Boardslide is a popular skateboarding trick that involves sliding the underside of the board along a rail or ledge. The spelling of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription system, which represents sounds in language. The first three letters "board" are pronounced as "bɔːd" (bawd), followed by "slide" which is pronounced as "slaɪd" (slahyd). Together, they form the phonetic word "bɔːdslaɪd" (bawd-slyd). With practice, the spelling of the word and its phonetic transcription become easier to remember.
A boardslide refers to a skateboarding maneuver where the skateboarder slides across an obstacle, typically a rail or ledge, with the underside or one of the edges of their skateboard. Primarily performed in street skateboarding, the boardslide is a popular trick that requires a combination of balance, control, and technique.
To execute a boardslide, the skateboarder approaches the rail or ledge at an angle, aligning the board's trucks with the obstacle. As the skateboarder reaches the edge, they ollie or manually lift the skateboard off the ground, ensuring that the trucks make initial contact with the rail/ledge. This is followed by the skateboarder sliding along the obstacle, with their body and board remaining perpendicular to the surface.
The boardslide can be performed in different variations, such as frontside boardslide and backside boardslide, depending on the direction the skateboarder faces during the trick. Furthermore, skateboarders may add stylish variations, such as grabs, flips, or rotations, while executing a boardslide, showcasing their creativity and skill.
Boardslides are often considered an intermediate-level trick that requires a certain level of experience and confidence. Skateboarders must maintain a proper balance and weight distribution to avoid falling off the obstacle or losing control. Mastery of boardslides allows skateboarders to progress to more advanced tricks and combinations.
The word "boardslide" is a compound word that combines two terms: "board" and "slide".
"Board" originally referred to a flat, stiff, and often rectangular object made from wood or other materials, used for various purposes such as construction, surfing, or skateboarding. It derives from the Old English word "bord", which meant a plank or a flat piece of wood.
"Slide" refers to the action of smoothly moving along a surface in a controlled manner. It comes from the Old English word "slīdan", which meant to glide or glide down.
The term "boardslide" itself emerged within the skateboarding community in the late 20th century. It specifically refers to a trick performed on a skateboard, where the rider slides along an obstacle (such as a rail or ledge) with the underside of the board.