Tricks to Do on a Mini Longboard

Mini-longboards, or "minis," are a shorter version of the traditional skateboarding longboards. Longboards were developed to give the feel of a surfing longboard on land, and aren't made to do tricks. However, the minis are similar to the freestyle skateboards of the 1970s. The mini versions of the longboard retain all the aspects of the longboard except its size. While it's possible to execute tricks on the mini longboard, they might be more difficult than on a standard skateboard.

  1. 50-50

    • A 50-50 is a standard skateboarding trick, and is often the first grind trick that a skateboarder learns. To execute the trick on a mini, use the same technique as you would doing it with a skateboard. To complete a 50-50, grind with both trucks -- or sets of wheels -- at the same time.

    Slashes

    • Slashes are quick tricks, lasting only a half a second or so. To execute one, grind the back truck, or back wheels, of the mini on the top edge -- coping -- of a turn in a slashing-type motion.

    Ollie

    • Ollies are popular tricks on skateboards, but are almost impossible to execute on a longboard. However, on a mini-longboard they are possible. Be warned that they may put more stress on the mini than it can take, and may crack the board. To do the trick, push one end in the air while in a crouching position. Lift the front of the board in the air, level it out, then land the board evenly with both trucks hitting the ground at the same time.

    Shuv

    • The shuv or shuv-it is an advanced boarding trick, so wearing a helmet while executing it is a good idea. To do the trick, pop one end of the board up while putting weight toward the opposite end of the board. Then flip the board around while jumping into the air so the end that was in the back is now in the front.