Inputs are listed for default N64 controls (c-up = Grindslide, c-down = Jump/Ollie, c-left = Flip Trick, c-right = Grab Trick).

If you’re running 100% or the individual level you will want to get the gold medal. The second strategy describes how to tie the current IL record, at 4 seconds per heat. Note for IL submissions on speedrun.com you need exactly 25 tapes going into this level. You should be aiming for >91.5 from the judges for both heats, though 91.0 can sometimes be enough depending on RNG for the other skaters. It takes roughly 25k points and no bails to get this. You can also use this as an easy strat for any%, with much more lenience (such as not requiring the full 720 for the special combo).

5-second heats This strategy works regardless of Autokick Off and Config Glitch settings, though there may be slight differences in timings. I’m unsure if Tony and Bucky have a special that works for this, but Rune can use Christ Air and every other character can use front/backflip. Tap c-down to fast forward through the opening, and hold it to buffer crouch. During this, start holding L (and c-left if using Autokick Off). While not strictly necessary, I recommend using nollie or fastplant here for free extra points and safety. Jump and immediately grind[1] the edge of the halfpipe. Hold up+left, jump, press c-right to do a madonna, then grind[1] the other side of the platform. Ride off this grind.[2] Start buffering crouch even before you land here. As soon as you land, you want to turn very slightly left. You only want to hold left for a couple frames. There are two ramps in front of you: a big one on the left, and a small odd structure on the right. You should be aiming just to the left of the seam between these two. Buffer R or L and start spamming up to prepare a fastplant. You want to jump just after hitting the beginning of the big ramp to get enough height. A 720 Fastplant [special trick][3] is enough to get 20,000 points[4], and you should already have 5,000+ from the opening combo. Score cancel. Done correctly the in-game timer will be 0:55 when you pause. Optimally you want to jump above the funbox on the left to get to the end of level menu fastest, but this is a very tiny out of game time save, so don’t fret it as much as the combo. Repeat for Heat 2, then End Competition.

1 - it does not matter which grind you use here. You will usually get Boardslide, which is the lowest scoring one. Crooked or Smith grinds give more points but are not needed. There are easier ways to increase your points.

2 - you can jump off this grind and throw in a Japan Air or 360 shove it for a couple extra points, but it is not necessary for the gold as long as you get the 720 with your special trick.

3 - this must be frontflip, backflip, or a held Christ Air. Remember that you have to use the analog stick to spin frontflip or backflip. Other specials may work but I have not tested them to check if any others are sufficiently fast with a high enough base score.

4 - done properly you will have enough time to throw in a fast flip trick before the special (I recommend 360 Shove It for ease of input). This is unnecessary for gold, but if you’re comfortable with it you can use it to make up for a subpar heat or to ensure you are not burned by bad RNG. Rune has an easier time with this whole run than others, as he can use this and the extra trick from [2] to grab gold while only spinning a 540, as long as he still holds the Christ Air long enough.

4-second heats After starting to move forward, turn sharp right. The exact timing will depend on character and Autokick setting, but you should be aiming to ride just to the left of the graffiti written inside the halfpipe. Fastplant our of the halfpipe and immediately hold Madonna. Before hitting the bridge, add a 360 Flip [1]. Use any grind on the bridge, then jump off [2]. Spin 540 degrees while doing a Rocket Air then a Benihana [3]. Score cancel, End Heat, repeat for Heat 2 and End Competition.

[1] - I’m unsure if Tony and Bucky can use a variation of this route since they do not have 360 Flip.

[2] - You can grind either side of the bridge, but be careful not to slam into the middle of it instead of grinding. If you grind the left side, jump off to the left and if you grind the right jump off to the right. Wait a frame or 2 to jump or you might jump backwards.

[3] - You can use a 2nd Madonna instead of Rocket Air.