What Does Frontside Mean? (Decoding Skateboarding Lingo)

Learn the true meaning of "frontside" in skateboarding. A breakdown of the term and its usage in skate culture, with tips and tricks.

Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? Today, we’ll talk about one of the most important words you need to know if you’re serious about skateboarding: frontside.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand the meaning of “frontside,” how to perform frontside tricks, and its importance in skateboarding culture. We’ll also provide tips and tricks to help you master frontside, so don’t miss out. Now, let’s get started!

What does “frontside” mean? Frontside refers to a skateboarding trick where the rider’s front foot is angled in the direction of the trick. It’s considered one of the most important skateboarding terms for a beginner to learn. Though it’s hard to say what percentage of tricks are considered “frontside,” it’s a term that all skateboarders should know.

Understanding skateboarding terminology

Skateboarding slang has been around since the sport’s inception in the 1950s. Its origins can be traced back to the surf culture of California, where many of the early skateboarders came from. Slang is a way for skateboarders to communicate, bond with each other, and differentiate themselves from mainstream culture.

Image of someone doing a frontside skateboarding. Source: roderick salatan, pexels
Image of someone doing a frontside skateboarding. Source: roderick salatan, pexels

It’s important to understand the skateboarding vocabulary so that you can communicate with them effectively and know what they’re talking about. Additionally, it will help you have a better grasp of the sport and allow you to progress faster as a skateboarder.

Common skateboarding terms and their meanings:

Some of the most common skateboarding terms include “ollie,” “pop shove-it,” “kickflip,” and “grind.”

  • An ollie is the most basic trick in skateboarding and is used to jump and flip the board.
  • A pop shove-it is a trick in which the skateboarder spins the board 180 degrees in the air.
  • A kickflip is a trick where the skateboarder flips the board 360 degrees.
  • A grind is a trick where the skateboarder slides along the edge of an object, such as a rail or curb.
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My favorite complete skateboard (at the moment):

Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard

What does frontside mean? (decoding skateboarding lingo) | 61vn95mf7ql. Ac sl1184 | skateboard salad
My favorite complete skateboard (at the moment):

Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard

I had my board stolen a few years ago and was forced to quickly replace it with a complete. I got one with an Enjoi deck and loved it so much that I still buy the Whitey Panda deck each time I need a new deck. This complete with budget-friendly, beginner-friendly parts, but I still swear by it.

The meaning of frontside

Frontside is a term used in skateboarding to describe the side of the board facing the direction of travel. This means that when a skateboarder is riding with the front of their board facing forward, the front side is the side facing the direction of travel.

The opposite of the frontside is the backside, the side of the board facing away from the direction of travel.

Examples of frontside tricks

Some examples of frontside tricks include frontside grinds, frontside flips, and frontside spins.

Frontside grinds on rails are a popular trick among skateboarders. This trick involves the skateboarder approaching a rail with their frontside facing forward and then grinding along the rail using the front trucks of the board. To do this trick, you have to stay balanced and in charge while riding on the rail. It requires a lot of practice to master it.

Frontside flips are another popular trick that is performed on transitions. These are typically done on ramps or halfpipes. The skateboarder approaches the transition with their frontside facing forward and then flips the board in a forward motion using the front trucks of the board. This trick is quite difficult to master and requires a lot of practice and a good understanding of the physics of flipping a board.

Frontside spins are performed on flat ground. This trick involves the skateboarder spinning the board 360 degrees while keeping the front of the board facing forward. It typically uses the back foot to push the board while the front foot guides the spin. It is considered a challenging trick, requiring balance and control over the board.

The importance of frontside in skateboarding

Frontside is important in skateboarding because it is used in many tricks. In addition, many skateboarders consider frontside tricks to be more challenging and technical than backside tricks, adding to the overall difficulty and excitement of the sport.

Mastering frontside tricks can significantly impact a skateboarder’s skill level.

Frontside is also significant in skateboarding culture because it demonstrates how far the sport has progressed and how difficult it is to master. People think skateboarders who can do frontside tricks are better and more skilled than those who can’t. This is because frontside tricks require more balance, coordination, and control.

Mastering frontside tricks can significantly impact a skateboarder’s skill level. Performing frontside tricks can help skateboarders improve their balance, coordination, and control, which are important for making more advanced moves. This can also help increase their confidence and creativity in performing tricks.

How can you perform frontside tricks?

Performing frontside tricks in skateboarding requires skill, technique, and practice. To start, it is important for skateboarders to feel comfortable with their frontside stance and footing. This means getting a feel for how the board moves and responds when the front is facing forward. This can take time, but it will become second nature with enough practice.

Once comfortable with the stance and footing, skateboarders can focus on the trick they want to perform. This can include learning the proper technique and timing, as well as building up strength and coordination. For example, to perform a frontside grind on a rail, the skateboarder must learn to approach the rail at the right angle, lean into the grind, and maintain balance while sliding along the rail.

Practicing proper safety techniques and using appropriate protective gear are also important. This includes wearing a helmet, knee, elbow pads, and wrist guards to reduce the risk of injury. Skateboarding can be dangerous, so taking the necessary precautions is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Image of a woman skateboarding on the road. Source: vidal balielo jr, pexels
Image of a woman skateboarding on the road. Source: vidal balielo jr, pexels

Tips and tricks for mastering frontside

Skateboarders can master frontside tricks and progress to more advanced frontside tricks with the right stance, technique, practice, and safety.

One of the most important things to remember is to start with the basics and gradually work up to more advanced tricks. This will help you build a solid foundation of skills and confidence.

Start with easier tricks, like frontside grinds on small curbs, and move up to harder obstacles over time. Try different versions of the frontside trick you want to learn by watching videos of professional skateboarders or seeking guidance from experienced skateboarders. This can give you an idea of how to approach the trick. But remember, there’s no substitute for consistent practice and repetition.

Lastly, safety should always be your top priority when doing frontside tricks. Use the right gear, proper form, and technique to lower the risk of injury. You should always be aware of your surroundings and watch for possible dangers.

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video, “How to Frontside 180 the Easiest Way Tutorial 2020” from the Braille Skateboarding YouTube channel.

A video called “How to Frontside 180 the Easiest Way Tutorial 2020” from the Braille Skateboarding YouTube channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about the front side.

What are the benefits of mastering frontside tricks in skateboarding?

Mastering frontside tricks can improve a skateboarder’s skill level.

How does the front side differ from the backside in skateboarding?

In skateboarding, frontside refers to the side of the board facing the direction of travel, while backside refers to the side facing away from the direction of travel.

How long does it take to master frontside tricks?

The time it takes to master frontside tricks can vary depending on an individual’s skill level, dedication, and practice. Mastering frontside tricks can take weeks, months, or even years to master frontside tricks.

Conclusion

So, folks, that’s the deal with frontside in skateboarding. It’s an important aspect of the sport but no walk in the park. But if you’re up for the challenge and put in the work, you’ll be able to do frontside, flipping and grinding like a pro in no time. Just remember to always wear your safety gear, and don’t be a “grind” and take it too seriously. Skateboarding is supposed to be fun, after all.

So, can you perform some frontside tricks? 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, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and happy shredding!

Key takeaways

This article covered understanding frontside in skateboarding. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Skateboarding slang has been around since the sport’s inception in the 1950s.
  • Frontside is a term used in skateboarding to describe the side of the board facing the direction of travel.
  • Performing frontside tricks in skateboarding requires skill, technique, and practice.
  • Examples of frontside tricks include frontside grinds on rails, frontside flips on transitions, and frontside spins on flat ground.
  • To perform frontside tricks, skateboarders must first be comfortable with their frontside stance and footing.
  • Frontside is an important aspect of skateboarding because it is used in various tricks and is sometimes considered more difficult and technical than backside tricks.
  • Mastering frontside tricks can greatly increase a skateboarder’s skill level and progression.

Helpful resources

Steven Portrate
Written by Steven Sadder, Staff Writer

Hey! I'm Steven, a lifelong skater, and proud New Yorker. I’ve been skating since I was a teenager. I may be a bit older now, but I'm not slowing down. Follow me for skating tips and latest gear reviews.

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