I just got access to a few sliders, and other than wearing a helmet, I'm looking for some pointers on hitting my first slider. There is a box-like thing that is wide and has slanted edges that should not be a problem, a flat bar that is probably 2 ft out of the water (low right now), that I won't be trying to ollie on just now, and then a lower flat bar with ramp leading up to it. Do most recommend simply trying to ride it 50/50, or do a boardslide?

you might want to try 50/50 at first to get the feel of riding up/timing your cut to the rail. as you get comfortable with your timing, then all you have to do is ride out to the rail a little further and move the handle across your body like you're doing a 180....but keep the board perp. with the rail....then you'll be doing a front board slide <BR> <BR>once you are sliding across the rail, try to focus on sliding the entire rail. this will require a bit more speed coming into it as well as being in a good position as you slide across the rail. remember your driver has a lot to do with your performance, so make sure they know what they're doing. the driver usually has to accelerate a little as you're sliding and they need to keep their line driving and not pull you off. <BR> <BR>once you are sliding across comfortably, try to land switch off the rail, or blind or even do a handle pass off the rail. <BR> <BR>then work on doing a spin across the rail. the easiest is probably a back board (i think i have it right) where you ride up almost 50-50 and just put the handle to the small of your back. you can also do it from a front board slide...whatever you like the best. <BR> <BR>then......you can try to ollie up on the rail or practice trying to press. <BR> <BR>i'm not an expert rail rider by any means...just my .02

Thanks for the tips. I am worried about catching an edge on the rail. I saw some video a couple of years back where Soven took a serious face plant onto the rail...busted him up pretty bad...and he's a pro. I just want to leave the session pumped about coming back...not swearing off sliders forever <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0>

haha Relentless was a great video loren. <BR> <BR>to this effect, always look over the rail before you ride it

i want to say there was a gap in the rail he was sliding.......pretty nasty as i remember