When riding a skateboard, there shouldn’t ever be a dull moment. If it ever starts to get stale, learn a new trick.
That’s the best part of this sport. Skateboarding is always exciting because there are always more tricks to master.
Below, I’ll describe how anyone can powerslide skateboards. With powersliding, you will become a more proficient skateboarder, which will help you as you start to learn more advanced tricks.
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How to Powerslide on a Skateboard
To powerslide on a skateboard, you first position your feet properly. Then, go fast enough to execute a powerslide. On the skateboard, turn your front foot first, quickly followed by your back foot. Then, slide perpendicularly on the skateboard using your forward momentum.
Executing a Powerslide
Skateboard powersliding is a challenging skill, but you must believe that if others can do it, so can you. I’m pretty sure you’ll get there eventually if you wholeheartedly do it and keep going.
That said, the following steps will help you powerslide correctly.
Everybody’s Got to Start Somewhere
Begin by pushing from a place that gives you enough room to accelerate to a good speed. Whether you are on a street or in a parking lot, this means that you should start from one side and move along the longest trajectory possible.
Skateboard powersliding requires momentum. It is your momentum that will continue to propel you forward the second you swivel your skateboard into the powerslide.
Proper Foot Positioning
Your front foot is your starting point. Either foot can be the front foot.
It simply depends on what positioning you find comfortable to assume. Try out both feet in the front position and see what works for you best.
The tip of the toes of your forward foot must be near the front truck’s bolts. Your foot should point towards your skateboard’s nose.
If your front foot is positioned like this, you will find it easy to control your skateboard when you begin pushing it forward. Your rear foot should be near the trucks at the skateboard’s tail end.
How to Push your Skateboard Forward
Begin by pushing your skateboard forward straight ahead. Don’t make any turns, but just keep going straight while you build up plenty of speed.
When kicking, use your back foot and kick as hard as possible.
Tip: When you’re kicking with your back foot to build up speed, don’t lean forward, as this can cause you to fall over.
Bring your Rear Foot Back onto the Skateboard
When you’ve built up enough speed and your skateboard feels stable, stop kicking forward and return your back foot to the skateboard.
At the same time, rotate your feet through 90 degrees so that both feet face the same way and both feet face perpendicular to your direction of travel.
Tip: If your right foot is in front, you will need to rotate your feet anticlockwise to do the maneuverer described above.
If your left foot is in front, you will need to rotate your feet clockwise.
Your body will now be traveling sideways, facing one side of the skateboard. Now, drag the back end of the skateboard through 90 degrees with your back foot.
(Instead of turning your body to travel in the same direction as your skateboard, turn your skateboard to travel in the same direction as your body!)
Import to Remember: Bend your knees slightly when powersliding on a skating board. The trucks will flex slightly if you shift some weight back.
Doing this helps in avoiding losing your momentum and crashing off the board.
The Basic Stuff
These are a certain number of things you need to do before you take to the streets and start your superhero skateboard powerslide.
Get Safety Gear
Before you begin skating, make sure you have every item on the safety checklist. A helmet is always the most important item on the list – don’t skate without one.
Helmets protect your head from high-impact injuries.
A pair of wrist protectors that extend over your palms is another accessory you should wear when skateboarding. Skateboarders instinctively use their hands when falling off a skateboard to protect themselves.
These hand protectors not only protect your palms from cuts but also make it easier to land comfortably on your hands.
Make sure you have knee and elbow supports to complete your safety gear. It’s a must to protect your elbows and knees from injuries caused by skateboard accidents.
To protect your legs and arms, you can wear these knee and elbow gear.
Your Skateboard
Trying to use a cheap, low-quality skateboard is a common mistake many skateboarders make. Don’t forget to consider both the quality and the design of your skateboard when powersliding.
Quality trucks are a must for a high-quality powerslide skateboard. For greater maneuverability and better durability, the top trucks are manufactured from aluminum alloy.
Your trucks should be set at the right tightness for powersliding.
Skateboard powersliding also depends on the skateboard’s wheels. You’ll need to apply more pressure on them.
Hard wheels don’t grip the ground like soft wheels, but they will allow you to slide more easily due to their lower traction. The exact pressure you select will therefore be a compromise that best suits you alone.
When powersliding, the force of gravity is the unforgiving and relentless master. You can’t argue with gravity.
Make sure you have quality grip tape on your deck that will support you as you lean in any direction.
Practice in a Wide-open, Uncluttered Space
Powersliding is not easy. If you accidentally slide the wrong way, you need enough space to avoid possible serious injury.
A vacant lot is the best place to practice skateboard powersliding. Asphalt layers are common in parking lots.
Because of its skid resistance, this material makes it easier and safer to ride.
Another option is to choose a long street that doesn’t have a lot of traffic. A long street ending in a close or cul-de-sac is perfect because the traffic should be light and relatively slow, leading to less chance of a high-impact collision.
Important to remember: You must be able to skateboard fast, fast enough to execute a powerslide.
There is little point trying to powerslide before you can go fast on your skateboard. You’d just be wasting your time.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Powerslide on a Skateboard
What else can I do with a powerslide?
You can use powersliding to come to a showy stop. Combine it with other tricks like flipping the skateboard and catching it in your hand to give off a too-cool-for-school vibe. It will take some work, but it is so worth it.
How do I calibrate my skateboard’s wheels and trucks?
Just bring along a T-tool to where you practice and keep trying different adjustments until your skateboard feels perfect. There’s no science here, unfortunately. It is the art of trial and error.
Afterword: How to Powerslide on a Skateboard
Learning the powerslide is only one of many stunts you can do on a skateboard. It is an excellent trick to learn early because it is foundational for more advanced skills and stunts.
Keep at it, and I’m sure you’ll master it in next to no time.
Good luck!