i just started doing rails and boxes. when you do a boardslide on a box do you stay flat base or on an edge?and if you stay flat base could you catch an edge on a rail or box?

I used to think the same thing.  I still havent caught an edge.  You want to make sure you are flat base completly because if you are on the most upward edge, you will slip out of the rail and fall.  You just have to keep doing it and it will come

You wanna be flat base, once and awhile I might catch an edge, but thats just because im leaning to far to oneside and leaning too far forward, and my toe edge almost "digs" in, also if your going to fast and you try and slam your board on the rail you might basically richochet off, feels like catching an edge though. But you shouldnt be scared of being flat base, it rarely happens and when it does, usually isnt that bad at all.

You definitely don't want to be on edge, You'll slip out real quick.

Yup, it's like trying to carve on ice.

Definitely don't try to jump off and bail out if your line is bad.  Friend did that and the board chucked out underneath him and he landed his shin on the box (like 220-230lb guy).  Wasn't a pretty sight and it ended our day quick cause he needed stitches.  Just ride it out.


[Edited by iDShaDoW on 3/7/2009 at 8:06 AM]

Couple boardslide tips:
* Going faster will help (it's like riding a bike slow...harder than going fast). Speed means you don't have to balance on the box as long...you'll also be less likely to catch on irregular burs on the box.

* Pop on and spin 90 degrees. Land on a flat base and keep your board totally flat.

* Stick your butt out.

* Feeling is very similar to riding on the back of a shopping cart. If you sit back...you'll tip over.

* Your knees should be over your toes and your shoulders should be in line with your knees.

* Look at the end of the box. Arm/head rotation will cause you to spin on the box.

* Don't fight to stay on the box if you find yourself going off to one side. Just hop off early and ride away. If you fight to stay on, it's an instinct to go up on edge and fall.

* At the end, pop off and turn your shoulders to ride away.

I'm an instructor and have taught a lot of people to boardslide. i have found that if you hop on 50-50 and swing into a board slide, it is MUCH easier to stay flat based. once you have that dialed in then try to land on the box or rail in a board slide. also it is easier for some people to back lip to start, just remember to keep your foot over the element and really bend your front knee. that will keep your balance. if you are slipping out pressure your toes . it is very unlikly to catch you leading edge. hope this helps