Have you ever wondered how some skaters make the crooked grind look so effortless? 🤔 Trust me, it’s not as tricky as it seems. In this guide, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know to master the crooked grind.
A video titled ‘Slappy Crooks are EASIER than You Think!‘ from the Leon Paxton YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
- The crooked grind (also known as crooks or k-grind) involves grinding on your front truck with the board at an angle.
- Mastering basics like ollies, noseslides, and frontside 50-50 grinds is essential before attempting a crooked grind.
- Practice slappy or on a low ledge
- Proper approach and positioning parallel to the obstacle increase the chances of a successful grind.
- Maintaining balance and correct weight distribution ensures a smooth and controlled grind.
Understanding the crooked grind
So, what’s the deal with the crooked grind? Sometimes called a K grind or crooks, It’s a trick where you grind on your front truck while your board sits at an angle against a ledge or rail. You lock your front truck and wheel against the edge, making for a controlled and stylish (and crooked) grind.
I sometimes called the crooked grind a “K grind,” even tho that makes no sense? is it just me that does that?
But wait, isn’t it just a nosegrind with extra steps? Not exactly. While the nosegrind relies on the front trick of your board grinding along the obstacle, the crooked grind involves the hanger catching the edge but at an angle [1]. Believe me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel the difference.
I remember the first time I nailed a crooked grind—it was on Columbus Circle in NYC. That’s the monument on 59th Street. It’s a pretty good spot. Took me countless tries and a few slams, but when I finally locked in and slid to the end, it was bliss. I felt like I leveled up.
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Prerequisites
Before diving into the crooked grind, make sure you’re comfortable with the following:
- Prerequisites
- Ollies: You’ll need a solid ollie to get onto the ledge or rail.
- 50-50 grinds (front or back): Familiarity with grinding on ledges is a plus.
- Helpful
- Noseslides: Understanding the balance on the nose helps.
Do I really need to know all these tricks first? Well, you could wing it, but having these basics down will make learning the crooked grind a whole lot smoother.
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Step-by-step guide to the crooked grind
1. Approach and positioning
Start by rolling towards the ledge at a moderate speed. You want to be parallel or at a slight angle to the obstacle. Position your feet in an ollie stance as you approach the ledge [1]. Confidence is key. If you hesitate, you’re more likely to bail.
2. The ollie and pop
As you get close to the ledge, crouch down and get ready to pop that ollie. Spot your entry point for the crooked grind as you approach the obstacle [2]. Really visualize wanting to be on top of the ledge, not on the edge of it.
3. Locking into the grind
Here’s where the magic happens. As you ollie, aim to land your front truck onto the edge of the ledge. Your board should be at a slight angle—hence the name “crooked.” Put your weight onto your front foot, locking the truck and wheel against the ledge [1].
Pro tip: Perfect Your Foot Placement
Ensure your front foot is positioned correctly on the board’s edge to effectively lock the truck and maintain balance during the grind.
Isn’t it risky to put all my weight on the front foot?
It might feel weird at first, but placing your weight forward gives you control. Just don’t lean too far.
4. Maintaining the grind
Once you’re locked in, keep your balance by lightly pressing down with your back foot. This helps control the angle and keeps the grind going smooth as butter [3]. A good way to maintain the grind is to really lean towards the ledge, keeping you from sliding off the side.
5. Exiting the grind
As you near the end of the ledge, prepare to pop out. Gently shift your weight back and perform a slight nollie motion to lift off the ledge [3].
Can’t I just ride off the end? Sure, but popping out looks much cleaner and gives you more control over your landing. Style points, anyone?
Tips for mastery
- Practice on a low ledge: Start on a small ledge, and start with some slappy grinds first to build muscle memory and consistency.
- Maintain speed: Enough momentum keeps the grind going.
- Foot placement: Experiment with slight adjustments to find what feels right.
Dos and don’ts of doing a Crooked Grind
Following these guidelines will help you learn the crooked grind more effectively and safely.
Dos
- Do commit fully to the ollie and grind.
- Do practice on low obstacles to build confidence.
- Do maintain proper weight distribution for balance.
- Do experiment with different foot placements to find what works best.
Don’ts
- Don’t hesitate or second-guess yourself during the trick.
- Don’t go too slow—you’ll stall out.
- Don’t skip practicing the basic tricks that build up to the crooked grind.
- Don’t get discouraged by falls; use them as learning experiences.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Struggling to lock in? Focus on committing to the grind. Hesitation often leads to missing the lock-in. Remember, it’s all about that front truck connection.
- Can’t keep the grind going? Check your weight distribution. Too much pressure on the nose can stall you out. Balance is everything.
Did you know: The Crooks was popularized by Eric Koston?
The crooked grind was popularized by skate legend Eric Koston? However, he credits his buddy Dan Peterka for the original move [2]. It’s been a staple in skateboarding ever since.
Safety precautions
Let’s be real: attempting any new tricks comes with risks. Wearing protective gear isn’t just for beginners. Helmets, knee pads, and wrist guards can save you from nasty injuries. Wondering if you can use a bike helmet for skateboarding? You might be surprised—read more about it [5].
Before attempting the crooked grind, it’s crucial to ensure your skateboard is in top shape. Worn-out trucks or loose hardware can mess up your grind. Check out this skateboard truck maintenance guide [4] for tips on keeping your gear in check.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Absolutely! Just remember that rails are far less forgiving than ledges. Make sure you’re comfortable with basic grinds on rails before attempting. And make sure the rail is low to the ground if it’s our first time.
Beginners often hesitate during the ollie, misalign their feet, or don’t commit fully to locking the truck. Ensuring a strong ollie and proper foot placement can mitigate these issues.
Final thoughts
The crooked grind might seem hard, but with practice and determination, it’s well within your reach. So grab your board, hit the park, and give it a go.
Don’t just read about it—get out there and try it! And if you’ve got any questions or want to share your progress, drop a comment below. Let’s keep pushing ourselves and the sport we love.
Sources and references
- How to: BS Crooked Grind – Skateboard Trick Tip | skatedeluxe Blog
- How to Crooked Grind | Sidewalk Basics
- Crooked Grind Trick Description – Skateboardhere
- Skateboard Truck Maintenance Guide
- Can You Use a Bike Helmet for Skateboarding? Safety Info All Skaters Should Know
- Tips to Conquer Skateboarding Fears
- How Long Does It Take to Learn Skateboarding?
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