Longboarding is a versatile sport that offers a wide range of techniques and styles. Sliding and freeriding are some of the most popular techniques among longboarders. Sliding involves intentionally losing traction with the ground and sliding the board sideways. Freeriding is a style of riding that involves performing tricks and slides on the board. In this article, we will explore different sliding and freeriding techniques to help you improve your skills and take your longboarding to the next level.

Stand-Up Slides

Stand-up slides are the most basic and popular sliding technique in longboarding. They involve the rider standing upright on the board and using their body weight and balance to initiate a slide. Stand-up slides can be done on both flat ground and downhill slopes and are a great way to control your speed and navigate tight turns.

To perform a stand-up slide, start by carving into a turn with your weight on your front foot. Once you reach the apex of the turn, shift your weight onto your back foot and initiate the slide by leaning back and pushing your back foot out. As the board starts to slide, keep your shoulders and hips aligned with the direction of the slide, and use your front foot to steer the board in the direction you want to go.

Pendulum Slides

Pendulum slides are a more advanced sliding technique that involves sliding the board back and forth in a pendulum motion. Pendulum slides are typically done on downhill slopes and are a great way to control your speed and maintain control on fast, steep descents.

To perform a pendulum slide, start by carving into a turn with your weight on your front foot. As you reach the apex of the turn, shift your weight onto your back foot and initiate the slide by pushing your back foot out and sliding the board sideways. Once the board starts to slide, shift your weight back onto your front foot and initiate a second slide in the opposite direction. Continue this back-and-forth motion until you reach the bottom of the hill.

Coleman Slides

Coleman slides are a sliding technique that involves sliding the board sideways while laying down on the ground. Coleman slides are typically done on downhill slopes and are a great way to control your speed and maintain control on fast, steep descents.

To perform a Coleman slide, start by carving into a turn with your weight on your front foot. As you reach the apex of the turn, shift your weight onto your back foot and initiate the slide by pushing your back foot out and sliding the board sideways. Once the board starts to slide, quickly sit down on the ground and use your body weight and balance to control the speed and direction of the slide. Use your arms and legs to stabilize yourself and maintain control.

180 and 360 slides are advanced freeriding techniques that involve performing a 180-degree or 360-degree turn while sliding the longboard. These techniques are useful when you want to change directions quickly or when you want to perform a trick.

To perform a 180 slide, begin by riding at a moderate speed down a hill. As you approach a turn or need to change directions, shift your weight onto your front foot and initiate the slide by turning your shoulders and hips towards the direction of the turn. As you begin to slide, use your back foot to pivot the board around 180 degrees. Once you complete the turn, use your front foot to stop the slide and continue riding.

180 and 360 Slides

To perform a 360 slide, follow the same steps as the 180 slide but continue to pivot the board around for a full 360-degree turn. These slides require a lot of practice and skill, but once mastered, they are an impressive trick to add to your Freeride arsenal.