The lipslide is a classic rail and ledge trick where you ollie up, turn the board 90 degrees, and slide on the middle of the deck with your back truck passing over the obstacle. It’s closely related to the boardslide, but the direction of approach and the way the board crosses the rail are different. It’s harder to see, which makes it feel scary at first. This guide explains exactly how a lipslide works and how to learn it safely.
Lipslide vs Boardslide: What’s the Difference?
Both tricks involve sliding on the middle of the deck across a rail or ledge, but they differ in how you get there:
- Boardslide: Your front truck crosses over the rail first. You approach with the rail on your front side and lead with the nose.
- Lipslide: Your back truck crosses over the rail. You approach with the rail behind you (on your heel side for a frontside lipslide) and lift the tail over it.
Because the back truck has to clear the rail, lipslides need a slightly higher ollie and more commitment. If you haven’t learned a boardslide yet, start there: it teaches the balance you’ll need.
Frontside vs Backside Lipslides
A frontside lipslide is when you approach with the rail at your heels and turn your body frontside, so you end up facing down the rail. It’s usually learned first because you can see where you’re going during the slide.
A backside lipslide is when you approach with the rail at your toes and turn backside, ending up with your back facing down the rail. It’s harder because you’re sliding blind. This guide focuses on the frontside lipslide.
Choosing Your First Obstacle
Start on a low, flat rail or a waxed box edge. A flat bar about 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) high is perfect. Avoid kinked or down rails until your lipslides are consistent. A little wax on the rail makes a big difference, and our guide on how to wax a skateboard rail covers how much to use.
Step 1: The Approach
Roll toward the rail at a slight angle with the rail on your heel side, running nearly parallel to it but closing in. Your speed should be moderate: fast enough to carry through the slide, not so fast that you lose control. Keep your weight centered over the board and your knees bent.
Step 2: Pop and Turn
When you’re close to the rail, pop an ollie and immediately start turning your shoulders and hips frontside. As the board rises, lift the tail up and over the rail. Your back truck needs to clear the rail completely, so pop higher than you’d think necessary. Keep your eyes on the rail through the entire motion.
Step 3: Land on the Rail
Bring the board down so the middle of the deck, between the trucks, lands squarely on the rail. Your board should be perpendicular to the rail, with your feet over the bolts and your weight centered. If you land too far toward the nose or tail, you’ll either tip off or get stuck.
Step 4: Balance the Slide
Once you’re sliding, keep your knees bent and your shoulders parallel to the rail. Your weight should be directly over the rail, maybe slightly leaning toward the direction of travel. Leaning back is the most common mistake and will make the board shoot out from under you. Look ahead to the end of the rail.
Step 5: Exit the Slide
As you reach the end of the rail, turn your shoulders back 90 degrees to bring the board back in line with your direction of travel. Lift the back truck slightly so it clears the rail, then land with bent knees over the bolts and ride away in your regular stance. You can also exit fakie by turning the other way, which is sometimes easier when learning.
Common Lipslide Problems
The back truck catches the rail
Your ollie isn’t high enough. Pop harder and lift your back knee to bring the tail up and over.
The board slips out behind you
You’re leaning back. Commit your weight over the rail and slightly forward.
You don’t turn far enough
If the board lands at an angle instead of perpendicular, you’ll get stuck or slip off. Turn your shoulders early and fully.
You’re scared to commit
Practice the motion on a curb or low ledge first, or have a friend help you balance on a stationary rail to get a feel for the position.
Board Setup for Slides
A clean, smooth deck bottom slides better than one covered in rough graphics or chips. Many skaters rub a little wax on the middle of the deck bottom when learning. Your trucks should be tight enough that the board doesn’t wobble when you land on the rail. If your trucks are very loose, tighten them a quarter-turn or so.
Safety Tips
- Always wear a helmet when learning rail tricks. Falls often happen quickly and sideways.
- Start on low rails and work up gradually.
- Wrist guards help protect against the most common injury: a fall onto outstretched hands.
- Practice when the park is quiet so you’re not cutting across other skaters’ lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a lipslide harder than a boardslide?
Yes, for most skaters. A lipslide requires lifting the back truck over the rail, which needs a higher ollie and more commitment than a boardslide.
Should I learn frontside or backside lipslide first?
Frontside lipslides are usually easier to learn first because you face down the rail and can see where you’re going during the slide.
What kind of rail is best for learning lipslides?
A low, flat, round or square rail about 20 to 30 cm high, lightly waxed, is ideal. Avoid kinked or down rails until your lipslides are consistent.
Why does my board keep slipping out during lipslides?
Usually because you’re leaning back. Keep your weight directly over the rail and slightly forward, with bent knees and shoulders parallel to the rail.
Can I lipslide on a ledge?
Yes. Lipslides work on ledges and boxes as well as rails, though ledges have more surface friction, so a bit of wax helps.
