So you’ve got your skateboard and you’re eager to learn the perfect technique for a kickturn? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’re going to share some valuable tips and tricks that will help you master the art of executing a flawless kickturn on your skateboard. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience under your belt, these insights are sure to take your kickturns to the next level. So, grab your skateboard and get ready to improve your skills with these expert pointers!
Choosing the Right Skateboard Setup
When it comes to skateboarding, choosing the right setup is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride. There are several factors to consider when selecting your skateboard deck, trucks, and wheels.
Selecting the Proper Skateboard Deck
The skateboard deck is the most important component of your setup as it provides the platform for your feet and determines the size and shape of your board. A good rule of thumb is to choose a deck size that matches your shoe size. If you have larger feet, opt for a wider deck to ensure ample space for comfortable foot placement. Additionally, consider the concave of the deck, which refers to the curve from edge to edge. Different concave styles offer varying levels of control and maneuverability, so choose one that suits your riding style.
Choosing the Right Trucks
Trucks are the metal axles that connect your skateboard deck to the wheels and play a significant role in how your board turns. When selecting trucks, consider their width, height, and weight rating. The width should match the width of your deck to ensure stability and prevent wheel bite. The height of the trucks affects your board’s responsiveness, with lower trucks providing a more stable feel and higher trucks offering greater maneuverability. Finally, check the weight rating of the trucks to ensure they can support your weight and riding style.
Selecting the Perfect Wheels
Wheels are another crucial component that greatly influences your skateboard’s performance. The size, durometer (hardness), and shape of the wheels impact factors such as speed, grip, and stability. For beginners, larger and softer wheels (around 54-60mm in diameter and 78A-87A durometer) are recommended as they provide a smoother ride and better grip on different surfaces. As you gain more experience, you can experiment with smaller and harder wheels for increased speed and responsiveness.
Wearing the Right Protective Gear
Skateboarding can be an exhilarating activity, but safety should always be a top priority. Wearing the right protective gear can minimize the risk of injuries and allow you to skate with confidence.
Helmet
A helmet is the most essential piece of protective gear for skateboarding. It protects your head from potential impacts and reduces the risk of serious head injuries. When choosing a helmet, ensure it fits snugly and covers your entire forehead and the back of your head. Look for helmets that are certified by safety standards such as ASTM or CPSC to guarantee their effectiveness.
Elbow and Knee Pads
Elbow and knee pads provide crucial protection for your joints, shielding them from cuts, scrapes, and impact injuries. Look for pads that are made with durable materials and have adjustable straps to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. It’s important to choose pads that allow for a full range of motion while providing sufficient padding.
Wrist Guards
Wrist guards are essential for protecting your wrists from fractures and sprains, which are common injuries in skateboarding. They feature durable splints that provide support to your wrists and help absorb impacts. Look for wrist guards that offer both protection and flexibility, allowing for unrestricted movement of your hands and fingers.
Getting Comfortable with Riding Basics
Before diving into more advanced skateboarding techniques, it’s crucial to get comfortable with the basics. Mastering your stance, pushing, balance, and turning will lay a solid foundation for your skateboarding journey.
Stance and Posture
Finding the right stance and posture is essential for maintaining balance and control while riding. Most skateboarders prefer either a regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward) stance. Experiment with both to determine which feels more natural. When riding, keep your knees slightly bent, your back straight, and your weight evenly distributed between your front and back foot.
Pushing and Maintaining Balance
Pushing is the act of propelling yourself forward on the skateboard using one foot while maintaining balance with the other. Practice pushing with your back foot while keeping your front foot firmly planted on the board. As you gain confidence, focus on maintaining balance by shifting your weight between both feet and making slight adjustments when necessary.
Getting Comfortable with Turning
Learning to turn smoothly is essential for maneuvering around obstacles and navigating different terrains. Start by practicing gentle turns by shifting your weight slightly to the direction you want to turn. As you become more comfortable, experiment with sharper turns and practice carving, which involves making wide, flowing turns while maintaining control.
Understanding the Kickturn Technique
The kickturn is a fundamental skateboarding maneuver that allows you to change direction quickly and navigate obstacles. Understanding the key elements of the kickturn technique is crucial for executing it successfully.
Mastering Weight Distribution
Proper weight distribution is key to a successful kickturn. When initiating the turn, shift your weight towards your back foot while bending your knees slightly to maintain balance. As you pivot, transfer your weight towards the front foot to complete the turn smoothly. Remember to distribute your weight evenly between both feet throughout the entire maneuver.
Foot Placement and Positioning
Your foot placement plays a crucial role in executing a kickturn effectively. Start by positioning your front foot slightly angled towards the nose of the board, with the ball of your foot near the front bolts. Your back foot should be placed diagonally across the tail, with your toes hanging over the edge. Experiment with different foot positions to find what feels most comfortable and provides optimal control.
Importance of Pivoting
Pivoting is a key component of the kickturn technique that allows your board to rotate smoothly. To pivot, lift your front wheels off the ground slightly while applying pressure on the tail of the board with your back foot. As you pivot, use your upper body and arms to guide the direction of the turn. The more you practice, the more control you will have over the pivot and the tighter your kickturns will become.
Proper Execution of a Kickturn
Executing a kickturn correctly requires a combination of technique, timing, and balance. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and controlled kickturn:
Setting Up for the Kickturn
Start by riding at a comfortable speed, with your feet firmly positioned on the skateboard deck. As you approach the point where you want to initiate the kickturn, shift your weight slightly towards your back foot, preparing to pivot.
Initiating the Turn
As you reach the desired spot, lift the front wheels off the ground by applying pressure on the tail with your back foot. Simultaneously, pivot your upper body in the direction you want to turn while keeping your eyes focused on where you want to go.
Finding the Right Balance and Timing
Maintaining balance and timing is crucial to executing a clean kickturn. As you pivot, transfer your weight towards the front foot while keeping your arms and upper body aligned with the direction of the turn. Focus on maintaining a fluid motion and keeping your board level throughout the entire maneuver. Practice and repetition will help you refine your balance, timing, and overall control.
Practicing and Refining the Kickturn
To become proficient at kickturns, practice is key. Gradually increase the difficulty and angle of your turns as you gain confidence and control. Here’s a progression to follow:
Starting with Small Turns
Begin by practicing small kickturns, focusing on the fundamentals of weight distribution, foot placement, and pivot. Start with 180-degree turns and gradually increase the angle as you become more comfortable and confident.
Gradually Increasing the Angle
Once you feel comfortable with 180-degree kickturns, challenge yourself by increasing the angle of your turns. Aim for 270-degree and eventually 360-degree turns, ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining control throughout the entire maneuver.
Improving Flow and Fluidity
As you become more comfortable with kickturns, focus on improving the flow and fluidity of your turns. Work on linking multiple kickturns together in a smooth and controlled manner. Experiment with different combinations, such as carving into a kickturn or incorporating kickturns into lines and tricks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While practicing kickturns, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes and pitfalls that can hinder your progress. Avoiding these mistakes will help you refine your technique and achieve better results:
Leaning Too Far Back or Forward
Maintaining proper weight distribution is crucial for maintaining balance and control during kickturns. Avoid leaning too far back or forward, as this can cause you to lose stability and compromise the execution of the maneuver. Focus on keeping your weight evenly distributed between your front and back foot throughout the entire kickturn.
Neglecting to Pivot on the Ball of the Foot
Pivoting on the ball of your foot is essential for achieving a smooth and controlled kickturn. Neglecting this pivot can result in a choppy and unbalanced turn. Practice pivoting on the ball of your foot while maintaining stability and fluidity in your kicks.
Not Keeping the Upper Body Aligned
Your upper body acts as a guide for the direction of your kickturn. Failing to keep your upper body aligned can lead to imprecise turns and loss of control. Remember to pivot your upper body in the direction you want to turn and use your arms to maintain balance and control throughout the entire maneuver.
Tips for Progression and Troubleshooting
To continue progressing with your kickturns and overcome any hurdles you may encounter, consider these helpful tips:
Building Confidence with Consistent Practice
Consistency is key when it comes to improving your kickturns. Dedicate regular practice sessions to refining your technique and building confidence. The more you practice, the more comfortable and natural kickturns will become.
Troubleshooting Balance and Control Issues
If you’re experiencing difficulties with balance, control, or stability, start by reviewing and adjusting your stance and posture. Ensure your knees are slightly bent, your weight is evenly distributed, and your upper body and arms are properly aligned. Making small adjustments to these elements can make a significant difference in your kickturn execution.
Seeking Guidance from Experienced Skaters
If you’re struggling to perfect your kickturns or want to take your skills to the next level, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from experienced skaters. They can provide valuable insights, tips, and advice that can greatly accelerate your progression. Consider joining skateboarding communities, attending skateboarding clinics or lessons, or simply reaching out to skaters at your local skatepark for assistance.
Taking It to the Next Level
Once you’ve mastered the basics of kickturns, it’s time to explore different types of kickturns, add your personal style and creativity, and incorporate kickturns into tricks and lines.
Exploring Different Types of Kickturns
There are various types of kickturns you can experiment with to expand your repertoire of maneuvers. Try practicing kickturn variations such as frontside kickturns, backside kickturns, and pivot kickturns. Each type offers its own unique challenges and rewards, allowing you to further develop your skills and overall skateboarding style.
Adding Style and Creativity to Your Turns
Kickturns provide an opportunity to showcase your individual style and creativity. Experiment with different arm movements, body rotations, and foot positioning to add flair and uniqueness to your turns. By infusing your personality into your kickturns, you can truly make them your own and stand out as a skateboarder.
Incorporating Kickturns in Tricks and Lines
Once you’re comfortable with kickturns, start incorporating them into tricks and lines to enhance your skateboarding repertoire. Kickturns can be combined with other tricks such as ollies, grabs, and manuals to create seamless and visually captivating sequences. Practice linking kickturns with various tricks and explore endless possibilities for creating your own innovative combinations.
Conclusion
Perfecting a skateboard kickturn requires a combination of proper technique, practice, and patience. By selecting the right skateboard setup, wearing the appropriate protective gear, mastering the riding basics, and understanding the key elements of the kickturn technique, you can improve your skills, confidence, and overall enjoyment of skateboarding. Remember to continually practice, experiment, and seek guidance from experienced skaters to take your kickturns and skateboarding abilities to the next level. So grab your skateboard, get out there, and have fun perfecting those kickturns!