Diving Straight into the Grind
Picture this: you’re cruising down a sun-baked street, the urban landscape a maze of rails and ledges, when you spot that perfect awning—a sturdy metal overhang begging to be conquered. For skateboarders, mastering a bluntslide on such a surface isn’t just a trick; it’s a rite of passage that blends precision, power, and a dash of audacity. If you’ve ever felt the rush of wheels kissing metal, you’re about to elevate that thrill. We’ll break down the mechanics, share real-world scenarios, and arm you with tips that go beyond the basics, drawing from years of watching skaters turn ordinary obstacles into personal triumphs.
Grasping the Basics of a Bluntslide
At its core, a bluntslide is a skateboarding maneuver where you slide along an edge using the blunt (the back truck of your board) as the pivot point. Unlike a boardslide, which glides flat, the bluntslide demands you lean into the obstacle—think of it as threading a needle while balancing on a tightrope. When we talk about “the awning,” we’re referring to those low-hanging, often commercial metal structures that jut out from buildings, offering a grippy yet unforgiving surface. It’s not your everyday rail; its slight curve can make or break your run, turning a smooth glide into a sudden face-plant if you’re not prepared.
From my time embedded with pro skaters in city parks, I’ve seen how this trick evolves from a beginner’s stumble to a veteran’s signature move. It’s exhilarating, sure, but it also carries that stomach-dropping risk that keeps you sharp—like a hawk eyeing its prey before the dive.
Setting the Stage: Gear and Prep Work
Before you even ollie toward that awning, ensure your setup is spot-on. A bluntslide puts immense stress on your board and body, so think of your gear as your silent partner in crime. Start with a deck that’s not too flexy—something like a 7.5 to 8-inch width for stability—and trucks that aren’t overly loose, as they’ll help with that crucial pivot. Wheels should be grippy but not sticky; 52mm with a hardness of 99A strikes a sweet balance, gliding like a stone skipping across a pond without veering off course.
Safety isn’t glamorous, but it’s the backbone of every session. Helmets, pads, and even a mouthguard aren’t just accessories; they’re your armor in a world where one wrong move can send you tumbling. I once watched a skater in LA ignore his wrist guards on an awning grind, only to spend weeks nursing a sprain. Don’t let overconfidence dull your edges—always scout the area for hazards like wet surfaces or uneven edges that could turn your slide into a wipeout.
The Step-by-Step Grind: Mastering the Bluntslide
Now, let’s get to the heart of it. Executing a bluntslide on an awning requires a sequence of movements that build on each other, like chapters in a story leading to a climactic finish. Here’s how to string them together:
- Approach with Intent: Build speed as you roll toward the awning, but don’t rush it. Aim for a 45-degree angle to the edge, keeping your knees bent and weight centered. This is your launchpad—too fast, and you’ll overshoot; too slow, and you’ll stall out like a car sputtering on empty.
- Ollie and Pop: As you near the awning, pop an ollie that’s forceful yet controlled. Your front foot should flick the board’s nose upward while your back foot drives down on the tail, propelling you onto the edge. Visualize it as cracking a whip: that snap sends you gliding.
- Lock into the Slide: Once airborne, twist your body so the blunt of your back truck hits the awning first. Lean back slightly to maintain balance, letting the board’s momentum carry you along the surface. If the awning has a slight curve, use it to your advantage—it’s like surfing a wave, where the contour guides your path.
- Maintain the Flow: Keep your shoulders squared and eyes forward during the slide. Any hesitation can cause a wobble, so focus on even pressure. For awnings that are wider than a standard rail, extend your slide by shifting your weight dynamically, turning a brief moment into a full extension of your style.
- Exit Gracefully: To dismount, gently ollie off or let the board roll off the end. Land with knees absorbed, rolling away to dissipate the impact. It’s the difference between a heroic finish and a clumsy fall—think of it as nailing the last note in a symphony.
This process might feel clunky at first, but with repetition, it transforms into muscle memory, much like how a musician turns scales into melodies.
Real-World Examples: From Street to Spotlight
To make this tangible, let’s look at a couple of scenarios I’ve witnessed. In downtown San Francisco, a skater named Jax used an awning outside a coffee shop for his bluntslide practice. The awning’s rusted edge added an extra layer of grip, allowing him to extend his slide from a mere second to a jaw-dropping five, drawing a crowd that erupted in cheers. It was a high like no other, turning a mundane urban feature into a stage for his prowess.
Contrast that with a rainy day in New York, where another skater attempted the same on a slick awning. The moisture turned the surface into a trap, leading to a sudden slip that ended in a bruised ego but a valuable lesson. These examples underscore the trick’s versatility—it’s not just about the move, but adapting to the environment, much like a chameleon blending into its surroundings while staying one step ahead.
Practical Tips to Elevate Your Game
Once you’ve got the basics down, refine your technique with these insights. First, practice on lower obstacles before tackling a full awning; it’s like warming up before a marathon, building confidence without the immediate pressure. Another tip: film your sessions with your phone—reviewing footage can reveal subtle flaws, such as uneven weight distribution, that you’d otherwise miss.
If you’re skating in varied conditions, experiment with wax on the awning for smoother slides, but use it sparingly to avoid over-slippery surfaces that could betray you mid-trick. And remember, mental resilience is key; after a fall, take a breath and visualize success—it’s the internal fire that keeps you pushing forward, turning setbacks into stepping stones.
Ultimately, bluntsliding an awning is about more than skill; it’s about the stories you create on the streets. With these steps and tips, you’re not just learning a trick—you’re crafting your own narrative in the world of skateboarding.