How to Grind With Inline Skates

Aggressive inline skating involves performing stunts on inline roller skates, which are sometimes called "rollerblades." Inline skating is an adaptive sport that changes with its environment; skating on a street requires different skills than skating in a skate park. In a skate park, inline skaters can attempt the stunts that separate the sport from other types of skating, such as grinds.

Things You'll Need

  • Protective pads (elbows, wrists, knees)
  • Helmet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fasten skates securely and make sure that you are comfortable riding them. Do the same with the protective pads and helmet. Aggressive inline skating can be dangerous.

    • 2

      Choose a grinding surface. Common choices include ledges, rails, half-pipe edges and curbs.

    • 3

      Skate toward the grinding surface at a comfortable speed. Speed of approach to the grinding surface determines the speed of the grind.

    • 4

      When you are about 2 feet from the edge, jump on the grinding surface with both legs. Jumping high and strong will help ensure landing safely.

    • 5

      Immediately set your back foot parallel to the grinding surface and the other one in front of it at a 90-degree angle. The parallel foot is commonly called the "soul foot" in inline slang.

    • 6

      Lean your weight to the soul foot to distribute the pressure. Controlling the stunt is a matter of shifting weight from one foot to the other.

    • 7

      Bend your knees to help balance your body. Failing to bend the knees is a common cause of falls. Learning how to crouch properly is the first step to mastering the grind stunt.

    • 8

      Jump off the grinding surface, again using both legs at the same time. Bend your knees at the moment of impact.

    • 9

      Practicing regularly, on different surfaces, is the key to mastering the grind and all the stunts in aggressive inline skating.