Have you ever been cruising on your deck and thought, “What would it be like to amp up my kickflip game?” Well, this post is pretty much for you! Today, we’re gonna dive in deep with the double flip. They’re not my usual go-to; I’m all about sharing the good, the bad, and the sketchy with you.
What is a double flip?
A double flip it’s like your basic kickflip but on steroids. Instead of just one smooth flip, we’re talking about a skateboard performing two full flips in the air before it touches the ground again. It might sound a bit troublesome, but hey, this isn’t your regular Sunday cruising. It’s about pushing boundaries!
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How to do a double flip?
Like I said, double flips aren’t my favorite, but they do put a twisted spin on your skating routine. So, let’s break down the mechanics of pulling off a killer double flip. I will explain it step by step, so buckle up, folks!
Step 1: The setup
Set your feet up as you would for a regular kickflip, only this time, with your flicking foot a bit more off the edge. Why, you ask? Well, this gives you a bit more leverage. Since we want the board to make two full revolutions, we’ll need all the help we can get!
Step 2: The pop and flick
Alright, let’s make it sail. Pop your skateboard’s tail (the back of the board) and flick your front foot downwards aggressively. It’s kinda counter-intuitive to the regular kickflip, but that’s what makes the board rotate twice. Oh, and remember, flick fast. We’re trying to get as much momentum as we can.
Step 3: Clear the landing
Here’s where the drama intensifies. As soon as you’ve flicked, pull your feet up and out of the way. Let the board spin under you. Give it some room! It’s essential to really just step back and give your board’s royalty some respect. It does its own spinning thing while you hover above, ready for the catch!
Step 4: The catch and land
And right when you see the grip tape (the top rough part), stomp down. Catch that board mid-air and guide it down for a safe landing. Now, catching a double flip as high as a regular kickflip, well, that’s gnarly. But that’s an achievement for another day!
So, there you have it! It’s not the same as pulling off a cool Axle Stall, but it does add a new trick to your bag. Practice, patience, and street persistence that’s the key. Remember, every pro was once a beginner. So grab your board and keep shredding!
What are some tips for perfecting the double flip?
Let’s skate into a few additional hacks that could smoothen out your double flip ride. No, they’re not magical mantras that’ll get you double flipping in a jiffy, but these tips could potentially cut down practice hours:
- Be consistent: Consistency is key, as the adage goes. The more you practice, the better you get.
- Experiment with foot placement: Too close or too far off, neither does the trick. Find your sweet spot.
- Film your attempts: This might seem a bit ‘extra’, but filming your attempts could give you crucial insights into your performance and where you need to improve.
Alright, skaters, let’s pivot to another significant part of the double flip journey – the Dos and Don’ts. Here’s a compact table detailing the do’s and don’ts of double flips:
Dos | Don’ts |
---|---|
Flick your front foot down really fast | Don’t flick upwards as you would in a kickflip |
Give the board room to spin | Don’t catch the board too early |
Setup feet similar to a kickflip, but further off | Don’t overcrowd the board with your feet |
My double flip experience
The double flip wasn’t an instant match with my style. The double flip felt superfluous, a bit out of sync with my usual cruising style. But slowly, as I started to look at it as a challenging novelty rather than an outcast, I found a new appreciation for it. This trick pushed me out of my comfort zone, and let’s be real. That’s where the real magic happens!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As we journey through the double flip, let’s address some queries that might be spinning in your mind. Here are a few common questions skaters often wonder about when embarking on the double flip venture.
How long does it take to learn the double flip?
Frankly, there’s no set timeline. It largely depends on individual factors, such as your previous skateboarding experience, agility, persistence, and the amount of practice you’re putting in daily. For some, it could be just a matter of days, while others may need several weeks. But remember, practice makes perfect! Interested in understanding better about skateboarding challenges? What is Battle at the Berrics?
Are there any prerequisites to learning the double flip?
Yes, definitely! The basic prerequisite to learning the double flip is, of course, having a good handle on the standard kickflip. Familiarity with other basic tricks and stances like the Ollie can also provide a solid foundation.
How common is the double flip in competitions?
The double flip isn’t an everyday scene in competitions, honestly. You’re more likely to see single flip tricks like kickflips or heelflips, and spin-based tricks like 360 flips. However, skaters do throw in a double flip occasionally to spice up their runs and wow the crowd! Interested in typical skate competitions? Check out the Battle at Battle at the Berrics.
Can I practice the double flip on any skateboard?
Yes, you can! But different skateboards can have a different feel. For a more comfortable and smoother learning process, make sure you’re using a skateboard suitable for doing tricks. A good skateboard that caters to your unique style is always a safe bet!
Remember, there’s no shortcut to success, even in skateboarding. It’s more about finding a balance between excitement and patience! Happy double flipping, folks!
Final thoughts
In essence, the double flip is undoubtedly a challenging trick, not really recommended for casual cruising or a quick ride. Yet, with its complexity comes a sense of accomplishment and thrill that only a few tricks can match. The excitement of nailing a double flip for the first time can be genuinely unforgettable. Before you go, make sure your setup is up to scratch.
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 tips and tricks on mastering the art of skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and keep skating!
Key takeaways
We’ve covered some hefty ground in this piece on double flips. For those itching to try or simply curious, here are some key takeaways:
- Double flip is not your regular kickflip. It carries two full flips instead of just one.
- The trick lies in the swift, aggressive flick downwards and letting your board spin freely.
- Practicing consistently and filming your attempts can up your double flip game.