What is a rail toespin? A rail toespin is a pirouette done on the wheel in rail stance.
Being something other than a railwhip or rail flip, it’s a fun way to spice up a line.
Board Prerequisites
You want a stable rail for this trick. Any wobble caused by the board is going to throw you off balance.
Offset wheels are a must; trying to stay in rail and spin on an axle nut is just asking for a broken ankle. Tight trucks is next down on the shopping list, as well as wheels that are close to flush with the rail. Finally, risers and or wheel wells are great for helping your toes clear the board as you make the rotation.
Rider Prerequisites
Even before attempting this trick, make sure you are confident in heelside rail stance. Can you comfortably complete the physiotherapist’s ‘star excursion balance test’ while in rail? If the answer is ‘yes’, then you have the strength, flexibility and proprioception required.
Bonus points go to skaters who can already railwhip. You’ll know how to safely return to rail stance at the end of this trick.
Breakdown of the trick
At first, it can be scary spinning on a wheel while in rail. To help you commit, prop the skateboard on some good flatground that’s next to a step. If things go wrong, the step is a shorter height to drop down onto than the ground.
Once you are in heelside rail, position the balls of your feet on the wheels. Bend your knees a little; not only does this lower your centre of gravity, it also causes your toes to lift slightly, enough for them clear the deck when you spin.
While prepping, cheat a little with the rotation by turning your feet and upper body towards the direction of the spin. If spins make you dizzy or lose balance, try spotting an object in the distance.
When spinning, avoid the urge to whip around. A controlled, centred push off will get you to your destination.
Don’t lift onto your toes. Unlike a pirouette on a longboard/skateboard where one needs minimise the friction beneath one’s feet, the wheel will spin freely with you. If you try to decompress, the upward motion may either throw you off balance, or cause your toes to angle downward and catch the deck.
Initially, you may not be able to return your moving foot to the wheel. Don’t worry, just aim for a spot on the step immediately behind the wheel. As you gain better control, you will begin to be able to tap your foot on the wheel before stepping off. Once you do successfully return to heelside rail stance, bent knees and square shoulders in line with the deck will help you stay centred.
Additional notes
Tony Gale has a trick tip page and video on rail toespins. Don’t be disheartened by his recommendation to learn toespins/pirouettes first; these are a related trick but not an essential skill to have.