The 50-50 grind is often the first true grind most skateboarders learn, and for good reason — it builds directly on skills you likely already have, like ollies and axle stalls. In a 50-50, both trucks slide evenly along a ledge, rail, or curb at the same time. Once you can hold that balance, nearly every other grind (5-0, smith, feeble) becomes easier to learn because they all start from the same basic position.
This guide covers exactly how to set up, pop, land, and ride away from a 50-50 grind, along with the mistakes that trip up most beginners.
What Is a 50-50 Grind?
A 50-50 grind gets its name from the even, 50/50 weight distribution across both trucks as they slide along the edge of a curb, ledge, or rail. Unlike a boardslide, where the deck itself slides, in a 50-50 it’s the metal of both trucks making contact and sliding. It’s considered a foundational grind because the balance point is symmetrical — you’re not favoring your front or back truck, which makes it more forgiving to learn than asymmetrical grinds.
If you’ve already practiced an axle stall, you’re most of the way there — a 50-50 is essentially an axle stall that keeps sliding instead of staying static.
What You Need Before Trying It
- A comfortable ollie onto curbs. You should be able to consistently land an ollie with both trucks landing flat and even.
- A low, rounded ledge or curb to start. Waxed edges help significantly for your first sessions — a soft, sticky ledge will catch your trucks and stop you short.
- Confidence with axle stalls. The balance point is nearly identical, just in motion instead of static.
- Good bearing and wheel maintenance. Sticky bearings can throw off your speed judgment right as you’re trying to land the grind.
How to 50-50 Grind: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Wax the Ledge (If Needed)
If the ledge or curb isn’t already slick, rub a skate wax candle along the edge a few times. This single step makes an enormous difference for beginners — a waxed ledge lets your trucks slide smoothly instead of catching and throwing you off balance.
Step 2: Approach at a Slight Angle
Roll toward the obstacle at a steady, moderate speed, approaching at roughly 15 to 30 degrees rather than straight on. Too much speed makes landing control harder; too little makes it hard to slide smoothly.
Step 3: Pop and Land on Both Trucks
Ollie just before reaching the ledge, aiming to land with both trucks square on top of the edge at the same time — exactly like the landing in an axle stall. Keep your weight centered and your knees bent.
Step 4: Let the Trucks Slide
Once you land, don’t fight the slide — let your trucks glide along the ledge. Keep your shoulders and hips square to the direction of travel, and resist the urge to lean forward or backward, which can throw the board off the ledge early.
Step 5: Ride Off the End
As you approach the end of the ledge, shift your weight slightly forward so the front trucks drop off first, then let the back trucks follow naturally. Absorb the landing with bent knees, the same way you would land any ollie.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Not Waxing the Ledge
Trying to learn 50-50s on an unwaxed, sticky ledge is one of the most common reasons beginners get discouraged. A dry ledge can grab your trucks unpredictably and stop your slide dead, throwing you off balance. Always wax first.
Landing Uneven (Front or Back Truck First)
If one truck lands before the other, the board will immediately want to spin out from under you. This usually comes down to ollie timing — practice popping so both trucks clear the ledge and land at the same moment.
Leaning Too Far Forward or Back
Just like an axle stall, over-leaning in either direction breaks your balance mid-slide. Keep your weight centered over the middle of the board throughout the entire grind.
Bailing Too Early
Many beginners panic the moment they feel the trucks start to slide and jump off immediately. Trust the slide — as long as you’re centered, the board will hold its line longer than it feels like it should.
Tips for Progressing Faster
- Practice your ollie-to-flat-ground landings until they’re consistent before adding a ledge into the mix.
- Start on the lowest, most rounded curb you can find — height and sharp edges both add difficulty.
- Once 50-50s feel solid, they’re the natural stepping stone into 5-0 grinds (back trucks only) and smith grinds.
- Film your attempts from the side to see whether you’re landing even or catching one truck before the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 50-50 grind a good first grind to learn?
Yes. It’s widely considered the easiest grind to start with because both trucks share the weight evenly, which is more forgiving than grinds that balance on just the front or back truck.
Do I need to wax every ledge before grinding it?
Not always — many skatepark ledges are pre-waxed or made from slick materials like coping metal. But for street curbs, concrete ledges, or anything that feels sticky when you rub your hand across it, waxing first will make learning far easier.
What’s the difference between a 50-50 and a boardslide?
In a 50-50, both trucks slide along the ledge while the board stays parallel to it. In a boardslide, the deck itself is turned perpendicular to the ledge and the underside of the board slides across it instead of the trucks.
How long does it take to learn a 50-50 grind?
It varies by rider, but most people who already have a consistent ollie and some axle stall practice can land their first 50-50 within a few sessions of focused practice.
Can I 50-50 grind on a rail instead of a ledge?
Yes, though rails are generally harder to learn on since there’s less surface area to balance across. Most riders start on flat ledges or curbs before moving to rails.
