Master Ramp Skating: Land Tricks Guide

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Ramp skating is an exhilarating sport that combines skill, creativity, and a bit of daring. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, mastering ramp tricks requires dedication and practice. This guide will walk you through some essential land tricks to help you progress in your ramp skating journey.

Getting Started: Foundational Skills

Before attempting any advanced tricks, it's crucial to have a solid foundation. Start with these basic skills:

  • Balance: Practice balancing on your board while stationary and in motion. Good balance is key to landing any trick.
  • Pumping: Learn to pump the ramp to generate speed. This involves using your body weight to create momentum as you ride up and down the ramp.
  • Basic Turns: Get comfortable with turning and carving on the ramp. Smooth transitions are essential for linking tricks together.

Essential Land Tricks for Ramp Skating

Once you've mastered the basics, you can start learning these essential land tricks:

1. The Ollie

The ollie is the foundation for many ramp tricks. It involves popping the board into the air while keeping your feet on it. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Place your back foot on the tail of the board and your front foot near the middle.
  2. Bend your knees and prepare to jump.
  3. Pop the tail of the board off the ground by pressing down with your back foot.
  4. Slide your front foot up the board to level it out in the air.
  5. Land with both feet on the board and bend your knees to absorb the impact.

2. The Pop Shuvit

The pop shuvit is a trick where the board rotates 180 degrees while you remain in the same spot. Here’s how to execute it:

  1. Position your feet similarly to an ollie, but with your back foot slightly angled.
  2. Pop the tail and scoop it back with your back foot, causing the board to rotate.
  3. Jump slightly to allow the board to spin freely.
  4. Catch the board with your feet as it completes the rotation and land smoothly.

3. The Kickflip

The kickflip is a more advanced trick that combines the ollie with a flip of the board along its long axis. Follow these steps:

  1. Set up your feet as you would for an ollie, but angle your front foot slightly towards the nose of the board.
  2. Ollie and slide your front foot up and off the board at an angle, causing it to flip.
  3. Allow the board to complete a full rotation.
  4. Catch the board with your feet and land with bent knees.

4. The Heelflip

The heelflip is similar to the kickflip, but the board flips in the opposite direction. Here’s how to perform it:

  1. Position your feet like an ollie, but angle your front foot slightly towards the heel edge of the board.
  2. Ollie and slide your front foot off the board, flicking it towards your heel.
  3. Let the board rotate fully.
  4. Catch the board with your feet and land smoothly.

Tips for Success

  • Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. The more you practice, the better you'll become.
  • Use Protective Gear: Always wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads to protect yourself from injuries.
  • Watch Tutorials: There are many online resources that can help you visualize and understand the tricks.
  • Start Slow: Don't rush into advanced tricks before mastering the basics.
  • Stay Positive: Learning new tricks can be challenging, so stay patient and persistent.

Advancing Your Skills

Once you've mastered these land tricks, you can start trying them on the ramp. Begin with small ramps and gradually increase the size as you become more confident. Experiment with combining tricks to create your own unique style.

Additional Tricks to Explore

  • 50-50 Grind: Grinding the coping of the ramp with both trucks.
  • Axle Stall: Stalling on the coping with the front truck.
  • Rock to Fakie: Rolling up the ramp, rocking on the coping, and rolling back down.

Ramp skating is a rewarding activity that offers endless opportunities for progression and self-expression. By mastering these land tricks and continuously pushing your limits, you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled ramp skater. Remember to have fun and enjoy the ride!

CTA: Ready to take your skating to the next level? Check out local skateparks and connect with other skaters to learn and grow together!