How to
Backside Boardslide
The short answer
A backside boardslide slides the middle of the board across a rail or ledge, with the rail ending up behind you. Ollie with a frontside 90 so your front wheels clear the rail as it settles under the middle of the board, feet on the bolts. Slide across looking down the rail, then turn back to ride away.
Step by step
Land your
first Backside Boardslide.
Each step is a part of the trick Skate AI scores when you film a try.
- 01
Approach
Roll toward the rail or ledge at a slight angle, with steady speed.
- 02
Pop
Ollie and turn frontside 90, clearing your front wheels over the rail as you turn.
- 03
Lock in
Land with both feet on the bolts, the rail under the middle of the board.
- 04
Slide
Look down the rail, not at your feet, and keep your weight centered as it slides.
- 05
Pop out
Turn back the way you came and ride away, weight centered on landing.
Troubleshooting
Why you're not
landing it.
You catch a wheel on the way in
- Why
- The frontside turn isn't clearing the front wheels over the rail in time.
- Fix
- Turn a little earlier and pop a bit higher so the wheels clear before you land.
You spin out too far and land past the rail
- Why
- You're turning more than the 90 you need.
- Fix
- Turn just enough to face away from the rail. Stop the rotation once you're square.
You lose your balance looking down at your feet
- Why
- Looking down pulls your weight forward off center.
- Fix
- Look down the rail ahead of you instead of at your board.
The board slides out from under you at the end
- Why
- You're not committing to the turn back out.
- Fix
- Turn your shoulders and head to lead the exit before you reach the end.
DrillPractice frontside 90 ollies onto a low ledge you can already ollie onto, focusing on clearing your front wheels before the slide.
Still not
landing it?
Film your backside boardslide. Skate AI shows you which part went wrong and the one fix for your next try.
On a computer? Point your iPhone camera here.
FAQ
Backside Boardslide
FAQ
Is backside boardslide harder than frontside?
Most skaters find backside a little trickier at first because you can't see the rail as clearly on the way in. Both need the same practice with the entry ollie.
Why do I keep catching my wheel?
Your front wheels aren't clearing the rail before you land. Turn a touch earlier and pop a little higher on the entry.
What board setup helps with boardslides?
Nothing special is required, but keeping your trucks a normal tightness makes it easier to hold the turn without over-rotating.
How do I stop being scared to slide?
Start on a low, flat rail you can step off of easily, and practice the entry ollie on flat ground first so the turn feels familiar before you add the slide.