Welcome to Trickionary, a series of how-to-do a bunch of skateboarding tricks. We’re going to start with the KICKTURN because it’s the 1st trick you should master. Kickturning is fundamental to learn if you want to know how to ride the streets or move on to a 123 Backside Billyslap.
What is it?
A kickturn is when you’re moving forward and then you balance on your back wheels and swing the front of your board in a new direction. This is a great trick to practice your balance. The best way to start to learn how to do this trick is on some carpet or grass. Just practice balancing on your back wheels with the nose up and see how long you can hold your balance (like standing on one foot).
The Duckwalk
duckwalking
The next thing to practice that will improve your kickturns is the “duckwalk” . Duckwalking is when you have your back foot on the tail and your front foot on the nose, and then you try to walk your skateboard by constantly popping up each end of the skateboard. Now pretend like you have wings and yell “Squak! Squak!” at your big sister.
Frontside Backside Kickturns
swinging
The frontside kickturn is when you turn to the same direction your body is facing. Start by practicing small turns instead of big ones that knock you off the board. To do this, don’t shift too much weight to your back foot. With your front foot, scoop your toes backwards to control the board from swinging too much. Swing hips, shoulders, and arms to help get some momentum. Once you get comfortable with a 90 degree kickturn, go backside (the other direction). It’s basically the same thing, but focus on your heels to swing the board.
Tic Tac Turn
Now you’re ready to start shredding it up with some TicTacs. TicTacking is when you are moving forward alternating short kickturns frontside and backside. Practice this in an empty parking lot and get your speed going faster and faster. Wear some protective kneepads and gloves so you can fall without getting hurt. Remember… everyone falls; in fact, falling is a good way for you to learn boundaries and how to fix balancing problems.
Halfpipe
ramping
Kickturns are essential if you want to get into riding in bowls and halfpipes. Evertime you drop into a bowl, you have to be able to be super comfortable at a kickturn to change directions and keep going. The best way to practice your kickturns before getting into a halfpipe is on small inclines like a small ramp.
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