Welcome skateboard enthusiasts, curbside shredders, and park legends! Ever found yourself pushing past throngs of scooter kids, stopped dead in your tracks, and muttered the words, “What are the best tricks in skateboarding?” Well, prepare for some serious enlightenment. This article promises to bring you a deep dive into some of the most gobsmacking, gravity-defying, and straight-up, blood-pumping stunts that the world of skateboarding has spawned.
What are the most daring tricks in the history of skateboarding?
Before diving into this list, it’s crucial to remember the skateboard itself. This “useless wooden toy with wheels,” as some affectionately call it, has been the catalyst for extraordinary feats that people could never have dreamed possible when skateboarding was first invented.
These tricks are extraordinary, not just because of their complexity. Still, also because of the audacity, determination, and sheer love for skateboarding, these athletes have shown during their attempts or success.
1. Jeremy Ray’s tower gap
Starting our list, we have Jeremy Ray’s death-defying leap across the water towers. This trick was as insane as it gets. First, picture the water towers; they’re about 40 feet high, pretty much the equivalent of a four-story house. Then, the gap itself, which spanned a heart-stopping 16 feet. All of this, and Jeremy Ray decided it was a solid choice to ollie over the chasm!
Ray pulled off his legendary jump after merely five attempts, and, according to him, the real knee shaker was the jump back. When most people would have celebrated the incredible feat and called it a day, Jeremy just got back to filming flat ground tricks, like he was just warming up. Talk about dedication!
2. Dane Burman’s municipal death rail
Next up, a gnarly grind that earns its place for being one of the riskiest ever. Capturing skateboarding’s raw intensity and daring, Dane Burman nailed what is perhaps the most sketchy rail trick of all time. This is, of course, his insane grind on the notorious Municipal Death Rail.
” Dane Burman battled with the rail for two grueling hours, undeterred by the danger and fuelled by passionate grit.”
The Municipal Death Rail is called such for a reason. With the top of the rail reaching 30 terrifying feet off the ground, this rail has been a nightmare for those who have dared to skate it. Dane Burman battled with the rail for two grueling hours, undeterred by the danger and fuelled by passionate grit. His eventual triumph cements his place in skateboarding history.
3. Chris Joslin’s Davis gap
Our third entry takes us to an iconic skate spot, the Davis Gap, where Chris Joslin nailed one of the biggest tre flips ever landed on a skateboard. His audacious jump stomped in just 12 attempts, placing him on the list of industry greats who’ve skated this spot, a place reserved only for the elite.
The gap is approximately 10 feet high and 20 feet long, so it’s easily a monument of skateboarding history. Joslin’s flawless Tre flip over such an intimidating expanse showcases both his fearless nature and incredible skill and thoroughly earns him a high spot on this list.
4. Jaws’ Leon 25
Adding yet another chapter to the story of mind-boggling feats, Jaws’ leap at Leon 25 has earned him a spot on our list. Renowned for jumping massive distances, Jaws put his reputation on the line, tackling this set of 25 stairs located in France.
This spot holds the record as the tallest and furthest drop ever achieved on a skateboard. After an attempt gone wrong ruptured his MCL and snapped his board, Jaws returned to the spot after healing to dominate the most iconic Ollie Melon grab in skateboarding – proving once and for all that he is, quite literally, built differently.
5. Danny Way’s Great Wall of China
Last but definitely not least, we find ourselves in awe of Danny Way’s monumental leap over the Great Wall of China! Way, whom they don’t call the “intercontinental ballistic missile” for nothing, is known for oversized feats on his skateboard. His jump over China’s historic Great Wall was a sensation that not only spanned the globe but has also continued to inspire skateboard enthusiasts across generations.
In pulling off this trick, Danny Way transcended boundaries (quite literally!) and shattered limits, proving once again that of all the ways to make history, none are quite as thrilling as those that involve a plank of wood, four wheels, and a whole lot of determination. He traversed this age-old wall and made a giant leap for skateboarders worldwide, proving that even the sky isn’t a limit for the ultimate skater.
6. Tony Hawk’s 900
A legend in the skateboarding world, Tony Hawk astounded audiences by landing a “900”—a trick involving two-and-a-half spins (900 degrees) in mid-air—during the 1999 X games. A major breakthrough in vert skateboarding, it speaks of Hawk’s audacity and unmatched control on a skateboard.
After numerous failed attempts, Hawk shocked the world by landing the 900, challenging the very physics of skateboarding. The significance of this trick went beyond the X-Games, influencing generations of skaters and putting vert skateboarding on the global map.
7. Rodney Mullen’s kickflip
No skating trick compilation would be complete without Rodney Mullen’s revolutionary kickflip. By manipulating foot placement and distribution of body weight, Mullen created a trick that would become a defining maneuver in street skating.
A seemingly simple act of kicking the skateboard’s tail down while jumping to make it flip underneath you, the kickflip, is a testament to Mullen’s inventive prowess. This trick’s impact is legendary, paving the way for more advanced tricks and establishing street skating as a distinguished discipline separate from vert skating.
8. Andrew Reynolds’s frontside flip
Next up on our roster is Andrew Reynolds’ legendary frontside flip. Performed down the mammoth 12-stair set at Hollywood High School, this trick combined precision power and seemingly defied gravity.
Reynolds launched off the stairs, performing a frontside 180 while simultaneously flipping the board and cleanly landing on the concrete, achieving a balance of perfection and reckless abandon that spectators could only marvel at. This trick is a shining example of Reynolds’ big-air style and his ability to combine technicality and panache.
9. Bob Burnquist’s fakie to fakie 900
Bob Burnquist, known for his vert wizardry, unleashed one of the most unbelievable tricks ever in 2010: a Fakie to Fakie 900. This involves starting the trick skating backward, spinning two-and-a-half times in the air, and landing moving backward, which is a massive challenge considering the rotation and body coordination required.
The trick, performed on a mega ramp, was a world-first and cemented Burnquist’s place as a pioneer in vert skateboarding. It remains an iconic maneuver, demonstrating exceptional balance, body control, and an unflinching attitude toward risk-taking.
10. Bam Margera’s shopping carts
Adding a healthy dose of hilarity and insanity, we have Bam Margera’s unconventional entry – ‘skating’ down a steep neighborhood hill in nothing but a humble shopping cart. This trick, widely popularized through shows like Jackass and Viva La Bam, showcases a distinctly different, recklessly entertaining side of skateboarding.
Although largely comedic in nature, Margera’s stunt requires considerable daring. The very randomness of the approach adds to the appeal of this ‘trick,’ reminding us that sometimes, the greatest leaps in skateboarding aren’t necessarily about technical prowess but about unrestrained fun and unabashed love for adventure.
Dos and don’ts of skateboarding tricks
Whether you’re attempting your first ollie or pushing for a death-defying gap leap, here are some “dos” and “don’ts” to keep in mind for executing tricks:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Practice basic moves thoroughly | Try complex tricks without mastering basics |
| Wear appropriate protective gear | Skate without safety gears |
| Warm up before every skate session | Ignore pain or injuries |
| Experiment. Foster your unique style | Imitate others without understanding movements |
| Acknowledge progress, however small | Give up after few unsuccessful attempts |
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What are some tips for nailing skateboard tricks?
Whenever you’re ready to hit the pavement, bear these additional tips in mind:
- Master the basics before advancing: Your ollies, kickflips, and grinds act as the building blocks for more complex tricks.
- Stretch and warm-up: Skateboarding is a physically demanding activity. Proper warm-ups reduce the risk of injuries.
- Be patient with your progress: Skateboarding tricks take time to perfect. Don’t rush your learning curve.
- Practice makes perfect: Consistent practice is key to mastering any skateboarding trick.
- Always prioritize safety: Always wear suitable safety gear when practicing new tricks.
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My tryst with skateboarding
Here’s a little insight from a skater who’s still got his training wheels on – absolutely nothing feels like that first successful ollie. It’s a blink-and-miss moment, a fleeting second when you feel almost weightless, suspended in the air. It’s pure magic, laced with a generous dose of adrenaline. But landing tricks every beginner needs to know also involve countless falls, scrapes, and a bruised ego. But hey, that’s what makes the journey worthwhile, right?
“Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or someone who’s just found their balance, skateboarding is all about enjoying the ride!”
From the elusive ollie to a kickflip that somehow always ends up more of a fluke foot-flick than an actual trick, it’s been an insanely fun ride. And while I may not be attempting a Tower Gap anytime soon, every small step forward on my skateboard feels like a personal victory. Remember, whether you’re a seasoned shredder or someone who’s just found their balance, skateboarding is all about enjoying the ride!
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Skateboarding tricks spark fascination and questions as thrilling as the maneuvers themselves. We’ve compiled some frequently asked questions to help satiate your curiosity.
Are all these tricks performed by professional skateboarders?
Yes, these tricks are performed by professional skateboarders. They dedicate significant time and effort to honing their skills and shouldering the risk associated with these high-impact stunts. Skateboarding is a complex sport that requires practice and patience to master.
What is the most challenging trick to perform among those listed?
The challenge factor varies according to the skater’s skill level and personal preferences. For instance, vert skateboarders like Tony Hawk might find the 900 relatively easier compared to street skaters. In general, tricks involving significant height or long gaps, such as Danny Way’s Great Wall jump, can be considered more challenging due to the risk factors involved.
How can someone begin learning these skateboard tricks?
Starting with the basics, like ollies or kickflips, is always a good idea and can help a skater build a solid foundation. Watching tutorials, taking lessons from experienced skaters, or joining local skateboarding communities can be extremely helpful. And always remember, safety first! Wearing appropriate safety gear can save you from severe injuries. More details on learning tricks can be found in our post on tricks every beginner needs to know.
Final thoughts
We dove headfirst into the world of awe-inspiring skateboard tricks in this post. From ollies over water towers to unprecedented 900s, these stunts aren’t merely skater jargon. They are milestones marking how relentless creativity, audacity, and skill have shaped skateboarding from a pastime into a form of art. Here’s to embracing the spills and thrills on your ride through the history of iconic skate spots and beyond!
Are you inspired to grab a board and start practicing your kickflips just yet? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below – I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more skateboarding insights. Thanks for reading, and keep on shredding!
Key takeaways
This article illuminated the unbounded world of skateboard tricks. Here are some key takeaways:
- Each trick tells a unique story of origin, audacity, and relentless practice.
- High-risk tricks involve engaging with significant heights and distances.
- The emotion and determination behind each trick are as critical as the physical execution.
- Skateboarding tricks are about expression and creativity as much as mastery and skill.
- Learning to perform these tricks involves patience, practice, and always prioritizing safety.
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