Skateboarding offers a myriad of thrilling tricks to learn and master, each with its unique style and technique. Two popular skateboard tricks, the lipslide and the boardslide, may seem quite similar at first glance. However, they have distinct differences that set them apart. We will explore all of your lipslide vs boardslide questions and the difference between the lipslide and the boardslide along with tips on how to master these grinds.
What Is A Lipslide: A Brief Overview
The lipslide is a versatile skateboarding trick involving the rider sliding on a rail, ledge, or other obstacle with the tail of the skateboard. To execute a lipslide, the skateboarder must approach the obstacle at an angle, perform an ollie, and rotate the board 90 degrees so that the tail slides over the obstacle. The rider must then maintain balance while sliding and return the board to its original position before landing.
What Is A Boardslide: A Brief Overview
A boardslide, on the other hand, is a trick where the skateboarder slides along an obstacle with the center of the skateboard deck. The rider approaches the obstacle at an angle, performs an ollie, and rotates the board 90 degrees to land with the obstacle between the front and rear trucks. The skateboarder must maintain balance while sliding and rotate the board back into its original position before landing.
Is A Lipslide the same as a Boardslide?
Although lipslides and boardslides both involve sliding on an obstacle, they are not the same trick. The primary difference lies in the part of the skateboard that makes contact with the obstacle and the way the rider approaches and rotates the board. In a lipslide, the tail of the skateboard slides over the obstacle, whereas in a boardslide, the center of the deck is used for sliding. Additionally, the approach and rotation of the board differ between the two tricks. Understanding these distinctions is essential to learn and perform each trick correctly.
Key Differences Between Lipslide and Boardslide
- Board Position: In a lipslide, the tail of the skateboard slides over the obstacle, while in a boardslide, the center of the deck is used for sliding.
- Rotation: In a lipslide, the rider must rotate the board 90 degrees and place the tail over the obstacle. In a boardslide, the rider rotates the board 90 degrees, landing with the obstacle between the trucks.
- Approach: For a lipslide, the skateboarder must approach the obstacle from the side opposite their leading foot (i.e., a regular-footed rider approaches from the right, while a goofy-footed rider approaches from the left). In a boardslide, the rider can approach the obstacle from either side.
Tips for Mastering Lipslide and Boardslide
- Build a strong foundation: Before attempting lipslides or boardslides, ensure you have a solid grasp of how to skateboard, how to ollie, manual, and 50-50 grind.
- Start with a low, flat obstacle: Practice on a low, flat obstacle like a curb or a parking block to build your confidence and muscle memory.
- Focus on balance and body positioning: Maintain your center of gravity and proper body positioning throughout the slide, keeping your knees slightly bent and your weight centered over the board.
- Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged by initial failures; mastering these tricks takes time and consistent practice. Some skateboard sizes will provide better balance as well as make it easier to maneuver the board into the correct position while grinding.
- Wax the rail: If you are struggling with friction across the rail or obstacle, you should think about waxing the ledge or rail to provide a cleaner slide while boardsliding or lipsliding. Learn how to make skateboard wax in order to improve your experience.
The Difference Between A Lipslide and A Boardslide
The lipslide and boardslide may appear similar, but understanding their subtle differences is crucial for learning and executing both tricks successfully. By focusing on the proper approach, rotation, and balance, you’ll be well on your way to mastering these exciting skateboard maneuvers. So gear up with your favorite skateboard brand, hit the skatepark, and keep practicing until you’ve added both the lipslide and the boardslide to your ever-growing skateboarding repertoire.
