Kick flip 🧍🏽

Hey everyone! So, you're looking to finally land that elusive kickflip, huh? Trust me, I've been there! It feels like magic when you first see someone do it, and it can be super frustrating when you're trying to figure it out yourself. But don't worry, it's totally achievable with practice and the right approach. I remember practicing for weeks, falling countless times, but the moment my board spun under my feet and I landed it – pure stoke! First off, what is a kickflip? It's one of skateboarding's fundamental flip tricks where the board rotates 360 degrees along its longitudinal axis (heel to toe) while in the air, before you land back on it. It’s a building block for so many other tricks, so mastering this one opens up a whole new world of possibilities! Before you even attempt a kickflip, make sure you're comfortable with your ollie. An ollie is the foundation; if you can get good height on your ollie, your kickflips will be much easier to perform. I spent a lot of time just ollieing over small obstacles, and it really paid off. Alright, let's break down the kickflip into manageable steps based on what worked for me and my friends: 1. Foot Placement: This is crucial! Place your back foot on the tail, just like an ollie, ready to pop. Your front foot is key for the flick. I usually put mine slightly behind the front bolts, angled a bit, with my toes pointing towards the nose of the board. Some people like it more centered, but for me, having it angled gives a better flick. 2. The Pop: Just like an ollie, slam that back foot down on the tail to make it hit the ground and launch the board into the air. This gives you the height you need for the board to flip. 3. The Slide and Flick: Almost immediately after the pop, slide your front foot up the board towards the nose. This is where the 'kick' in kickflip comes from. As your front foot reaches the concave of the nose, flick it outwards, off the side of the nose. Imagine you're brushing dog poop off your shoe! This flick is what makes the board spin. My biggest breakthrough came when I realized I wasn't flicking hard enough or high enough. 4. The Catch: After the board has done its rotation (you'll see it happen under your feet!), bring your feet back over the bolts to 'catch' the board in mid-air. This helps you control the landing. 5. The Land: Bend your knees to absorb the impact and roll away smoothly. Landing with bent knees is a game-changer for stability and saving your joints! Common Mistakes I Made (and How to Fix Them): Not flicking hard enough: The board won't spin fully. Focus on a strong, deliberate flick. Flicking straight up: The board will rocket ship away from you. Remember to flick OUTWARDS off the side of the nose. Not committing: It's scary to jump with the board spinning, but you HAVE to commit. Tell yourself you're going to land it. Looking down at your feet: Try to keep your head up and look where you're going. Your body follows your head. My Top Practice Tips: Practice stationary first, holding onto something if needed. Then try rolling slowly. Film yourself! It's amazing how much you learn by watching your own attempts. Don't get discouraged. Every skater struggles with kickflips. Consistency is key. Take breaks. Sometimes stepping away for an hour or a day can magically make it click. Learning to kickflip is an awesome milestone in skateboarding. It takes patience and persistence, but the feeling of landing your first one is incomparable. Keep at it, and you'll get it!