How to Make a Pole Jam With a Pole That Is Already in the Ground

A pole jam is any bent or angled pole found naturally in an urban environment. Since the early days of the sport, skateboarders have been using the metal axles on the underside of their boards to "grind" up these metal poles and catch air off the end. Though pole jams are typically the result of a careless driver, you can build your own without ruining your car's bumper or welding together rusty scrap metal. To avoid any legal consequences, only perform this trick with a pole that is on your property.

Things You'll Need

  • Thick gloves
  • Safety goggles
  • Red felt pen
  • Sledgehammer
  • Broom
  • Skateboard wax
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine which direction you want the pole to bend. Choose a direction that will allow you to gain enough speed before grinding while also allowing enough space to roll away afterward.

    • 2

      Don your thick gloves and safety goggles. This will protect your eyes and hands from any stray sparks emitted from metal-to-metal contact.

    • 3

      Draw a red circle about one-fourth of the way down from the top of the pole. This provides a consistent visual marker to aim at while wielding the sledgehammer.

    • 4

      Brace the bottom of the sledgehammer's handle with your non-dominant hand. Hold the handle about a foot up with your dominant hand. Stand off to the side of the pole and bring the head of the sledgehammer against the visual marker with force.

    • 5

      Continue striking the visual marker until the pole begins to bend. Use firm, controlled swings with the sledgehammer for fast results and to avoid personal injury. For reference, the ideal angle for most pole jams is at least 45 degrees.

    • 6

      Sweep your runway and roll away space with a broom to clear away any dangerous debris. Apply a thin coat of skateboard wax to the pole to reduce friction while grinding.