If you plan on learning how to slide, the first thing you should do is put on a helmet and some protective gear. There is a high probability that you will spend some time on the asphalt during this process. So slide at your own risk. Even if you don’t know how to slide yet, don’t be afraid to invest in some gloves. I’ve found that the most common injuries from prolonged riding can be avoided if you know there are large plastic disks in the palms of your hands, making them impervious to pavement.

Once you have your pads and board prepped and ready to go. Pull into a parking lot or somewhere relatively flat to practice speed control. A speed bump is a very small slide, where (to begin with) both rear wheels come off the pavement and do a very small slide. It’s called speed control because this move is sometimes used to burn speed (but generally looks sick). Learning to control speed can be awkward. So here is a list of the basic moves that you will perform.

1. Start on a flat area and give the board 2 or 3 good pushes

2. Lean forward, putting most of your weight on your front foot.

3. Open your shoulders, between a 45 and 90 degree angle to the board. The more you open your shoulders, the greater the speed control or drift. Also keep in mind that the longer you leave your shoulders open, the longer the slide will continue.

4. Use your back foot and leg to quickly force the back end of the board out. The heel side is generally the most comfortable way to learn to slide. But it’s about what feels best.

5. Close your shoulders and even your weight back

Note that parts 3 and 4 should be happening simultaneously. (Or very close at the same time) Your first speed checks should be minimal, really focus on taking a lot of weight off your back foot, until the slide begins. The less weight there is on the rear of the board, the easier it will be to get both rear wheels off.

If you’ve never slid on the wheels you’re currently riding on, your glides will be pretty choppy for a while. The speed check is also a great way to break the wheels. Once you have rounded the edges of your wheels, you know your wheels are broken. And it may be time for a quick rotation.

Once you have activated cruise control. Start incorporating it into sizes for style points if you like. Now, you are ready for the full slide.

At this point in your longboarding career, gloves are a must if you plan on learning how to use drifts and downhill slides. Slides are a great way to control your speed and widen the variety of hills you can climb as you go.

To start sliding with your hands, you will need a little slope, and it helps if your wheels break a little. Treat your slide like your speed control. Put most of your weight on your front foot, some riders even place their back foot sideways. Doing this not only looks stylish, but it actually forces you to keep your weight off your foot and only use it to help push and guide the board. Most people usually start with the back hand gripping the center of the deck and the front hand down onto the pavement. This is a great first slide to learn. All it takes is commitment. Once you can turn your shoulders a full 180 degrees, the board will follow.

Don’t be afraid to put some weight on your slider hand. The more weight you have on your board, the slower the slide will be. Causing more friction between the wheels than concrete, making it difficult to slide. Two-handed slides are generally easier once you get the hang of them. Because more weight is in your hands. And because with both hands on the ground, your shoulders are engaged no matter what. But whichever slide you choose to learn first, practice is key.

Some wheels roll much more smoothly and easily than others. Some tires are much more prone to slipping and freeriding. But keep in mind that all boards can slide. It is true that some configurations are more difficult to learn than others. But with some motivation and dedication, any board can slide. Good luck!