Riding Slida

The most efficient way to ride is alternating the feet doing the kicking. This is easy as there is a footplate to stand on for each foot. A few kicks on one foot and then swap.

On the downhill you stand your feet on each footplate. Knees slightly bent and leaning back to cushion the ride. It is important to lean back so you stay onboard. For skiers this is all second nature.

When turning you lean towards the inner curve, that way you keep the center of gravity in control.

On tight turns you can maneuver like with car, three point turn might be familiar. You can reverse about two meters but anything longer with weight on both footplates can bend them!

There is also another way to go forward and we call it snaking. This is a skill that takes a while to learn and can be used only when the riding surface is flat and smooth. Basically you vary your bodyweight from side to side and simultaneously turn the handlebars in unison from side to side. This can be confusing to oncoming pedestrians so do this only if you have enough space.

Clearing small kerb can be as easy as riding towards it on 45-degree angle and lifting one wheel at the time up the kerb. Do not have too fast speed and make it look good. Or you can simply lift the Slida up the kerb. Riding down, make sure that the step is not too high and again approach at 45-degree angle.

Once you have mastered the riding you can use these techniques to make it look so cool that people believe there is a motor in it, as it looks so effortless.

Two people riding side-to-side can be fun but requires skill and coordination to synchronize your riding so neither rider falls of when turning.

People with reduced mobility could use Slida but this must be individually assessed by physiotherapists and supervised training given as required. If the person can use Slida this would improve his/hers motor skills, fitness, health and could add plenty of fun to daily living.