An intentional Primo is seen as a mark of exceptional skill. But, for most of us, Primo is something to be avoided. I’ve had my fair share of unexpected Primo landings, and let me tell you, they can be a real shock to the system!
Today, I’ll explain everything you need to know about Primo, from its origins to mastering the technique.
If you’re a visual learner, here’s a to help you understand and master these Primo tricks.
A video titled “THE 3 EASIEST PRIMO TRICKS | Freestyle Trick Tip” from the Mike Osterman YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
- The Primo slide was invented by Primo Desiderio, a professional freestyle skateboarder in the 1980s
- Rodney Mullen popularized the Primo slide in street skating, first showcasing it in the 1992 Plan B video “Questionable”
- Primo refers to a skateboard position where it’s balanced on its side, with the edge of the deck touching the ground
- Primo landings can be intentional (as part of a trick) or accidental (during a failed attempt at another trick)
What is a Primo?
A Primo in skateboarding refers to a position where the board is balanced on its side, with the edge of the deck touching the ground instead of the wheels. So, Instead of your wheels touching the ground, your board is rotated 90 degrees, balancing on the thin edge of the deck.
It’s often done by mistake during flip tricks and can easily result in a rolled ankle, but there are some tricks you can do in the primo stance, including the primo slide and primo flip.
This stance is named after Primo Desiderio, a professional freestyle skateboarder from the 1980s who invented a sliding trick using this position.
The birth of Primo
Back in the 1980s, a pro skater named Primo Desiderio stumbled upon something unique. He invented a trick where the board would land on its side, balancing on the edge of the deck. This stance quickly became known as “Primo,” named after its creator.
I remember watching old skate videos and being mesmerized by Primo’s smooth slides. It looked so effortless, yet I knew it must’ve taken countless hours of practice to perfect. Little did I know, I’d soon be attempting these tricks myself.
Have you ever wondered how such a specific stance became a staple in skateboarding? It’s all about innovation and pushing boundaries. Primo’s discovery opened up new possibilities for tricks and style, inspiring generations of skaters to come.
Rodney Mullen’s primo slide
Did you know? While Rodney Mullen is often credited with inventing many skateboarding tricks, he didn’t create the Primo slide. But, he did help popularize it in street skating.
Mullen first showcased the Primo slide in a major skate video in his part for Almost ‘s Round 3 video in 2004. He may have also done it in Plan B’s Questionable back in 1992. He had a part there, but I didn’t see any Primos. I only watched his part, so maybe it’s in the end credits? Anyway, the Primo slide was one of many innovative tricks he introduced to a wider audience.
“Rodney Mullen is a legend, and his Primo slide blows everyones mind when they first see it. It’s one of those tricks where people try, try, try to land it with little sucess. It’s very difficult to do intentionally.”
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He makes it look so effortless, yet I knew he must’ve taken countless hours of practice to perfect it. Little did I know, I’d soon be experiencing Primo landings myself—though not quite as gracefully!
Pro tip: Master your board control
To avoid unwanted Primo landings, focus on improving your overall board control. Practice keeping your board level during rotational tricks and use your front foot as a pivot point. This will help you maintain better control and reduce accidental Primo landings.
Intentional vs. accidental Primo
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Primo landings can be both intentional and accidental, but in my experience, accidental Primos are far more common.
The Primo Slide is a deliberate trick that requires an extremely smooth surface and a lot of skill. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve never successfully landed one – it’s that challenging!
The Primo Flip is also a cool trick that almost anyone can do. It looks really cool and like a Primo, but it’s super simple and easy to do – you just can’t mess it up. I actually thought I invented the primp flip when I was younger, can you beelve that?
On the flip side, accidental Primo landings are often the bane of a skater’s existence.
Everyone’s landed Primo at one time in their life, and let me tell you, it’s not fun. You could really get hurt if you land Primo, and there’s not too much you can do about it other than just keep consistency and muscle memory when you’re skateboarding. Have you ever landed Primo by accident? How did it feel?
The reality of Primo landings
While mastering the Primo slide is an admirable goal, for most of us, avoiding unwanted Primo landings is the more pressing concern. Here are some tips based on my experience:
- Focus on keeping your board level during flipping tricks
- Be especially careful during kickflips or any flipping motion
- Practice consistent technique to build muscle memory
Pro tip: Practice Primo slides safely
Start practicing Primo slides on softer surfaces like grass or carpet to reduce the risk of injury. This allows you to get a feel for the balance and movement without the fear of hard falls.
I’ve found that Primo landings are most likely to happen during flip tricks, especially kickflips. This is because of how the wheels end up facing upward during the flip.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Not necessarily. While unintentional Primo landings can be dangerous, intentional Primo tricks can be impressive when executed properly. It’s all about control and practice.
Like any skateboarding trick, mastery varies by individual. With consistent practice, many skaters see improvement within a few weeks to months. Remember, it’s not just about landing the trick, but doing it safely and with style.
Final thoughts
Primo landings, whether intentional or accidental, are a unique part of skateboarding. While the Primo slide remains an elusive and difficult trick for most of us, accidental Primos are a shared experience among skaters.
Remember, every accidental Primo is an opportunity to learn and improve your board control. And who knows? With enough practice, you might just get closer to landing that Primo slide – or at least, like me, figure out a cool Primo-inspired trick of your own!
So next time you find yourself balancing on the edge of your board, try not to panic. You’re part of a long tradition of skaters pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on four wheels and a plank of wood – even if sometimes those boundaries push back!
