Ever thought about strutting your stuff at the local skatepark with the sickest maneuver on wheels? Want to show up the seasoned shredders by pulling off a trick as stylish as it is gnarly? Well, look no further than this guide, where we’re plunging down the half-pipe into the world of darkslides, one of skateboarding’s most insane tricks. For the uninitiated, skateboarding is more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle, a form of expression, marked by a unique lingo, aesthetic, and an rebellious spirit. Get a grip of the Nose of your board, spin 90 and roll into our realm here.
How to do a darkslide? Simply put, a darkslide involves flipping your board mid-air, landing with the grip tape facing down on a rail or ledge, and sliding along before flipping the board once again to roll away clean. Now that’s not just a trick, it’s a spectacle.
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.
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
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.
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently asked questions (faq)
So, you’re keen on mastering the wild ride that is the darkslide, huh? Ain’t no harm in having a bunch of questions. Here are some common queries skaters tend to have along the way to turning their world, or at least, their skateboard, upside down!
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.
Final thoughts
The fascinating world of skateboarding is a dizzying swirl of flips, slides, and grinds. As we delve deeper, we find tricks like the Darkslide, defying gravity and flipping expectations upside down. This insane maneuver, taken straight off the pages of trick pioneer Rodney Mullen’s book, offers a challenging but thrilling feat to master. Is it tough? Definitely! Will it shred your board and your knees? Quite possibly. But is it one of the coolest ways to set a skatepark on fire (not literally, of course)? Absolutely! Rushing down the halfpipe, flipping your board, sliding on its topside, and then rolling away in style, adds a whole new layer to your love for skateboarding.
Did my beginner’s guide make the darkslide seem a tad less daunting? Are you stoked to try it out on your local rail or ledge? 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, feel free to share it with a buddy, and do explore my full blog for more skateboarding tips and tricks. Thanks for reading and, as always, keep the stoke alive!
Key takeaways
This article dove headfirst into the world of darkslides, shedding light on their spectacle, technique, and challenge. Here are some key takeaways:
- Darkslides involve flipping your board upside down mid-air, sliding on the grip tape, and flipping the board back to normal.
- Practice, wax, and balance are your best buddies in mastering this trick.
- Darkslides, while insanely cool, can be harsh on your board and grip tape.
- A designated board for practicing darkslides is a solid strategic move.
- As a final piece of wisdom, remember to skate safe and have fun! Skateboarding is all about pushing boundaries and expressing oneself on wheels.
