by Rynaldo Stoltz

Created on: July 28, 2009   Last Updated: July 30, 2009

How to kickflip

If you are a beginner and you want to learn how to do a kickflip, you have come to the right place. I will take you through a step by step crash course so you too can learn how to kickflip in no time, just like i did.

Step 1

Place your feet at a 45 degree angle just behind your truck bolts. You should now have the ball of your back foot on the tail and your front foot in the middle of your skateboard.

Step 2

Next you will pop your skateboard upwards just like you would do for an ollie. This time you will keep your back foot in the same position as in step 1. Now slide your front foot upwards and flick out of the board where the concave is. It is important to flick out with some good pressure. Now bring your foot back in as fast as you can. Remember to jump up in the beginning of your flip to give your skateboard enough room to flip underneath you.

Step 3

After the initial kickflip you will bring your front foot back up on the skateboard. Remember, your back foot will not catch the skateboard naturally, so try to push down a little harder on the tail to get a clean kickflip and to keep your feet from touching and obstructing your flip.

Step 4

Dont jump forward. Even though this might help at first, this will also cause your skateboard to flip behind you and you will not be able to catch your kickflip. Keep your shoulders centered and jump straight up in the air while staying above your skateboard. Watch for the grip tape to come around on rotation.

Step 5

Now you are ready to catch your first kickflip. After the kickflip rotation, (Grip tape side up), catch the skateboard firmly. Try to land on the two sets of truck bolts on your skateboard. By doing this, you will have a safer and smoother landing. This also prevents your skateboard from snapping. Now roll away smoothly.

Skateboarding Safety

Skateboarding as we all know it is a extreme sport and can be dangerous and result in injury. When you learn how to skate it is better to seek the proper skating equipment and safety equipment. Things to remember before attemting this sport:

- Always wear a skateboarding helmet.

- Wear elbow pads and knee pads.

- Skate in groups instead of alone.

- Be patient !

- Try not to get frustrated.

- Don't give up.

- Keep Rolling !

Pointers when you learn to kickflip

1. When you start new and you want to learn to kickflip, try practicing your kickflip on grass or carpet. this will prevent your skateboard from rolling away underneath you which in return will prevent you from getting hurt.

2. Always wear a decent skateboard helmet.

3. Get a good pair of skateboarding shoes. All the flicking and flipping will eat the outer side of your shoe.

4. Get a good skateboard deck. Cheap skateboarding decks are okay for training though.

5. For higher kickflip, you will need to pop harder and place more pressure on your flip.

6. You can also try double kickflip and evn triple kickflip after you master the kickflip.

7. Now try doing a kickflip with some speed.

I hope this helps you in your quest to learn how to kickflip. I implemented these easy steps and before in knew it, i was off to bigger tricks. This really helped me alot. Good luck and happy skating.

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