How to Do a Rail Slide

Rail sliding is a common trick in snowboarding and skiing. A rider jumps into the air and lands on a rail, trying to maintain balance for the entirety of the rail before dismounting. It looks impressive, and actually pulling it off can be quite difficult. Learning how to do a rail slide will take some time and patience, but with practice and perseverance, you'll be sliding in no time. Just be prepared to fall a few times along the way.

Things You'll Need

  • Helmet
  • Wax
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Instructions

    • 1

      Gain sufficient speed. The exact amount of speed you'll need depends on the length of the rail. For longer rails, you'll need enough speed to complete the rail.

    • 2

      Jump up early, and jump high enough to mount the rail. Turn your body 90 degrees in the air and prepare for the impact of landing.

    • 3

      Land on the rail so that your board or skis are perpendicular to the rail. Landing will be a shock, and you will soon be moving at a different speed. Brace yourself as you land, so that you do not fall.

    • 4

      Place the weight on your back foot and attempt to maintain your balance throughout the slide. Make sure your boots are over the center of the rail. If you're on skis, you'll need to keep your skis parallel. Let your weight carry you down the rail.

    • 5

      Jump up as you reach the end of the rail, and pivot your body so that you're facing ahead when you land.