How To Do a Kickflip – A move every skateboarder should know.

The kickflip is the base of skateboarding.  It is one of the moves that separates the beginners from the intermediates and is one of the hardest tricks to learn; but it is also the most rewarding trick when you finally learn it!

A kickflip is just like an ollie…your backfoot is in the same position as when you Ollie (you put your back foot in the middle of the tail), the only difference is the front foot. The positioning of the front foot is very important because that is what causes the board to flip.  To do a kickflip you need to place your front foot about an inch or two behind the front set of bolts on your board.  You want about half of your front foot on the board, with your toes slightly facing the nose.  The other half is off the board.  Put most of your weight on the front foot.  Then pop the board with your back foot (instead of using your front foot) and then with the front foot you are going to follow the grip tape straight up the board, sliding your foot on an angel and giving the board a nice little flick on the top corner of the board; just enough of a flick so the board turns in the air.  When the board starts turning, bring your legs up and when you see the grip tape come around again stomp your feet on the board.  When you stomp on the grip tape all there is to do now is ride away.

            Yes, I know easier said than done.  But I promise if you keep on practicing and using these steps you will eventually hit it.  When you do finally hit your first kickflip your skateboarding career is beginning to reach a new level and your life will change. Personally, I think the best board to do a kickflip in is the Plan B OG Team Light Blue Skateboard Deck 7.75. It has been my favourite board to skate.