Brandon Lee
Making a bank bar on a skateboard is an exciting and challenging trick that requires precision, balance, and practice. This maneuver involves approaching a banked surface, such as a curved wall or ramp, at speed, then using your body’s momentum and the skateboard’s edge to slide along the bank while maintaining control. To execute a bank bar successfully, start by mastering basic carving and edge control techniques, ensuring you’re comfortable with shifting your weight and leaning into turns. Proper foot placement is crucial; position your front foot slightly angled toward the bank and your back foot ready to adjust for stability. As you approach the bank, build speed and commit to the turn, using your arms for balance and your knees to absorb the transition. Practice on smaller banks first to build confidence and gradually work your way up to steeper surfaces. With patience and persistence, you’ll be able to smoothly execute a bank bar, adding a stylish and dynamic trick to your skateboarding repertoire.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To create a banked structure for skateboarding tricks and transitions. |
| Materials Needed | Plywood, 2x4 lumber, screws, concrete, rebar, formwork, coping (metal/PVC). |
| Tools Required | Saw, drill, hammer, concrete mixer, shovel, measuring tape, level. |
| Design Considerations | Height, angle of bank (10-30 degrees), width, coping radius, surface smoothness. |
| Construction Steps | 1. Plan and mark area. 2. Build wooden frame. 3. Pour concrete. 4. Add coping. 5. Finish surface. |
| Safety Measures | Wear PPE (gloves, goggles, helmet). Ensure proper drainage to avoid water pooling. |
| Maintenance | Regularly inspect for cracks, loose coping, or uneven surfaces. Repair as needed. |
| Cost Estimate | $200-$1,000+ depending on size, materials, and labor. |
| Skill Level Required | Intermediate to advanced DIY skills or professional assistance. |
| Time to Complete | 1-3 days for small banks; larger structures may take longer. |
| Environmental Impact | Use sustainable materials and minimize concrete usage if possible. |
| Legal Considerations | Check local zoning laws and obtain permits if necessary. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the Right Bank
Selecting the right bank for your skateboard setup is a critical decision that can make or break your riding experience. The bank’s angle, height, and surface material directly influence how your board interacts with the transition. A shallow bank (15-20 degrees) is ideal for beginners, offering a forgiving curve that eases you into carving and pumping. Intermediate riders might opt for a steeper bank (25-30 degrees) to challenge their control and speed. Advanced skaters often seek out vertical or near-vertical banks (45 degrees or more) for high-speed maneuvers and aerial tricks. Always assess your skill level before committing to a bank’s geometry.
Material matters just as much as angle. Concrete banks provide a smooth, fast ride but can be unforgiving on falls. Wooden banks, often found in DIY spots, offer a grippier surface but may warp or splinter over time. Asphalt banks are common in outdoor parks, balancing grip and speed but requiring regular maintenance to avoid cracks. If you’re building your own bank, consider using masonite or Skatelite for a professional-grade surface that mimics the feel of traditional materials without the wear and tear. Test different surfaces to understand how they affect your board’s slide and grip.
Location and surroundings play a hidden but vital role in bank selection. A bank near obstacles like ledges or rails can expand your trick repertoire, while an isolated bank lets you focus on flow and speed. Urban banks often come with unpredictable foot traffic, so choose quieter spots if you’re practicing complex maneuvers. Natural banks, such as those found in drainage ditches or hillsides, offer a unique terrain but may lack consistency in shape or surface. Scout your area thoroughly, considering both the bank’s features and its environment.
Finally, think long-term about the bank’s sustainability and accessibility. Public skate parks with well-maintained banks are reliable but may be crowded during peak hours. Private or DIY spots offer exclusivity but require upkeep and permission. If you’re designing your own bank, ensure it’s built to last by using weather-resistant materials and proper drainage. Regularly inspect the bank for cracks, debris, or erosion, especially after heavy rain or extreme temperatures. A well-chosen bank becomes your training ground, so invest time in finding or creating one that aligns with your goals and style.
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Master the Approach Speed
Approach speed is the silent architect of every successful bank bar maneuver. Too slow, and you’ll stall mid-transition, scraping the deck or tumbling backward. Too fast, and you’ll overshoot the bar, slamming into the flat or worse, the ground. The sweet spot lies in a speed that matches the bank’s angle and your intended trick. For a 45-degree bank, aim for a moderate pace—enough to carry momentum but not enough to lose control. Practice by rolling into the bank at varying speeds, noting how each affects your ability to maintain balance and execute the bar trick.
Analyzing the physics helps. On a steeper bank (60+ degrees), gravity accelerates your descent, demanding a slower approach to avoid a chaotic exit. Shallower banks (30 degrees) require more speed to maintain contact with the surface. A common mistake is treating all banks identically. Instead, assess the angle before dropping in. For beginners, start on a 30-degree bank with a 5-7 mph approach speed. Advanced skaters can experiment with higher speeds (10-12 mph) on steeper transitions, but always prioritize control over velocity.
Mastering approach speed isn’t just about numbers—it’s about feel. Your body must become a speedometer, calibrated through repetition. Dedicate 10-15 minutes of each session to speed drills. Mark a starting point 10 feet from the bank and roll in at incremental speeds, focusing on how your weight shifts and your wheels grip. Over time, you’ll develop a muscle memory for the right speed, allowing you to focus on the bar trick itself. A practical tip: wear gloves during practice to protect your hands and maintain grip during falls.
Comparing approach speed to other skateboarding disciplines highlights its uniqueness. Unlike flatground tricks, where speed is secondary, bank bar skating demands precision in both velocity and timing. Think of it as the difference between sprinting and long-distance running. One requires bursts of energy, the other sustained effort. In bank bar skating, your approach speed is the burst—it sets the stage for everything that follows. Neglect it, and even the most polished bar trick will falter.
Finally, consider the psychological aspect. Fear often tempts skaters to approach too slowly, while overconfidence leads to reckless speed. The solution? Break the maneuver into stages. First, focus solely on achieving the correct speed without attempting the bar trick. Once consistent, introduce the trick gradually. This phased approach builds confidence and ensures that speed becomes second nature. Remember, the goal isn’t just to clear the bar—it’s to do so with style, control, and repeatability.
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Perfect Your Foot Placement
Foot placement is the cornerstone of control when navigating a bank bar on a skateboard. The angle of the bank demands precision: too far forward, and you’ll pitch into the wall; too far back, and you’ll lose stability. Start by positioning your front foot just behind the truck bolts, angled slightly inward toward the bank. This stance creates a solid base and allows your back foot to pivot on the tail for subtle adjustments. Experiment with foot angles—a 15- to 30-degree turn of the front foot can dramatically improve grip and balance.
Consider the bank’s steepness when fine-tuning your stance. On shallower banks (under 45 degrees), keep your weight centered over the board to maintain speed and flow. Steeper banks (over 45 degrees) require shifting your weight slightly forward to prevent sliding down. For example, on a 60-degree bank, lean your front foot closer to the toe side of the board, using your ankle to absorb the bank’s pressure. This technique mimics the edge control of snowboarding, translating lateral force into controlled descent or ascent.
A common mistake is locking the knees, which reduces responsiveness. Instead, maintain a soft bend in your legs to act as shock absorbers. Picture your knees as springs, ready to compress and extend with the bank’s contours. Pair this with a dynamic foot placement: as you carve, subtly shift your back foot toward the heel or toe side to steer. This micro-adjustment is particularly useful when transitioning from the bank to flat ground, ensuring a smooth exit without losing momentum.
Practice foot placement drills to build muscle memory. Set up cones or markers on flat ground and simulate bank turns by pivoting your front foot while keeping your shoulders parallel to the imaginary bank. Gradually increase speed and sharpness of turns. For a more realistic simulation, find a small, shallow bank (around 20 degrees) and focus solely on foot positioning, ignoring speed or tricks. Dedicate 10–15 minutes per session to this drill, and you’ll notice improved control within weeks.
Finally, footwear matters. Shoes with a flat, grippy sole (like Vans or Etnies) provide better board feel than bulky sneakers. Ensure your laces are tight to prevent slippage, and avoid shoes with excessive cushioning, which can dull sensitivity to the board’s movements. Combine the right gear with deliberate footwork, and you’ll transform the bank bar from a daunting obstacle into a canvas for fluid, controlled skating.
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Learn to Lean Correctly
Leaning is the cornerstone of bank bar skateboarding, but it’s not just about tilting your body. Proper leaning engages your core, shifts your weight dynamically, and communicates with the ramp’s curve. Start by visualizing the bank as an extension of your movement—lean *with* it, not against it. Beginners often over-lean, causing instability, or under-lean, losing speed and control. The sweet spot? A 45-degree angle at the ramp’s midpoint, adjusted based on your speed and the bank’s steepness. Practice this on a gentle slope first, focusing on how your lean aligns with the ramp’s geometry.
To master the lean, break it into phases: approach, engagement, and exit. On approach, keep your shoulders parallel to the bank, knees slightly bent. As you engage, shift your weight toward the ramp’s face, pressing your front foot down while lifting your back foot slightly. This redistributes your center of gravity, allowing the bank to support your momentum. Exit by gradually straightening your body, using the lean’s stored energy to propel you forward. A common mistake is leaning too rigidly—keep your upper body relaxed, letting your hips lead the movement. Think fluidity, not force.
Comparing leaning techniques across disciplines highlights its importance. In snowboarding, leaning initiates turns; in surfing, it controls speed. Skateboarding on a bank bar combines both—leaning steers and accelerates simultaneously. Unlike flat ground tricks, where balance is static, bank bar leaning requires constant adjustment. For instance, sharper leans generate tighter carves, while softer leans maintain flow. Experiment with varying degrees of lean to understand how each alters your trajectory and speed. This cross-disciplinary perspective underscores leaning as a universal skill, not just a skateboarding trick.
Practical tips can accelerate your learning curve. Wear grippy shoes to prevent slipping during leans, and use knee pads to build confidence on steeper banks. Start sessions with 10-minute warm-ups focusing on body rolls and side lunges to activate core muscles. Record yourself from a side angle to analyze lean angles and body positioning. If you’re over 30 or have joint concerns, prioritize gradual progression—sharp leans on steep banks can strain hips and knees. Finally, study skaters like Chris Russell or Pat Ngoho, whose bank bar runs exemplify controlled, precise leaning. Mimic their posture, not just their tricks, to internalize the technique.
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Practice the Exit Technique
Mastering the exit technique is crucial for executing a bank bar trick safely and stylishly. Unlike a straightforward dismount, the exit technique involves a deliberate sequence of movements that transform your departure from the bar into a seamless continuation of the trick’s flow. It’s not just about getting off the bar—it’s about doing so with control, precision, and a touch of flair.
Consider the physics at play: as you approach the exit, your momentum shifts from vertical to horizontal. A poorly timed or unbalanced exit can lead to a wobbly landing or, worse, a fall. To counteract this, practice leaning slightly forward as you near the bar’s edge, allowing your board to naturally follow the curve of the bank. Simultaneously, rotate your shoulders in the direction of your intended path, using your upper body to guide your lower body. This technique ensures a smooth transition from bar to ground, maintaining speed and stability.
A common mistake is overthinking the exit, which often results in hesitation and loss of control. Instead, focus on muscle memory through repetition. Start by practicing on a low bank bar at slow speeds, gradually increasing both height and velocity as confidence grows. Incorporate visual cues by marking a spot on the ground where you aim to land, helping you internalize the timing and angle of the exit. For skaters under 18, consider using softer wheels (durometer 90A–95A) to improve grip and reduce the risk of slipping during practice.
Compare the exit technique to dismounting a manual pad—both require a blend of anticipation and spontaneity. While a manual pad exit relies on a quick pop, the bank bar exit demands a more fluid, gravity-assisted release. The key difference lies in how you use the bank’s curvature to your advantage. Unlike flat ground tricks, the bank bar exit is as much about reading the terrain as it is about executing the movement.
Finally, treat the exit as an opportunity to enhance the trick’s overall aesthetic. A well-executed exit can elevate a basic bank bar into a standout moment in your run. Experiment with variations, such as a slight 180-degree spin off the bar or a subtle grab on the way down. Remember, the goal isn’t just to get off the bar—it’s to make the exit an integral, memorable part of the trick itself.
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Frequently asked questions
A bank bar is a type of skateboard obstacle that consists of a curved or sloped surface, often made of wood or metal, which allows skaters to ride up and along the curve, performing tricks or maneuvers.
To build a bank bar, you'll need materials such as plywood (preferably treated for outdoor use), 2x4 lumber for framing, screws or nails, a circular saw or jigsaw, a drill, and sandpaper for smoothing edges.
The curve of your bank bar can be designed using a flexible material like a garden hose or a long piece of wood. Lay it out in the desired shape, mark the curve, and then cut the plywood to match. A gentle, smooth curve is ideal for beginners.
Ensure the structure is sturdy and securely anchored to the ground. Sand all edges to prevent splinters, and consider adding a non-slip surface like skate ply or grip tape. Always wear protective gear, including a helmet, when skating on the bank bar.
Yes, a bank bar can be built for indoor use. Use materials suitable for indoor environments, ensure the structure is stable on a flat surface, and consider the space available to avoid any hazards. Indoor bank bars are often smaller and more portable than outdoor versions.
