What this trick is
Powersides are a fundamental, useful and stylish technique used to slow down and manage your speed when travelling quickly.
Before you try it
Be comfortable travelling at speed on your skateboard. Find a smooth surface to practice on and ride hard wheels (99a or 101a). The harder the wheels, the easier they slide!
How to do it
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Foot placement - Both feet on bolts, however usual riding position with foot on/closer to tail works too.
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You must be travelling at speed for powerslides to work. However slippy indoor surfaces (wood) will slide easier at lower speeds than rough outdoor surfaces!
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Bend your knees to lower your centre of gravity.
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Use a 'hopping motion' to unweight the board, remaining contact with both feet whilst lifting your weight off.
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Propell your back foot towards the front whilst trying to bring the front foot back a little.
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Keep your weight behind the board as it slides infront of you.
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Once you feel your speed decreasing, return your board to normal and roll away.
Learn more here!
Video by SKATE HACKS
Common mistakes
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Wheels or ground too grippy - Try hard wheels and smooth concrete/wood!
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Travelling too slowly to initiate slide
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Not 'hopping' to unweight board before the slide
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leaning too far forwards/not far enough back and getting ahead of the board as it slides
How to know you've got it
You are confidently and stylishly powersliding to slow or control speed between tricks, after a ramp or when bombing a hill!