The Beginners Guide - How to Kick-flip on a Fingerboard

 Fingerboarding is a fun and challenging hobby that requires skill, patience, and practice. One of the most popular and iconic tricks in fingerboarding is the kickflip, which involves flipping the fingerboard 360 degrees while keeping it balanced on your fingers. In this article, we will guide you through the complete approach and step-by-step process for mastering the kickflip on a fingerboard.

First and foremost, it is important to have the right equipment. A high-quality fingerboard is a must, as well as fingerboard tape to ensure a smooth and consistent surface for the trick. 

It's also important to set up the fingerboard correctly. This means adjusting the trucks to the proper tightness and ensuring that the wheels are not too worn down. Choosing a fingerboard with a concave deck will also help with control and balance during the trick.

Before attempting the kickflip, it is essential to have a good understanding of the basics of fingerboarding. This includes the proper stance, finger placement, and control over the fingerboard. Practicing these basics will help develop finger strength and control, which are crucial for performing the kickflip.

Now, let's move on to the kickflip trick itself. The kickflip can be broken down into several steps. 

• The first step is to place your fingers on the deck, with your thumb on the tail and your index finger on the nose. 

• Next, you will need to pop the tail of the fingerboard with your thumb, while simultaneously flipping the fingerboard with your index finger. 

The key is to maintain control and balance throughout the trick, and to land the fingerboard back on your fingers.

Here are the steps in detail:

1. Place your fingers on the deck, with your thumb on the tail and your index finger on the nose.

2. Bend your knees and crouch down to prepare for the pop.

3. Rapidly pop the tail of the fingerboard with your thumb, while simultaneously flipping the fingerboard with your index finger.

4. As the fingerboard flips, use your other fingers to guide it and keep it balanced.

5. Land the fingerboard back on your fingers, with your thumb on the tail and your index finger on the nose.

Mastering the kickflip takes time and practice, but with persistence and patience, you will be able to pull it off. Once you have the basics down, you can start experimenting with different variations and combinations of the kickflip trick.

One advanced tip to keep in mind is to be relaxed and not tense up your fingers, this will make it easier to control the fingerboard and land the trick. Another tip is to try the trick on a softer surface, such as carpet or grass, to reduce the risk of injury.

Fingerboarding is a fun and rewarding hobby that requires skill, patience, and practice. With the right equipment, a solid understanding of the basics, and a step-by-step approach to the kickflip trick, you can become a fingerboarding pro in no time. Remember to practice regularly, and don't be afraid to seek out the help and advice of more experienced fingerboarders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the kickflip on a fingerboard takes time, practice, and patience, but with the right approach, you can pull it off. We hope this guide has provided you with the information and inspiration you need to start learning and perfecting the kickflip. Happy fingerboarding