Skateboarding is an exciting sport that has captured the attention of many young people around the world. One of the most impressive maneuvers that a skateboarder can perform is the powerslide. This maneuver involves sliding the wheels of the skateboard perpendicular to the direction of travel, creating a spray of sparks and leaving an impressive mark on the ground. If you’re interested in learning how to powerslide on a skateboard, this guide is for you.

Before we dive into the steps involved in executing a powerslide, it’s important to understand some basic concepts. Firstly, you’ll need to be comfortable riding your skateboard and be able to control it at a moderate speed. Secondly, you’ll need to be able to shift your weight and balance on the board effectively. Lastly, you’ll need to have good grip tape on your board and wheels that are not too hard, as softer wheels are better for powerslides.

Step 1: Pick up some speed Start by riding at a moderate speed, enough to create some momentum. You’ll need some speed to perform a good powerslide, so practice riding around and getting comfortable at a higher speed.

Step 2: Position your feet correctly Position your feet so that your front foot is pointing straight ahead, and your back foot is positioned at an angle, about 45 degrees from the direction of travel. This will allow you to shift your weight onto your back foot during the powerslide.

Step 3: Initiate the slide As you approach the turn, shift your weight towards your back foot and start to turn your shoulders in the direction of the turn. This will cause the skateboard to start to slide sideways. As you do this, use your front foot to lightly press down on the board to keep it stable.

Step 4: Control the slide To control the slide, keep your weight on your back foot and your front foot slightly off the board. This will prevent the wheels from gripping and allow the board to slide smoothly. Use your shoulders and hips to guide the direction of the slide.

Step 5: Finish the slide As you approach the end of the slide, start to straighten your body and shift your weight back towards your front foot. This will bring the wheels back in contact with the ground, allowing you to continue riding.

Step 6: Practice, Practice, Practice Powersliding requires a lot of practice, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing until you can execute a smooth and controlled slide. You may want to start by practicing on a smooth, flat surface and then move on to more challenging terrain.

In conclusion, powersliding is an impressive and challenging maneuver that requires practice and skill. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to add this impressive move to your skateboarding repertoire in no time. Remember to always wear appropriate protective gear, such as a helmet and pads, when skateboarding, and skate within your abilities. Stay safe and have fun!

Author: Kyle Niedz

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