Mastering The Long Tailslide A Comprehensive Guide For Skaters Of All Ages

Jul 28, 2025 by JOE 75 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the awesome world of skateboarding, specifically focusing on the Long Tailslide – a trick that's totally achievable even if you're rocking the 50+ age bracket like our skater today. This article breaks down a short but sweet session dedicated to mastering this cool move. We'll explore everything from the fundamentals to the nitty-gritty details, ensuring you’ve got all the knowledge to nail that tailslide. So, grab your board, and let's get rolling!

Understanding the Long Tailslide

The long tailslide is a fantastic trick that involves sliding the tail of your skateboard along a ledge, rail, or coping. It's not just a visually appealing maneuver; it also enhances your board control and introduces you to the realm of grinding and sliding tricks. Whether you’re cruising through the park or hitting up your local skate spot, the long tailslide is a valuable addition to your repertoire. But what exactly makes a tailslide “long”? Well, it’s all about the duration and distance of the slide. Unlike a short tailslide where you quickly slide off, a long tailslide involves maintaining the slide for a more extended period, covering a greater distance along the obstacle.

The beauty of the long tailslide lies in its versatility. It can be performed on various obstacles – from the smooth concrete ledges in skateparks to metal rails and even the coping of a pool. This adaptability makes it a go-to trick for skaters of all styles and preferences. Moreover, the long tailslide is an excellent stepping stone to more complex sliding tricks. Once you’ve mastered the balance and control required for a long tailslide, you'll find it easier to progress to tricks like the noseslide, lipslide, and even more advanced variations.

Before attempting the long tailslide, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation in skateboarding basics. You should be comfortable riding, turning, and performing ollies. The ollie is particularly important because it’s the key to getting your board onto the obstacle. Additionally, familiarity with other basic grinds and slides, such as the 50-50 grind or the boardslide, can be beneficial. These tricks help you develop the necessary balance and coordination for the long tailslide.

Prerequisites for a Long Tailslide

Before you even think about attempting a long tailslide, make sure you have the basics down pat. Can you comfortably ride around? Can you ollie consistently? These are non-negotiable skills. You should be able to ollie high enough to clear the obstacle you’re planning to slide on. Balance is also crucial. Try practicing some basic grinds and slides like 50-50s or boardslides. These will help you get a feel for sliding and maintaining your balance on an obstacle. Remember, the long tailslide is a trick that builds upon these foundational skills, so don't rush the process.

Breaking Down the Steps

Now that we've covered the importance and versatility of the long tailslide, let's break down the steps involved in executing this trick. Each step is crucial, and mastering them individually will make the overall trick much smoother and more consistent. We'll cover everything from your approach to the slide, the body positioning, and how to ride away clean.

Approach and Positioning: The approach is the setup for your entire trick. You want to ride towards the obstacle at a comfortable speed – not too fast that you feel out of control, but not so slow that you lose momentum. Your feet should be positioned comfortably for an ollie, with your front foot just behind the front bolts and your back foot on the tail. As you approach the obstacle, focus your eyes on the spot where you want to land your slide. This helps with balance and accuracy.
The Ollie: The ollie is your ticket onto the obstacle. As you reach your chosen spot, execute a solid ollie. The height of your ollie will depend on the height of the obstacle – you need to clear it, but you don't need to ollie excessively high. As you ollie, start turning your shoulders and hips slightly in the direction you want to slide. This rotation is key to getting your tail onto the obstacle in the correct position.
Locking into the Slide: Once you're in the air, continue rotating your body. Aim to land with the tail of your board on the edge of the obstacle, ideally with the center of the tail making contact. As your tail touches down, lean slightly back and keep your weight centered over the board. This will help you lock into the slide. It’s a balancing act – too much weight forward, and you’ll slip off; too much weight back, and you might lose control.
Maintaining the Slide: This is where the “long” in long tailslide comes into play. Once you're sliding, the key is to maintain balance and control. Keep your body weight centered, and use subtle adjustments with your feet and shoulders to stay on the obstacle. Your arms should be out to the sides, helping you balance. Focus on looking ahead in the direction you want to go – this helps maintain your body alignment.
Riding Away: Riding away smoothly is the final touch of a great long tailslide. As you approach the end of the obstacle, slightly shift your weight forward and begin to turn your shoulders and hips back in line with your direction of travel. This will help you roll off the obstacle smoothly. Land with your feet over the bolts to absorb the impact, and ride away clean.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best instructions, mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to steer clear:

Not committing: Hesitation is the enemy. If you don't fully commit to the ollie and the rotation, you're likely to slip off or miss the obstacle entirely. Visualize the trick, and go for it with confidence.
Leaning too far forward or back: Weight distribution is crucial. Leaning too far forward will cause you to slip off the front, while leaning too far back can make you lose control. Stay centered and balanced.
Not rotating enough: The rotation is what gets you into the slide. If you don't rotate your shoulders and hips enough, you won't lock into the tailslide properly. Practice your rotation on flat ground to get the feel for it.
Looking down: Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go. Looking down at your board throws off your balance and makes it harder to ride away smoothly.
Going too fast or too slow: Speed is a factor. Too fast, and you’ll feel out of control; too slow, and you’ll lose momentum. Find that sweet spot where you feel comfortable and in control.

Gear and Setup

Having the right gear and setup can significantly impact your success with the long tailslide. While you don’t need anything fancy, ensuring your equipment is in good condition and suited to your needs is essential. Let's talk about the key components and how they can influence your performance.

Skateboard

The skateboard itself is the most critical piece of equipment. A well-maintained board can make a huge difference in your ability to perform tricks. Here are a few things to consider:

Deck: The deck should be the right size for your feet and riding style. Most skaters prefer decks that are between 7.75 and 8.5 inches wide for street skating, which is ideal for long tailslides. A deck with a good concave (the curve along the length of the board) can provide better foot feel and control.
Trucks: The trucks are what connect your wheels to the deck. They should be the correct size for your deck width to ensure stability. Loose trucks can make turning easier but may feel less stable for slides, while tighter trucks offer more stability but can make turning more challenging. Experiment to find what feels best for you.
Wheels: The wheels you choose can significantly affect your ability to slide. Harder wheels (99A durometer and up) are generally better for sliding tricks because they break traction more easily. Softer wheels (around 78A-90A) provide more grip and are better for cruising, but they can make sliding more difficult.
Bearings: Smooth bearings are crucial for maintaining speed and momentum. High-quality bearings will roll faster and longer, making it easier to approach and ride away from tricks like the long tailslide.

Shoes

Your footwear plays a vital role in skateboarding. Skate shoes are designed with flat, grippy soles that provide excellent board feel and control. Look for shoes with durable materials, reinforced stitching, and cushioning to protect your feet from impact. Brands like Vans, Nike SB, Adidas Skateboarding, and Emerica are popular choices among skaters.

Protective Gear

Safety should always be a priority, especially when learning new tricks. Protective gear can help prevent injuries and build your confidence. Here’s what’s recommended:

Helmet: A helmet is non-negotiable. It protects your head from serious injuries in case of a fall. Make sure your helmet fits snugly and meets safety standards.
Knee Pads and Elbow Pads: These can help protect your joints from scrapes and bruises. They’re especially useful when learning slides and grinds, where falls are common.
Wrist Guards: Wrist injuries are common in skateboarding, so wrist guards can provide extra support and protection.

Other Accessories

Wax: Wax is essential for making ledges and rails smoother, which helps you slide more easily. Apply wax to the edges of the obstacle to reduce friction.
Skate Tool: A skate tool is a handy multi-tool that allows you to adjust your trucks, change your wheels, and make other necessary adjustments to your board.

Tips for the 52YO Skater

Skateboarding is a sport for all ages, but there are a few extra considerations when you’re shredding at 52. Let’s focus on how our skater can tailor their approach to ensure safety, progress effectively, and, most importantly, have a blast while mastering the long tailslide.

Warm-Up and Stretching

The importance of warming up and stretching can't be overstated, especially as we get older. Before you even step on your board, spend some time stretching your muscles. Focus on your legs, ankles, and back – these are the areas that will be doing most of the work. Simple stretches like leg swings, ankle rotations, and torso twists can help increase blood flow and flexibility, reducing the risk of injury. A good warm-up might also include some light cardio, like jumping jacks or a brisk walk, to get your heart rate up. Remember, a flexible body is less prone to strains and sprains.

Listen to Your Body

This is perhaps the most crucial piece of advice. At 52, your body might not recover as quickly as it did in your younger years. Pay attention to any pain or discomfort, and don’t push yourself too hard. It’s better to take a break and rest than to risk an injury that could sideline you for weeks. If you’re feeling sore or tired, consider taking a rest day or focusing on less strenuous aspects of skateboarding, like cruising or practicing flat ground tricks. Remember, skateboarding is a marathon, not a sprint.

Gradual Progression

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a perfect long tailslide. Take a gradual approach to learning the trick. Start by practicing the individual components – the ollie, the rotation, and the slide – separately. Once you’re comfortable with each element, start putting them together. Begin with shorter slides on mellow obstacles and gradually progress to longer slides on more challenging features. Don’t be afraid to break the trick down into smaller steps and master each one before moving on. This approach not only reduces the risk of injury but also helps build confidence and consistency.

Protective Gear is Your Friend

We’ve already talked about the importance of protective gear, but it’s worth reiterating, especially for older skaters. A helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are your allies in preventing injuries. Don’t let ego get in the way – wearing protective gear is a sign of intelligence, not weakness. It allows you to push your limits without the fear of serious injury. Plus, if you’re feeling protected, you’re more likely to commit to the trick, which is half the battle.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Proper hydration and nutrition are essential for optimal performance and recovery. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your skate session. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and muscle cramps, increasing the risk of injury. Fuel your body with a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, which can sap your energy and hinder recovery. Eating well and staying hydrated will help you skate longer, progress faster, and feel better both on and off the board.

Find Your Tribe

Skateboarding is more fun when you have a supportive community around you. Connect with other skaters, whether they’re your age or younger. Skating with friends can provide motivation, encouragement, and valuable tips. Plus, it’s just more enjoyable to share your progress and challenges with others who understand what you’re going through. Look for local skate meetups, join online forums, or simply strike up conversations at your local skatepark. You might be surprised at how many like-minded individuals are out there, eager to share their passion for skateboarding.

Session Debrief

After each skate session, take a few minutes to reflect on what you’ve learned and what you can improve. This mental recap can be a powerful tool for accelerating your progress. Think about what went well, what didn’t, and what you want to focus on next time. Did you struggle with the ollie? Maybe you need to work on your foot positioning. Were you having trouble locking into the slide? Perhaps you need to adjust your weight distribution. By identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can create a more targeted and effective practice plan.

Have Fun!

Last but not least, remember to have fun! Skateboarding is a challenging but incredibly rewarding activity. Don’t get too caught up in the pressure to progress quickly or land the perfect trick. Enjoy the process of learning, embrace the challenges, and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. The joy of skateboarding comes from the freedom of movement, the camaraderie of the skate community, and the satisfaction of pushing your limits. So, get out there, roll around, and have a blast!

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! The long tailslide isn't just for the young guns; it's a totally attainable trick for skaters of all ages, including our awesome 52-year-old. Remember, it's all about breaking down the steps, practicing consistently, and most importantly, having fun. Whether you're just starting out or looking to add a new trick to your arsenal, the long tailslide is a fantastic choice. So, grab your board, hit the skatepark, and start sliding! And remember, every skater's journey is unique, so enjoy the ride and celebrate every milestone along the way. Keep practicing, stay safe, and keep shredding!