How to Execute the Iconic Sabre Grind Skating Trick

What is a Sabre Grind?

A sabre grind is an aggressive inline skating trick performed on a metal railing or ledge using the frame of aggressive inline skates. It involves sliding or grinding along a surface with the skates tipped sideways so that the wheels do not make contact. Sabre grinds get their name from the sabre-like position of the skates during the trick.

How to Execute a Sabre Grind

Performing a clean sabre grind requires good balance and control. Here are some tips for executing this advanced aggressive inline skating trick:

• Approach the rail at an angle, not straight on. Around 45 degrees is ideal.
• Bend your knees as you reach the rail to lower your center of gravity.
• Lean your body slightly over the rail as you jump onto it. This helps keep your balance centered.
• Turn your skates sideways so the frames, not the wheels, make contact with the rail surface.
• Keep your feet shoulder width apart and knees bent for stability during the slide.
• Use your hips, knees and ankles to subtly adjust as needed to hold the grind.
• Apply pressure on the frames to keep a smooth slide along the rail.
• Exit the rail by turning your skates parallel again and jumping off.

It takes a lot of practice to master the sabre grind. Go slow at first and build up confidence. Having proper aggressive skates with a solid frame design helps as well.

Origins & Variations

Like many aggressive skating maneuvers, the origins of the sabre grind are debatable. Some credit Eddie Ellsberry with popularizing it in the late 1990s skating videos, while others say it emerged earlier in the underground street skating scene.

There are several variations of the sabre grind:

• True Sabre Grind - Basic sabre grind with skates tilted 45-60 degrees.
• Upside Down Sabre - Performed with skates tilted beyond vertical, so frames grind above the wheels.
• Double Sabre - Executed with feet crossed and frames grinding simultaneously.
• Cab Sabre - An approach is taken fakie (non-dominant foot forward) before the grind.

Ideal Grind Surfaces

Any metal surface like a rail, ledge or coping can potentially be used for sabre grinds. However, some surfaces work better than others:

• Round Rails - The most common. Round gives less surface area so requires more balance.
• Square Rails - More frame surface contacts the rail making grinds easier.
• Wide Ledges - More stable for beginners. Too wide can limit slide length.
• Steep Rails - Allow longer slides but need more speed for balance.
• Low Ledges - Minimizes height/impact but may too short for a full grind.

It's best to start on wider, lower ledges before progressing to round, steep rails when learning sabre grinds.

Tips for Perfecting Your Sabre Grind

Mastering the sabre grind takes dedication and commitment. Here are some helpful tips for perfecting this iconic aggressive inline skating trick:

Get Properly Equipped

Having a quality aggressive skate setup with a durable frame and anti-rocker wheels is key. The frame should have a flat profile with ample surface area. A shock-absorbing soleplate helps with impacts too. Proper protection like knee, elbow and wrist guards further minimizes injury risk when practicing.

Improve Your Balance

Practice balancing on one skate and doing tricks like wheelies to get comfortable being on just the frames. Try balancing with skates sideways on the ground before grinding. One-legged squats and core exercises will further improve balance.

Start Small

Begin with 50/50 grinds on ledges to get used to the sideways stance. Try stall grinds before attempting slides. For sabre grinds, start with wider ledges only a few inches off the ground first. Build up height and try narrow rails gradually as skills improve.

Bend Those Knees

Keeping your knees deeply bent and center of gravity low is crucial for stability. Loose, bent legs can better absorb impacts and adjust to maintain balance during a grind.

Look Where You Want to Go

Pick a spot to grind towards and keep your eyes on it throughout the trick. Resist looking down at your skates. Spotting your landing also helps stick the dismount.

Go Faster

You need decent speed to hold a balanced sabre grind. The centrifugal force from rolling fast keeps you planted solidly. Speed also allows covering more distance on a rail before dismounting.

Commit 100%

Hesitation or tentativeness can easily result in slipped-out grinds. Committing confidently with focused determination often makes the difference between landing cleanly or bailing out.

With dedicated practice incorporating these tips, nailing technical tricks like the sabre grind consistently gets easier. Mastering advanced grinds takes time but delivers huge satisfaction.

FAQs

What are the main skills needed to perform a sabre grind?

Balance, confidence, knee bend, and commitment are key skills for sabre grinds. You need to be able to balance well on just the frames while sliding sideways. Having the confidence to approach with speed and fully commit to the grind is also crucial.

What surfaces work best for learning the sabre grind?

For beginners, wide ledges and rails that are low to the ground, like under 12 inches, are best. This allows getting used to the sideways grind stance without worrying about height impact. Progress to steeper, narrower rails as skills improve.

Should I learn grinds before attempting the sabre grind?

Yes, mastering basic grinds like 50/50s is recommended before moving to advanced tricks like the sabre. Knowing how to lock into a solid grind helps when learning the nuances of the sabre stance and slide.

What skate setup works best for sabre grinds?

You'll need an aggressive skate with a shock-absorbing sole plate and anti-rocker wheels. The frame should have a flat profile with ample surface area to grind cleanly. A durable frame material like aluminum alloy is ideal.

How can I minimize injury risk when learning sabre grinds?

Wearing full protective gear including wrist, elbow and knee pads is a must. Having proper skates suited for grinding is key too. Progress slowly starting with low ledges to minimize falls. Also try stalls before attempting long slides to build up skills first.