look where you want to go, and your body will follow.

Advanced Skateboard Rail Tricks and Progressions

So, you've conquered the 50-50 and the board slide? Awesome! Now it's time to take your skateboard rail game to the next level. This is where things get interesting, and you can really start to express your own style. Let's talk about some advanced tricks and how to progress your skills.

First up, we have the lip slide. This is similar to a board slide, but instead of sliding on the middle of your board, you slide on the tail. It's a bit more technical than a board slide, but it looks super stylish. To do a lip slide, approach the skateboard rail at a slight angle. As you get close, ollie and rotate your board so the tail is facing the rail. Land with the tail on the rail and slide. The key here is to keep your weight balanced and your shoulders aligned with the rail. It might take a few tries to get the hang of it, but once you do, you'll be stoked.

Next, we have the feeble grind. This is a 50-50 grind with your back truck locked onto the rail and your front truck hanging off. It's a challenging trick that requires good balance and control. To do a feeble grind, approach the skateboard rail at a comfortable speed. As you get close, ollie and lock your back truck onto the rail, while keeping your front truck off. Keep your weight centered over the back truck and slide. The trick here is to keep your front foot light and avoid putting too much pressure on it. If you do, you'll lose your balance and fall.

Another advanced trick is the nose slide. This is the opposite of a lip slide – you slide on the nose of your board instead of the tail. It's a fun trick that can be done on a variety of obstacles, including skateboard rails. To do a nose slide, approach the rail at a slight angle. As you get close, ollie and rotate your board so the nose is facing the rail. Land with the nose on the rail and slide. The key here is to keep your weight balanced and your shoulders aligned with the rail.

Finally, let's talk about some ways to progress your skills. One of the best ways to improve is to film yourself skating. This will allow you to see what you're doing wrong and make adjustments. You can also watch videos of other skaters to get inspiration and learn new tricks. Another great way to progress is to skate with friends. Skateboarding is more fun when you're with others, and you can learn a lot from each other. Plus, having someone to cheer you on can help you push yourself to try new things.

• Film yourself skating to identify areas for improvement
• Watch videos of other skaters for inspiration
• Skate with friends to learn from each other
• Set realistic goals and celebrate your progress
• Don't be afraid to try new things and push your limits

Skateboard Rail Mastery: From Beginner to Beyond

So, you've learned about different rails, safety, basic tricks, and even some advanced maneuvers. The trip with a skateboard rail is ongoing. Keep practicing, pushing your boundaries, and respecting the learning curve. Remember, every pro started somewhere. Now get out there, find your rail, and start shredding. And always wear a helmet, seriously.