This is such a fun trick to do – it feels great when stomped perfectly! The frontside boardslide is an absolute classic, so mastering this one will also help separate your style from everyone else’s. It’s possibly the hardest trick out of the three because you’re going backwards down the rail and have to be careful not to catch an edge, and it holds the most consequence if you get it wrong. Be careful not to pop off your edge and, as always, keep a flat base throughout – or it will hurt!
1. THE APPROACH
As before, approach the box with a flat base, your weight centred and your knees slightly bent. Stay relaxed.
2. THE POP
Just as with the other 50-50s, as you hit the lip of the takeoff you should spring a little off your tail (making sure you don’t pop too hard and clear the whole thing!) Try to land directly in the centre of the box, flat-based once again and with your eyes on the end of the flat section.
3. POSITIONING
Position yourself in the centre of the rail with equal weight across either foot. This time, when you’re about to hit the down part, pop off your flatbase and quickly bring your back foot out behind you, away from the rail. Make sure your eyes keep looking straight ahead at the end of the rail (not down at your toes, up at the sky or over at the hot chicks checking you out– all of which will make you fall over!). As you tweak your back foot out, apply more pressure to your front foot and relax your back foot a little. Bring your back arm round in front of you towards your knee/waist.
4. STYLING
Want to make this trick good? Well, it’s all about applying that little bit of weight to your front foot and relaxing the back foot. This gives you the solid platform you need to straighten your back leg out and away from the rail, while your front knee stays bent. Don’t forget your arms too – always an important aspect of style! Bring your back hand round to your front knee/waist, hold that position as long as you can and look down the box.
5. THE LANDING
With the front boardslide you’re facing backwards as you approach the end of the box, so you need to swing your lower body quickly back round to land. Spot your landing and make sure you land flat based with your weight slightly over your toes. Be stoked – you just nailed the front board!
