The toeside pendulum slide, also known as a backside pendulum, is a fundamental longboarding skill that forms the basis for more advanced hands-down toeside slides. This guide will break down the technique, providing you with the knowledge and steps needed to confidently execute this essential slide. We’ll delve into the necessary prerequisites, detailed foot and body positioning, and a step-by-step process to help you master the toeside pendulum.
Understanding the Toeside Pendulum Slide
A toeside pendulum slide involves initiating a slide by swinging your board in the opposite direction, and then swinging it back. Many find the toeside slide more intuitive and easier to learn than the heelside slide, and with practice, you might even master it in a single session.
Essential Prerequisites
Before attempting the toeside pendulum slide, you should be comfortable with the following:
- Carving: You need to be able to carve confidently to control your board.
- Speed Control: Be proficient in slowing down either through foot braking or a push-up/shutdown slide. (Learn the Coleman slide here and the push-up slide here).
- Setup Carve: Understanding and executing a setup carve is crucial for initiating the slide.
This guide builds upon knowledge from other skills in the skill tree list, so ensure you are progressing sequentially.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Toeside Pendulum Slide
Step 0.1: Hand Drag Toeside Carving
Before attempting the slide, get comfortable with hand drag carving. This involves doing hard toeside carves while dragging your hand on the ground, which helps you get a feel for the motion without fully committing to a slide.
Step 0.2: Foot Positioning
Proper foot positioning is critical for initiating and controlling the slide.
- Front Foot: Position your front foot near the front truck at approximately a 45-degree angle, or whatever feels most comfortable. Ensure your toes are close to the toeside edge for maximum leverage.
- Back Foot: Place your back foot in front of, on top of, or in the middle of the back truck (depending on your shoulder-width stance). Avoid positioning it behind the back truck unless absolutely necessary.
- Stance: Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart.
toeside foot positioning
When initiating the slide, focus your weight on the areas highlighted in red in the image below.
toeside weight and pressure positioning
Step 0.3: Body Positioning
Practicing body positioning both on and off the board can greatly improve your technique.
On the ground
Familiarize yourself with the basic body position required for the slide.
toeside pendulum slide body positioning
On the board
Practice this position while riding. You can choose to grab the rail or not, as shown in the images below.
toeside body positioning on board
toeside pendulum slide no hand grab body positioning
Check out the video resources for a visual illustration of the body and foot positioning.
Step 1: Speed
Pendulum slides require speed. Aim for a speed faster than a jogging pace. Learning on a hill is recommended, as it can be difficult to generate sufficient speed from pushing alone. If you’re already confident in slowing down using push-up or Coleman slides, you should feel comfortable with the speed needed for this slide.
Step 2: Setup Carve
As you approach the point illustrated below, begin your setup carve. Start crouching and preparing for the toeside slide.
toeside setup carve
By the end of this step, you should be in the position as shown in the images below:
toeside grab rail
toeside no grab step 2
For more information on setting up carves, check out this article. Without a proper setup carve, the slide will be difficult to control and can lead to high sides.
Step 2.1: Kick Out the Slide
At this point, you will begin to kick the board out, as illustrated below.
toeside setup carve step 2.1
Step 3: The Kickout and the Slide
Now, push your back foot firmly to kick the board out and initiate the slide.
- As you put your hand down, let the board continue forward for a brief moment.
- Then, firmly push the back of the board with your back foot while keeping your front foot stable.
- The board should start drifting out, exceeding 90 degrees.
- Allow your shoulders and arms to swing up the hill naturally, following the board’s rotation. You can also look up the hill or swing your shoulders to help rotate your body.
You should end up in the position shown in the images below.
toeside pendulum slide over 90*
toeside pendulum slide over 90* grabbing rail
Key Points
- Distribute your weight: 50-70% on your front foot, 20% on your back foot, and 10-30% on your hand.
- Engage the balls of your feet/toes to dig into the board, providing the leverage needed to push the board, initiate and maintain the slide, and prevent high sides.
- Maintain a shallow angle during the kickout, aiming for 100-120 degrees rather than far over 90 degrees.
- Keep your front leg planted and your legs stiff during the slide for optimal control.
- Push into the board (down) and out simultaneously for better control.
Step 4: The Swing Back
Release pressure from your back foot while maintaining weight and stiffness in your front foot. This allows the board to straighten and swing back from the over 90-degree angle. Let your shoulders follow naturally, or swing your trailing shoulder to help the board rotate back. Gradually release pressure from your back foot to guide the board until it’s almost straight. The board should naturally hook up and stop sliding. Bend your knees upon hook-up to absorb any harsh movements.
Key Points
- A light swing of your arm can help the board rotate and hook up (only effective when not grabbing the rail).
- Be prepared for sharp hook-ups by staying loose and bending your knees.
- Push out with your front foot to help the board return and improve your position for the hook-up.
- Ensure you maintain enough speed to prevent trouble in swinging the board back.
- Too much weight on the back foot can hinder the board’s return.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Focus on your feet: In toeside pendulum slides, your feet initiate the action, while your body and shoulders follow, unlike Coleman slides where the shoulders lead.
- Manage the stiffness of your front foot and pressure on the back foot to maintain control.
- Avoid wildly swinging your arms. Having your free arm up can assist in maintaining balance.
- Turn your hand so that your fingers point up the hill when sliding past 90 degrees.
- Keep your head facing forward as much as possible.
Footstops
Consider using a footstop to keep your foot from sliding off the board during toeside slides. You can easily create one at home using a bolt, bushing, and washer, or purchase one commercially.
Causes of High Sides
- Hand too close to the board.
- Weight not on the balls of your feet or toes.
- Bad setup carve.
- Wheels with too much grip.
- Incorrect body or shoulder position.
- Pushing the board out too quickly.
- Excessive angle during the swing out.
- Feet slipping off the board.
Did This Guide Help You?
This guide is part of the downhill skill progression guide. If you want to improve further, check out the other guides in the series.
Toeside slides can be a natural skill for some, while others may struggle with the technique. Your feedback on how helpful this guide has been is appreciated.
Thanks to all my patrons for your support.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the toeside pendulum slide and advancing your longboarding skills.
