How to Grind on Snowboard Rails

Grinding on snowboard rails is intimidating at first, but once you give it a try and get it down, it will be a quick addiction. Grinding your first rail is half balance and technique and half confidence. If you don't have the confidence to get up there and give it a try, you'll never do it or you'll fail painfully. Here is what you should know when out there in the park.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step 1

Choose a low, forgiving rail. It is your first time, so don't try to grind down a rail that twists and turns for 25 feet. Keep it simple and try a rail that is low to the ground and has an easy approach. Ideally, find a rail that you can simply ride onto off the snow without even having to jump.

Step 2

Approach the rail like you would ordinarily ride down a slope, getting some speed but maintaining control. Avoid large carves and try to keep the board relatively straight.

Step 3

As you come to the rail keep your board straight and flat so that it is pointing directly down the rail. Keep the board centered on the rail and your weight centered to maintain balance. Ride the rail straight down.

Step 4

Ollie onto the rail. If the rail requires you to jump, get within a foot or two of the rail, bend your knees, pull your weight back slightly and use the board's flex to spring forward onto the rail.

Step 5

Land onto the rail. This will be the step that makes or breaks you. Keep the board pointed straight down the rail and keep it centered. Ride out the rail.

Step 6

Ollie off the end or side of the rail, unless it is low enough to ride right onto the snow without nose diving.

Tips & Warnings

The grind discussed here is a basic 50-50 and is the easiest grind making it best suited for your first time. Practice this until you get it down comfortably and then move on to more advanced grinds and bigger, harder rails. If you start to lose your balance, try to ride off the rail before you come crashing down. Snow is less painful than metal. Many resorts have progressive parks designed specifically for learning. Start in the smallest park to try grinding and then work your way to more difficult rails.

If you start to lose your balance, try to ride off the rail before you come crashing down. Snow is less painful than metal.

Many resorts have progressive parks designed specifically for learning. Start in the smallest park to try grinding and then work your way to more difficult rails.

Grinding rails is dangerous and can cause serious injury. Be aware of the risks and wear a helmet and protective gear to protect from injury.

Article Written By Joe Fletcher

Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...