How to Grind With Roller Blades

Inline skating is an extreme sport that takes a lot of practice and determination. Grinding a rail, or other smooth surfaces, is an advanced move that an inline skater needs to work up to through plenty of practice. Once the skater is comfortable with skating fast, turning sharply and stopping, he can try to take the next step, and learn to grind.

Things You'll Need

  • Rollerblades with grind plates
  • 1-foot high grinding rail
  • Wax
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Use or set up a grinding rail that is around 1-foot high, and slopes downhill slightly. Downhill rails are easiest to learn on because you do not need to generate your own speed to grind them. Make sure that the pole is steel; aluminum bends easily. The rail also needs to be sturdy, so firmly tug on the pole in all directions to make sure that it doesn't wobble or bend.

    • 2

      Wax the pole. After purchasing some grind wax from a local skate shop, rub the wax block all over the length of the rail in a sliding motion until the entire top half of the rail has wax on it. Wax makes the rail slightly sticky, so that it is easier to work with. People tend to loose control and fly off slick rails.

    • 3

      Put on your helmet and skates and approach the rail. Skaters can learn by starting the grind from either skating or standing positions. Skating is easier because you have more speed, but some people prefer to learn from a stand-still position. Jump straight onto the rail so that your hips are parallel to the pole. Your feet need to be at least shoulder-length apart, with your weight distributed evenly on both feet. Knees need to be bent slightly while grinding. Land on the grind pole with your grind plate, which is directly in the middle of the wheels on your skates, and lean downhill slightly on the rail. If executed properly, you should now be sliding down the rail with both of your feet beneath you.

    • 4

      Bend your knees, and jump very slightly to exit the grind. Do not step off of the grind pole; use the jump and exit strategy. Lean in the direction that you want to go when hopping off the rail before jumping. A small jump will get you off the rail, and if you are leaning before the jump, you will travel in the direction you are leaning. Sticking the landing is the most unique part of grinding because there is no wrong way to do it, as long as you are on your feet. It is suggested that beginners distribute their weight as evenly as possible, but as long as you are firmly centered, you can land with feet paralleled to your shoulders, or one foot in front of the other, whichever you are more comfortable with. Bend your knees upon landing to cradle your impact, and keep rolling.