The bluntslide is one of the more intimidating slides in skateboarding. Instead of sliding on the board’s middle or on the tail’s underside, you pop up and slide on the tail with the board tilted almost vertically and your wheels resting on top of the ledge. It looks heavy and committed, and it is. This guide covers the backside bluntslide on a ledge step by step, plus the drills that make it far less scary.
What Is a Bluntslide?
A bluntslide (sometimes called a tail bluntslide) is a slide where the tail of your skateboard rests on the edge of an obstacle and your back wheels sit on top of it, with the rest of the board angled up above the ledge. You slide along on the tail and back wheels, then pop out by pushing the nose down and lifting the board back over the edge.
There’s also a noseblunt slide, which uses the nose and front wheels instead. The tail version is generally learned first.
Before You Start
A bluntslide needs a strong ollie because you have to get your back wheels fully on top of the obstacle. You should be able to ollie up comfortably onto a ledge or curb at the height you plan to skate. If that’s still a struggle, work on how to ollie higher first.
It also helps to have learned a tailslide, since the approach and weight shift are similar. Make sure your ledge is waxed; dry ledges grab the tail and throw you forward. Our guide on waxing a skateboard rail applies to ledges too.
Learn the Blunt Stall First
Most skaters learn the blunt stall on a mini ramp or quarter pipe before sliding a ledge. On a ramp, ride up to the coping, lift your front wheels, and set the tail and back wheels on top of the coping with the board pointing up. Hold the stall, then push the nose down and roll back in. The feeling of balancing in the blunt position is exactly what you’ll use on a ledge.
Step 1: The Approach
For a backside bluntslide, approach the ledge with your back to it at a slight angle, almost parallel. Roll at a medium speed. Too slow and you’ll stick; too fast and you’ll overshoot before you’ve locked in.
Step 2: Foot Placement
Your back foot goes on the tail as for an ollie. Your front foot sits a bit further back than usual, just behind the front bolts. You’ll need strong control over the tail, so keep your weight slightly over the back foot as you approach.
Step 3: Pop Higher Than You Think
Pop a strong ollie and, as the board rises, lift your front knee toward your chest. You need the back wheels to clear the top of the ledge so they land on its surface, with the tail resting against the edge. Most failed bluntslides come from not popping high enough.
Step 4: Lock Into the Blunt
As you come down, guide the tail onto the edge of the ledge with the back wheels on top. The board should be tilted up steeply with the nose pointing up and slightly away from the ledge. Keep most of your weight on your back foot, and your front foot lightly on the board to control the angle. Bend your back knee deeply to absorb the landing.
Step 5: Balance the Slide
Keep your shoulders parallel to the ledge and your weight over the tail. Look along the ledge to where you want to pop out. Leaning back too far will pull you off behind the ledge, while leaning forward will pitch you into it.
Step 6: Pop Out
Toward the end of the slide, push your front foot down to level the board and lift your back foot slightly so the back wheels clear the edge. Turn your shoulders back to the direction of travel and land with both feet over the bolts.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Back wheels hit the edge: You didn’t pop high enough. Practice ollieing onto the ledge first.
- Getting stuck immediately: The ledge is dry or you’re rolling too slowly. Add wax and a little more speed.
- Falling behind the ledge: You’re leaning back. Keep your weight centered over the tail and your shoulders level.
- Getting pitched forward: Your front foot is pushing the nose down too early. Keep it light until you’re ready to pop out.
- Can’t get out: You’re not pushing the nose down enough. Practice the pop-out on a blunt stall.
Choosing the Right Ledge to Learn On
The obstacle you pick matters more for bluntslides than for most slides. Look for a ledge or curb that is low (knee height or lower), long enough to give you a couple of feet of slide, and has a smooth, rounded or metal-capped edge. Painted curbs and granite ledges with polished edges slide well once waxed. Avoid chipped concrete, wooden benches with exposed screws, and anything with a sharp lip that could catch the tail.
Clear space on both sides of the ledge is important too. You’ll often bail backward behind the ledge or forward off the end, so check there’s nothing to land on awkwardly. Skateparks are ideal because the ledges are designed to be skated and the ground is smooth.
Backside vs. Frontside Bluntslide
This guide covers the backside bluntslide, where your back faces the ledge as you approach. A frontside bluntslide is approached with your chest facing the ledge. Many skaters find frontside blunts easier to see and commit to, because you can watch the ledge the whole time, but harder to pop out of. Try both approaches on a blunt stall first and choose the one that feels more natural.
Safety Tips
Bluntslides can produce hard falls, especially backward slams. Wear a helmet, and consider pads while learning. Start on a low, smooth ledge or curb, and avoid rough or chipped edges that catch the tail. Learning to fall correctly also helps; our injury prevention guide covers safe falling technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bluntslide hard?
Yes. It’s an advanced slide because it requires a high, controlled ollie and confident weight placement over the tail. Most skaters learn it after mastering tailslides and boardslides.
What is the difference between a bluntslide and a tailslide?
In a tailslide, you slide on the underside of the tail with the wheels hanging off the ledge. In a bluntslide, the back wheels sit on top of the ledge and the board is angled up, so you slide on the tail’s end.
Should I learn a blunt stall before a bluntslide?
Yes. A blunt stall on a mini ramp or quarter pipe teaches the balance and pop-out you need, without the extra difficulty of sliding.
Do I need to wax the ledge for a bluntslide?
It helps a lot. Wax lets the tail slide smoothly and reduces the chance of the board sticking and throwing you off.
Does a bluntslide damage the skateboard?
It wears down the tail faster than most tricks, so expect tail chips over time. That’s normal for any slide that uses the tail.
