Skating steps requires an understanding of your own experience level to help you determine how many steps you can clear and if you will be able to grind the rails. Tricks on stairs are extremely dangerous and warrant wearing full protection gear, including a helmet, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads. Always choose stairs and landing areas that are smooth and free of debris and obstacles. Begin to learn step tricks by tackling one to two steps, and work your way up to more.
Ollie
The ollie is the first fundamental trick you need to clear steps. An ollie refers to a maneuver in which the rider and skateboard get air, while the rider is still in contact with the board. Before you begin, walk the steps to measure the distance and determine where you will land. Start pedaling the board, adjusting your speed to the number of steps, with more steps requiring more speed. Place your rear foot on the kicktail and your front foot just below the front trucks. As you meet the first step, slam down your back foot and quickly hop up, rolling your front foot forward toward the nose of the board. You will be in the air above the steps. Keep your shoulders square with the board and your knees bent. As you descend, straighten out your front foot and land with both feet square on the board, staying low and absorbing the impact with your legs.
50-50 Rail Grind
You perform a 50-50 rail grind by riding the handrail between steps. Before you begin, walk the stairs and make sure that the rail is stable and in excellent condition with no breaks. Test the rail by shaking it; if it moves, find another spot. Start by pedaling the board a little faster than walking speed. Speed is critical--too fast and the board becomes unstable, too slow and you stall before you get to the bottom. When you reach the rail, ollie your board and land on the rail right in the center of the pipe and the trucks. Slide down the rail, keeping your movement to a minimum and your knees bent to lower your center of gravity. You can exit one of two ways: ollie off the end or perform a straight landing. Your exit strategy depends on whether the rail terminates straight into the ground or with a flat transition--that is, the rail ends horizontal to the ground. You need to ollie off rails that go straight into the ground; you can ride straight off rails that have a flat transition, bending your knees and staying low while landing.
The Caveman
The caveman is an easy step trick that does not require knowing how to ollie. A caveman is a showy way to get on your board by jumping over steps and onto your board before it hits the ground. Grab the nose of the board, letting it hang down at your feet, and swing the board back and forth until it becomes horizontal with the ground. Once the board is horizontal to the ground, hop up and forward past the steps while throwing the board under your feet. Land with both feet on the deck above each truck, bending your knees to absorb the impact.
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