Just like any of the other advanced tricks, you
need a decent amount of coordination and
balance to try this. A basic proficiency in doing
stalls, and a full set of pads sure doesn't hurt,
either!
You will want start out by finding a nice curb,
preferably at least 10 feet long, and as smooth
as possible. In fact, if you can find a really hard
marble stair, that will work even better. Next you
will need to wax it up with some wax. You can
order it special from basically any of the Mail
Order companies. Or you can just go to the
grocery store and buy a nice big candle or box
of parafin wax. In any case, you will want to put
a nice big and long layer of wax on the step,
paying close attention to the top part, because
that is where your wheels will need to slide.
Oh..If you are using all big wheels this is going
to be quite difficult. Look into getting 'tiny'
wheels or dwarfs, or whatever, because they will
give you room to grind and slide. Otherwise, you
will get stuck on the curb!
After it is all waxed up, approach the curb with
moderate speed, and go perfectly parallel to it.
As you are going past the waxed section, jump
up, turn 90 degrees, and land on the step
between your second and third wheels. Your
stance should be about shoulder width, and
your knees should be flexed slightly.
Slide down as far as you can (hopefully till you stop), and
jump off.
A few points to remember- If you are falling off the step,
you need to angle
your skates more
perpendicularly along
the step. If your
skates are riding up
and over the curb,
you need to angle
your skates more, or
lean backwards a bit
more. Also, be aware
that since you are
grinding on a rough
curb, you won't go
very far!! Be prepared
for the shock of the
ride so you won't fall.
Also, there are
alternative ways of
getting up onto the
curb. Some people like to 'step up' onto the curb. This
would entail putting one foot up there, beginning to grind,
then pull the other foot up. But since you hopefully plan to
progress into rail slides where this is impossible, I suggest
you do the jump-90 method..
So.. Wax your curb, go parallel, turn 90 degrees, land
between the second and third wheel, and ride it out!
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