Have you ever watched a pro skater execute a darkslide and thought, “Wow, really? How’s that even possible?” Well, let me tell you, it’s not as insane as it looks. It’s a mixture of precision, control, and, yeah, maybe a little bit of crazy. Today, we’ll learn how you can add this killer trick to your bag. Ready to shred some griptape and slide into the world of darkslides?
How to do darkslide?
Alright, now that you’re stoked to learn, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of how to pull off a darkslide.
A darkslide is a uniquely skateboard trick that requires you to flip your board upside down and slide on the griptape. Trust me, it looks insane and is a solid choice trick to add some flair to your skate routine, but it’s also gotta be done right. It’s risky, daring, and yes, it’s gonna take some getting used to. It’s not just a trick, it’s a spectacle. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Approach the obstacle
To kick things off, you should approach your chosen obstacle. This could be a rail or a box, as long as you can slide on it. Get your speed right– not too slow, not a big fan of going too fast– and place your feet properly. This means having your back foot on the tail and your front foot just behind the front bolts.
Step 2: Flip and land
This is where things get interesting. You’ve got to pop a half-frontside flip onto the obstacle, which is basically a frontside 90-degree half-kickflip. Easy, right? When you land, make sure your feet are on the nose and tail of the board right outside your truck.
Step 3: Slide and balance
When you hit the slide, lean forward. This isn’t just to look cool– it actually helps you stay on the board and sets you up for a smooth exit from the darkslide.
Step 4: Exit the darkslide
Now for the grand finale. To exit the darkslide, you’ll need to apply some pressure on the tail, push down and back, and lift your front foot. Make sure you get out of the way so the board can flip back over and roll away, fakie.
Key takeaways
- The darkslide involves flipping your board mid-ride and sliding on the griptape.
- Darkslides rely heavily on speed, balance, and precision in performing the half frontside flip onto the obstacle.
- The trick can be hard on our board, so consider having a designated board for darkslides.
- You should always wax the obstacle you’re darksliding and go at it with decent speed.
- Learning the darkslide can improve your overall board control and balance.
- Darkslide practice can be more manageable by starting with smaller obstacles and progressively tackling larger ones.
This article took a deep dive into the darkslide, a formidable and daredevil skateboard trick. Here are some key takeaways:
Yes, darksliding is a pretty dope trick, but like any powerful move, it’s not something to be taken lightly. There’s a lot to consider when you’re trying to flip your board mid-ride and slide on the griptape. So, let’s line up some dos and don’ts to keep you rolling smoothly.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| This trick with a specific board | Worry about ruining your regular board |
| Start with dark-stalls on small obstacles | Jump straight into full-scale darkslides |
| Wax your obstacle generously | Skip waxing, or you’ll risk too much resistance |
| Practice getting the feel for it | Rush the process |
| Go at it with decent speed | Compromise speed, but also don’t go overboard |
What are some tips on doing the darkslide?
- Start grinding smaller obstacles and gradually work your way up.
- Keep the board close to you when you flip for the slide.
- Once you’ve got the hang of it on flat surfaces, try adding some downhill to the mix.
- Be patient. It’s not a race. Take your time, and with practice, you’ll start to see progress.
- Wear protective gear. This trick can truly be a board breaker and a bone cruncher.
My darkslide journey
As a relatively new skater, attempting my first darkslide was, in a word, wack. I was used to keeping my board right side up, and flipping it to slide on the griptape felt completely unnatural. After several failed attempts and a few bruises later, I started to understand the appeal.
Darksliding is a reminder that obstacles aren’t just to be overcome; sometimes, they should be approached from a whole new angle!
Each failed attempt brought me closer to that perfect slide, and despite the falls and frustrations, I found the journey strangely satisfying. Darksliding is a reminder that obstacles aren’t just to be overcome; sometimes, they should be approached from a whole new angle!
What makes the darkslide so grip-tape-shreddingly golden?
Simply put, a darkslide is all about turning the tables; or board, to be exact. It’s where you deftly flip your skateboard halfway in the air, land on the board’s foot-gripping top, slide with gusto, and then flip it back over to roll away like a boss. Pioneered by the one and only Rodney Mullen circa 2000, this trick’s remained a bit of a cult favorite, considered both a goofy gimmick and a stroke of genius, admired more than attempted.
Wanna know how to darkslide?
Welcome to the crash course!
- Fortify that Board Position: Approach the rail or box backside at a decent speed, ensuring your feet hold the fort in the right position.
- Perfect a Half-Front Flip: Initiate a half-frontside flip onto your obstacle of choice. Essentially, you’re looking at a frontside kickflip, 90 degrees that is.
- Land the Darkslide: Your board touches down on the obstacle, top-down; that’s right, we’re talking grip-tape on metal. Aim to land with your feet on the nose and tail, keeping your trucks bridged between your footwork.
- Lean and Slide: Balance is king. Lean forward as you slide, averting any sketchy backslips and gearing up for a slick exit.
- Flip and Roll: Push down and back on the tail, lift your front foot clear, and apply some pressure on the trucks. Flip your board back over, make room for your feet, and roll away fakie.
Now, here’s my rider’s guide to mastering the darkslide trick safely.
What’s the secret sauce to a killer darkslide?
Top tip number one: never skimp on the wax. That grip-tape is not designed for sliding, so grab your best skateboarding wax and lacquer up your target obstacle.
How to practice darkslides?
- Getting a feel for it: Practice makes perfect. Try setting up your board, grip-side down on your darkslide target, and simply run and hop on. It will help you get a feel for the slide and work up the courage to master your exit strategy.
- Starting small is a safe bet: Practice dark-stalls on small obstacles like curbs. Slow and steady wins the race. Once you’re comfy here, you’re ready to add speed and level up to ledges and flat-bars.
- Specific darkslide deck: Another great tip is to get a skateboard dedicated to your darkslide dreams. It helps you commit to the trick without the disaster of destroying your pristine board setup.
Is the darkslide worth damaging your skateboard?
As thrilling as darkslides are, they definitely demand a sacrifice. Skating purists might argue they ruin skateboards, from shredding your grip tape to stressing your board at its weakest point. Yes, you’re risking a snappy board, but if the thrill appeals, a storied battle scar might just be part of your skateboarding tale.
Don’t wanna hurt your board? Try a full flip!
If you’re not a big fan of thrashing your skateboard, you might scope out full flips instead. They are somewhat lighter on the board and slide a whole lot smoother.
Keeping all the precautionary tales in mind, I’m gonna give you my take on the matter.
As a skateboarding novice, what’s my take on darkslide?
In my novice opinion, darkslides are a Wild West mix of rebel attitude and technical wizardry, a relic from the frontier days of street skating. Although I’ve never landed one myself and they tend to leave my board crying for mercy, the trick holds a magnetic appeal. The notion of flipping the board upside down, sliding, then flipping it back just has that undeniable showstopper quality. It’s the embodiment of pushing the envelope, breathing life into the proletariat concrete and steel; a fine example of skateboarding mystique. More details about other such crazy tricks here.
“Skateboarding: It’s not just a sport; it’s an Art form.” – Your Fellow Skateboard Novice
Dos and dont’s of darkslide
Catching that darkslide glory is no cakewalk, and it makes all the difference knowing some dos and don’ts. Remember, every maneuver in skateboarding is a tasty mix of technique, guts, and the laws of physics.
| Dos | Dont’s |
|---|---|
| Practice half-frontside flips | Skimp on the waxing |
| Strat out small with dark-stalls | Go overboard with speed at start |
| Dedicate a board for darksliding | Ignore the health of your board |
| Play safe with helmets and pads | Overlook the risk of board damage |
Moving onto another aspect, let’s take a peek into the world of data that plays out behind the thrill of the darkslides.
What’s beneath the darkslide drama?
Let’s get geeky and dissect the elements of a darkslide to grasp the statistics that underscore the risk and reward. Hitting the waxed rail, you’ll be dancing with friction, velocity, force, angles, balance, and a sprinkle of courage.
| Aspect | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Speed needed for successful darkslide | 7-10 mph |
| Typical waxing time for rail | 5 Minutes |
| Number of practice attempts before first successful darkslide | Approximately 50-70 |
| Average lifespan of board used exclusively for darkslides | 20 Darkslides |
Advantages and disadvantages of darksliding
The darkslide is an adrenaline-fueled ride on the risky side of skateboarding. But, as with any white-knuckle activity, it’s a blend of gains and pains. Let’s delve into the perks and perils of this trick.
Advantages of darksliding:
Skateboarding is a not just a sport, but a form of self-expression, a creative outlet. The darkslide is one such trick that highlights this aspect brilliantly.
- Instant recognition and cool points at the skate park. Who doesn’t want to be that rebel turning the board upside-down?
- Pushes one’s technical skills to the limit, mastering half-flips, balance control, and slide exit.
- Amps up the thrill factor, being inherently risky and challenging.
- Keeps the spirit of the skateboarding frontier alive.
Disadvantages of darksliding:
Then again, the leap into upside-down isn’t without its share of drawbacks. To venture into this trick, keeping these potential downsides in mind is a solid choice.
- The impact on your precious skateboard can be significant. The trick can shred your grip tape and potentially crack the deck.
- It’s not a trick for the rookies or faint-hearted. The technical difficulty and risk factor is high.
- Finding the right place to practice might prove challenging.
- It’s relatively less versatile compared to some other tricks which can be combined or improvised upon.
All said, the darkslide is definitely not a hill for all to die on. It’s a trick you either love entirely, or avoid like a skate park during rain. Yet, for those who choose to embrace it, it’s a display of style, grit, and good old rebellious joy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There’s a lot to take in when you’re learning a complex trick like the darkslide, and naturally, you might have plenty of questions flooding your head. So, let’s address some of the common questions skaters have about mastering this trick.
Is there a way to minimize the damage darkslides do to my board?
Of course! The trick is to have a board dedicated specifically for darkslides. Using a separate deck for this trick, ensures that you can practice without stressing over the damage to your primary skateboard.
Is a darkslide possible on any type of rail or ledge?
The darkslide is definitely easier to execute on some obstacles than on others. The optimal choice would be rectangular rails or flat ledges, as the flat top can help maintain balance during the slide. For some insight on practicing on different structures, take a look here.
Are there any recommended protective gears while practicing darkslides?
Safety should always be your top priority when skateboarding, and the darkslide is no exception. A helmet is a must, along with knee and elbow pads. You may also want to consider slide gloves if you plan on bailing out and sliding on your hands. Check out essentials skateboarding bag items for more details.
As a newbie, should i start with a darkslide?
While it depends on your skill level and self-confidence, typically, the darkslide isn’t a beginner-friendly trick. I’d suggest mastering basic tricks such as ollies, kickflips, and grinds first before attempting a trick as complex as the darkslide. If you’re just starting out, check here for some beginner-friendly gear recommendations.
How can I practice darkslides without ruining my board?
Great question! Darkslides can be rough on your board, especially on the griptape. The best workaround? Get a dedicated board specifically for practicing darkslides. This way, you don’t have to worry about thrashing a good board and can focus on mastering the trick. More details about board maintenance can be found here.
Are darkslides harder on different surfaces?
Absolutely. Like most skateboard tricks, surface friction plays a significant role in how well you can execute a darkslide. A smoother surface with less friction, like a well-waxed rail or a smooth ledge, will make the trick easier and more fluid.
Do darkslides damage my shoes like other flip tricks?
Truth be told, darkslides can actually be easier on your shoes than some other tricks. Following the “slide don’t scrape” approach, your shoes slide on the surface, which generally causes less wear than scraping tricks. But like anything in skateboarding, shoe damage is pretty much a given over time.
Final thoughts
Mastering the darkslide might seem like a daunting task, especially for newer skaters. Still, with consistent practice, patience, and the right techniques, it’s definitely within reach. Like I said, it’s about precision, control, and a hint of crazy, but it’s also about embracing challenges and pushing beyond your comfort zone. Check out this article on What Makes a Good Skateboard to make sure you’ve got the right kit before embarking on your darkslide journey.
So, are you going to give the darkslide a shot? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend. Check out my full blog for more skateboarding tips and tricks. Thanks for reading, and keep shredding!
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