Jun 12, 2023

Mastering Beginner Grinds: Tips and Tricks for Beginner Riders

Are you a beginner rider eager to learn some grinds on your scooter? Look no further! Grinds are an essential part of any rider's skill set, but they can be challenging to master, especially for newcomers. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through easy grind tricks, providing step-by-step instructions to help you get started and progress toward becoming a pro rider.

Backside Board Slide: The Perfect Starting Point

If you're new to grinds, the backside board slide is the ideal grind to begin with. Start by familiarizing yourself with feeble grinds on a ledge. This trick serves as an excellent foundation because it closely resembles a backside board slide. Instead of locking in on your back end, you'll be positioning yourself in the middle of your deck. To execute a backside board slide successfully, remember these top tips: keep your feet slightly apart and position your front foot closer to the head tube. Focus on achieving a smooth hop onto the rail rather than attempting to clear it completely in the beginning.

Steps:

To learn a backside board slide on a scooter, follow these steps:

Approach the rail with proper alignment.
Position your feet slightly wider apart, with the front foot closer to the head tube.
Prepare for takeoff by bending your knees.
Execute a hop onto the rail, aiming to lock in with your back wheel.
Maintain balance by keeping your weight centered over the scooter.
Slide along the rail, adjusting your balance as needed.
Prepare to exit the rail by shifting your weight slightly forward.
Land smoothly by releasing pressure from the rail and absorbing the impact with bent knees.

Frontside Board Slide: Progressing Further

Once you've mastered backside board slides, it's time to advance to frontside board slides. The key to learning this grind is to rotate your scooter sideways as you hop on the rail, ensuring you face towards the side. This adjustment enhances the feeling and significantly improves balance. Maintain a comfortable foot placement with adequate spacing, which will make maintaining balance easier.

Steps:

To learn a frontside board slide on a scooter, follow these steps:

Approach the rail with proper alignment and speed.
Position your feet comfortably on the scooter deck.
Shift your weight slightly forward to prepare for takeoff.
Hop onto the rail while rotating your scooter sideways.
Maintain balance by staying centered over the scooter.
Slide along the rail, making adjustments as needed.
Prepare for the exit by gradually shifting your weight back.
Land smoothly by releasing pressure from the rail and bending your knees.

Lip Slides: Taking it to the Next Level

After mastering board slides, you're ready to take on lip slides. Start with the front lip slide by approaching the rail with the same side as a front board. Execute a high, well-controlled hop, getting your back wheel over the rail and tweaking it out for style. The back lip slide is more challenging but incredibly satisfying once you land it. It gives you that perfect feeling of accomplishment. Throughout these grinds, remember to maintain proper foot spacing, keep your shoulders forward, and your head facing forward, looking where you're going. Find a nicely waxed rail to practice on. It may take time to feel comfortable, but with persistence, you'll soon be executing board slides with ease.

Steps:

To learn a lip slide on a scooter, follow these steps:

Approach the lip with proper alignment and speed.
Position your feet comfortably on the scooter deck.
Shift your weight slightly forward to prepare for takeoff.
Hop onto the lip, rotating your scooter to align with the curve.
Maintain balance and control over the lip slide.
Slide along the lip, adjusting your body positioning as needed.
Prepare for the exit by shifting your weight back.
Land smoothly, releasing pressure from the lip and bending your knees.

Practice, Have Fun, and Stay Safe

During your grind training, remember to have fun and enjoy the learning process. Mistakes and falls are part of the journey, but the key is to get back up and keep trying. If frustration sets in, take breaks and return to practicing when you feel relaxed. Safety should always be a priority. Wear protective gear and choose an appropriate location for learning, ensuring your safety and that of others.

Get Creative

If you ever find yourself in need of new tricks to practice, check out the "100 Tricks in an Hour" guide by content writers. However, remember that the most crucial aspect is consistent practice and finding joy in the process.

As you gain skills and become more comfortable with grinds, your potential for growth is limitless. We hope these tips and tricks will guide you in successfully mastering beginner grinds, propelling you towards becoming a pro rider in no time!

Learn at Home with Madd Gear Grind Rails

Learn to grind at home! The Madd Gear Grind Rail is a great mobile option for bringing the skate park to your house!

The Rails are adjustable, starting low and allowing kids to learn to grind and improving their skills before taking it to the skate park on larger obstacles.

Easy to assemble and compact - The Madd Gear Grind Rail is ideal for use in the driveway and when friends come over!

Coming in at 99" or 55" long, these grind rails are ideal for beginners and advanced riders alike.