How to Slide on a Longboard, Step by Step (2026)
Sliding lets you shed speed and look good doing it. Start with the hands-down pendulum slide, then move to stand-up slides.
Why Learn to Slide?
Sliding is when you break traction on purpose so your board turns sideways and skids. It's the main way experienced longboarders control speed on hills, and it's also a fun skill in itself (freeride). The easiest first slide is the pendulum, also called the Coleman slide, where you put a hand down and swing the board around. Learn to foot brake first, then add slides.
Gear You Need
| Gear | Why |
|---|---|
| Slide gloves | Hard palm pucks let you put hands down |
| Helmet | Essential; full-face for speed |
| Knee and elbow pads | Protect against falls |
| Slide-friendly wheels | Rounded lips break traction easily |
| Flat shoes | Grip and feel |
Landyachtz Slide Gloves
Leather slide gloves with palm pucks for freeride. This listing is the small size.
Check Price on AmazonThe Pendulum (Coleman) Slide
- Find a gentle hill with a flat, safe run-out and no traffic.
- Get low: crouch with your knees bent, front knee forward.
- Turn toeside: start a carve on your toe edge.
- Hand down: place your back hand on the ground behind you, puck flat, then your front hand if needed.
- Push the board out: with your weight on your hand(s), push the back of the board out so it swings sideways.
- Slide: keep the board sideways and your weight centered as it skids.
- Finish: let the board come back around to the direction of travel, or stop.
Heelside Slides
The heelside version puts your back toward the hill. Sit low, lean back on your gloved hand and push the board out with your heels. Many riders find heelside easier to start.
Stand-Up Slides
Once you're comfortable with hands-down slides, try a stand-up slide: carve, shift your weight forward and kick the tail out with your back foot while staying upright. Stand-up slides take more speed and confidence.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Weight too far back | Board shoots out | Stay centered or slightly forward |
| Not enough speed | Wheels grip | Add a little speed |
| Grippy wheels | Hard to break traction | Use rounded-lip slide wheels |
| Standing too tall | Unstable | Get low |
Safety
- Never slide into traffic or blind corners.
- Check local laws about riding on roads.
- Start slow and build up.
- Ride with friends.
Ready for hills? See downhill longboards, longboard wheels and longboard trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to start sliding on a longboard?
Slide gloves, a helmet, pads, and a board with wheels that slide (rounded lips and medium-hard urethane help).
What is the easiest longboard slide?
The pendulum (Coleman) slide, done with one or both hands on the ground in slide gloves.
What wheels are best for sliding?
Wheels with rounded lips, smaller contact patches and slightly harder durometers break traction more easily.
Does sliding ruin wheels?
Sliding wears wheels faster and can cause flat spots. It's normal for freeride wheels.
Where should I practice sliding?
A smooth, gentle, empty hill or a quiet parking lot with no traffic.