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.Â
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.Â
The first step is to place your fingers on the deck, with your thumb on the tail and your index finger on the nose.Â
Next, you will need to pop the tail of the fingerboard with your thumb, while simultaneously flipping the fingerboard with your index finger.Â
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:
Place your fingers on the deck, with your thumb on the tail and your index finger on the nose.
Bend your knees and crouch down to prepare for the pop.
Rapidly pop the tail of the fingerboard with your thumb, while simultaneously flipping the fingerboard with your index finger.
As the fingerboard flips, use your other fingers to guide it and keep it balanced.
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.
How to Choose the Best Longboard
When it comes to finding the perfect longboard, there are a few key factors to consider. The first is the size of the board. Longboards come in a variety of sizes, from shorter cruiser boards to longer downhill decks. The size of the board you choose will depend on your riding style and what you want to use the board for. For example, if you’re planning on cruising around town, a shorter cruiser board may be a better option. However, if you’re planning on bombing hills and reaching high speeds, a longer downhill deck may be a better fit.
The next factor to consider is the shape of the board. Longboards come in a variety of shapes, including pintail, drop-through, and directional. Pintail longboards have a traditional longboard shape and are great for cruising around town. Drop-through longboards have a unique design, where the trucks are mounted through the deck rather than on top of it. This design lowers the center of gravity and makes the board more stable at high speeds. Directional longboards are designed for going in one direction and are great for downhill riding.
The third factor to consider is the deck shape. Longboards come in a variety of deck shapes, including symmetrical and directional. Symmetrical longboards have the same shape on both ends, which allows for regular and switch riding. Directional longboards are designed for going in one direction and are great for downhill riding. The shape of the deck is important for stability and maneuverability, so it's important to consider your riding style and what you want to use the board for when choosing a deck shape.
The fourth factor to consider is the width of the deck. Longboards come in a variety of widths, from narrower downhill decks to wider cruiser boards. The width of the deck you choose will depend on your riding style and what you want to use the board for. For example, if you’re planning on cruising around town, a wider cruiser board may be a better option. However, if you’re planning on bombing hills and reaching high speeds, a narrower downhill deck may be a better fit.
The fifth factor to consider is the concave of the deck. Concave is the curve of the deck, and it can affect the foot locking and sliding. Freeride longboards have a more aggressive concave which helps with foot locking and sliding. Downhill longboards typically have a symmetrical shape, which allows for both regular and switch riding. Cruiser longboards have a relaxed concave that allows for comfortable cruising.
Finally, you should consider the trucks and wheels that you will use with your longboard. Trucks are the metal T-shaped pieces that attach the wheels to the deck. They come in different widths and hangers, and the size will depend on the width of the deck. The wheel size will depend on the riding style, for example, for downhill riding, you will need harder and smaller wheels, for cruising around town, you will need softer and bigger wheels.
In conclusion, finding the perfect longboard is a matter of personal preference and your riding style. By considering the size, shape, deck shape, width, concave and trucks and wheels, you can find the perfect longboard for you. Remember that the perfect longboard may not be the same for everyone, and it's always good to try different types of longboards before making a decision. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect longboard for you.
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
