Heelflip off the west LA courthouse stage!

Hey everyone! Seeing my post about landing that heelflip at West LA Courthouse got me thinking – how many of you are trying to master the heelflip skateboard trick too? It's one of those tricks that feels incredibly rewarding once you get it down, but it definitely takes some practice. I remember spending hours trying to figure out the perfect heelflip foot placement. For anyone just starting out or still struggling, let me share a few tips based on my own experience. First off, get comfortable riding your board. You'll want to be able to Ollie consistently before diving into heelflips. Once you're ready, here’s how I approach it, focusing heavily on that crucial foot placement! Heelflip Foot Placement: This is probably the most critical part for me. Back Foot: Position your back foot on the tail, just like you would for an Ollie. You want to be able to get a strong, snappy pop. Front Foot: This is where the magic happens for the heelflip. I place my front foot a little behind the front bolts, angled slightly. My heel is usually hanging off the edge a bit, ready to flick. Experiment with how much of your heel hangs off – too much and you might under-rotate, too little and it won't flick properly. I find keeping my toes pointed slightly forward, almost towards the nose, helps me get a better flick. The Pop and Flick: Once your feet are set, it’s all about timing. Pop: Pop the tail down with your back foot, hard and fast, just like an Ollie. Flick: Almost simultaneously, as the board starts to rise, use your front heel to flick off the edge of the board towards the nose. It’s not just a scrape; it’s a push-and-flick motion that sends the board rotating. Imagine you’re trying to kick something off the nose of your board. The key is to flick outward and *forward*. Common Heelflip Challenges & My Takeaways: Board doesn't flip: This usually means your flick isn't strong enough or your foot placement isn't quite right. Try adjusting your front foot's angle or where your heel is. Board over-rotates: If the board spins too much, your flick might be too powerful, or you might be flicking too far forward. Try to make it a quicker, snappier flick. Landing with one foot: We've all been there! This often happens when you're not committing fully or not keeping your shoulders aligned with the board. Try to jump straight up and keep your body centered over the board as it rotates. Look for the bolts! I haven't personally delved deep into backside heelflips yet, but from what I understand, it adds a whole new layer of body rotation into the mix, making the flick even more precise. It’s definitely on my list of tricks to conquer! For now, perfecting my regular heelflip is my main focus. Remember, skateboarding is all about progression and having fun. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't click immediately. I spent weeks just practicing the flick motion, sometimes even just standing still. Every time I land a heelflip, especially in cool spots like the West LA Courthouse stage, it reminds me why I love skating. Keep practicing, stay patient, and most importantly, enjoy the process! What are your go-to tips for heelflips? Let me know!