To perform a kick turn on a longboard, shift your weight to the back of the board while simultaneously swinging the front wheels around with the front foot. As you complete the turn, bring your weight forward again and resume riding.
If you’ve recently picked up longboarding or are looking to add some new tricks to your repertoire, mastering the kick turn should be high on your list. This simple maneuver involves swinging the wheels around so you can change direction quickly without having to come to a stop. A lot of beginners struggle with this at first, but with a bit of focus and practice, anyone can learn to do it. In this guide, we’ll break it down step by step so you can start kick turning like a pro.
Credit: lushlongboards.com
Understanding The Basics Of Kick Turning
Longboarding is quickly becoming a popular way of getting around, and mastering the art of kick turning is a vital skill for any longboarder. Understanding the basics of kick turning is crucial to your success and safety while riding. In this section of the blog post, we will dive deeper into the importance of balance and foot placement, how to position your feet on the board for optimal turning, and the difference between frontside and backside kick turns.
Let’s begin.
Importance Of Balance And Foot Placement
Maintaining balance is critical when executing a kick turn, and correct foot placement is key.
- Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight evenly distributed for better balance.
- Place your front foot in the middle of the board, perpendicular to the long axis of the board, pointing straight ahead.
- Your back foot should be closer to the tail of the board, angled slightly towards it.
How To Position Your Feet On The Board For Optimal Turning
Proper foot positioning is crucial for performing a successful kick turn.
- Shift your weight slightly to your back foot, bending your knees and crouching down.
- Lean forward, shifting your weight forward, and turning the board using your back foot.
- Use your front foot to lift the board and turn it in the direction you want to go.
Explanation Of The Difference Between Frontside And Backside Kick Turns
Understanding the difference between frontside and backside kick turns is crucial for executing them correctly.
- Frontside kick turn: this is when you turn your board towards your heelside (opposite of your toes) using your back foot.
- Backside kick turn: this is when you turn your board towards your toeside (opposite of your heels) using your back foot.
Remember, when executing a kick turn, ensure that your weight is evenly distributed, your front foot is perpendicular to the long axis of the board, and your back foot is angled slightly towards the tail of the board. With a little practice, you’ll be kick turning on your longboard like a pro in no time!
Mastering The Frontside Kick Turn
Longboarding is an incredibly enjoyable sport, but it can be challenging to master. One of the essential skills to learn is how to perform a kick turn. It’s a fundamental move that allows you to change direction quickly and fluidly while maintaining your speed.
In this post, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to perfect your frontside kick turn technique.
Step-By-Step Guide To Performing A Frontside Kick Turn
Performing a frontside kick turn on a longboard requires balance, coordination, and practice.
- Begin by gaining some speed. It’s easier to perform a kick turn when you have a little momentum.
- Shift your weight forward, placing your toes on the front bolts of the board.
- Use your back foot to initiate the turn by twisting your hips.
- Lean your body and head towards the direction you want to turn.
- While keeping your weight over the front truck, use your toes to lift the back of the board off the ground slightly.
- Turn the board 90 degrees as you move your back foot toward the front bolts.
- Pivot the board around the front truck until you’re facing the direction you want to go.
- Shift your weight back onto the board’s centre, and ride away in your new direction.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
It’s normal to encounter some bumps and falls when learning any new skill, but here are a few common kick turn mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Not having enough speed: as mentioned earlier, kicking turn requires momentum. Ensure you have enough speed before attempting a turn.
- Shifting weight too much back and forth: a common mistake is shifting weight too heavily back and forth between your feet rather than leaning into the turn. Try keeping your body still while initiating the turn by twist your hips.
- Not lifting the back wheels: neglecting to lift the back wheels will lead to a clunky, wheel-biting turn. Lift the back end of the deck while turning to give the board room to pivot.
- Leaning too far out during the turn: during a kick turn, avoid leaning too far, as it can cause you to lose balance, resulting in a fall. Keep your weight over the front truck and your body centred over the board.
Tips For Practicing And Improving Your Frontside Kick Turn
Learning a kick turn will take some time, but don’t worry. Remember that practice makes perfect.
- Stay low: lowering your centre of gravity while leaning into the turn helps to maintain balance and control.
- Look in the direction you want to turn: turn your head and look in the direction you want to go; your body will naturally follow.
- Practice on flat ground: start practising on a level surface, preferably with a slow or no slope to get the hang of the mechanics.
- Try on both sides: alternate between regular and goofy stances to learn how to perform the kick turn on both sides.
- Make your movements smooth: try to make your transitions between your movements more fluid to perform your kick turn smoothly.
Now that you have a better understanding of the basics of how to perform a frontside kick turn on a longboard, keep practicing! Remember to maintain your speed, shift your weight, and look in the direction you want to go.
With enough practice, you’ll be kick turning like a pro in no time!
#4 Turning With Your Longboard
Perfecting The Backside Kick Turn
Longboarding is not only a great way to get around, but it’s also a great form of exercise and an enjoyable hobby. Still, it can seem a bit daunting to perform certain tricks, especially the kick turn. In this article, we’ll focus on perfecting the backside kick turn.
With our simple step-by-step guide, common mistakes to avoid, and helpful tips, you’ll be mastering the backside kick turn in no time.
Step-By-Step Guide To Performing A Backside Kick Turn
Performing a backside kick turn boils down to four crucial steps.
- Start by cruising on your longboard and shift your weight to the back foot.
- Next, use your back foot to apply pressure on the tail of the board as you turn your shoulders towards the direction you want to turn.
- As you pivot, lift up the front wheels of the board using the same foot that’s applying pressure on the tail.
- Finally, complete the turn by rolling onto the front wheels.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Even seasoned longboarders can make mistakes when performing a backside kick turn.
- Applying too much force on the tail can cause the board to stall instead of pivoting. To prevent this, use your shoulders to initiate the turn, not just your back foot.
- Not lifting the front wheels of the board high enough can cause the board to scrape or your foot to hit the ground. Make sure to lift the front wheels high enough for a smooth turn.
- Turning your shoulders too early can cause the board to turn prematurely. Ensure that you shift your body weight towards the back first before you turn your shoulders.
Tips For Practicing And Improving Your Backside Kick Turn
Like any other skill, perfecting the backside kick turn requires consistent practice.
- Practice in a spacious area free of obstacles until you’re comfortable and confident with your backside kick turn.
- Pay attention to your back foot’s positioning and experiment with different foot placements to find a stance that works best for you.
- Use your arms and shoulders to initiate the turn, not just your back foot.
- Practice different variations of the backside kick turn, such as leaning further back or applying more pressure on the tail for sharp turns.
Perfecting the backside kick turn is a crucial skill for any longboarder. With our step-by-step guide, common mistakes to avoid, and helpful tips, you’ll be performing backside kick turns like a pro in no time. Remember to practice consistently, experiment with different foot placements and keep your shoulders engaged to execute sharp and smooth turns.
Integrating Your Kick Turn Into Your Riding Style
Longboarding is a fun and thrilling activity that can take you across the streets, hills, and mountains. One of the most important skills a longboarder needs to learn is the art of kick turning. A kick turn enables you to make a quick 180-degree turn while moving at a fast pace.
Integrating kick turns into your riding style can help you navigate tight turns and obstacles with ease, become a more confident and versatile rider, and add a whole new dynamic to your freestyle and downhill riding. So, let’s dive into the world of longboarding and master the kick turn.
Using Kick Turning To Navigate Tight Turns And Obstacles
Tight turns and obstacles can be challenging for longboarders to overcome, but with kick turning, you can tackle these challenges without breaking a sweat.
- Approach the turn or obstacle at a moderate speed to maintain control while turning.
- As you approach the turn, shift your weight to the tail of the board by lifting your front foot slightly and bending your knees.
- Initiate the turn by pushing down with your back foot and pivoting the board’s wheels at a 90-degree angle.
- As you execute the turn, use your shoulders and arms to help guide you in the direction you want to go.
- As soon as you complete the turn, shift your weight back to the center of the board and resume your ride.
Incorporating Kick Turns Into Freestyle And Downhill Riding
Freestyle and downhill riding offer longboarders the opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity. By incorporating kick turns into these styles, you can take your riding to the next level.
- Use kick turns to carve and slide your board while maintaining control and speed.
- Kick turn off of ramps, stairs, and other obstacles to add flair to your riding.
- Combine kick turns with other tricks like manuals and shuvits to create unique and impressive combinations.
- Use kick turns to navigate tight switchbacks and hairpin turns while bombing hills.
How Kick Turning Can Help You Become A More Confident And Versatile Rider
Kick turning is a fundamental skill that can help you become a more confident and versatile rider. By mastering this technique, you can tackle any challenge that comes your way and ride with ease and finesse.
- Kick turning allows you to react quickly to obstacles and tight turns, which boosts your confidence and control as a rider.
- Integrating kick turns into your riding style expands your skillset and opens up new opportunities for exploration and creativity.
- Kick turning hones your balance, coordination, and muscle memory, which will improve your overall longboarding skills.
- By mastering kick turning, you become a more well-rounded and adaptable rider, able to handle any terrain or situation with ease.
Now that you have a better understanding of kick turning and how to integrate it into your riding style, it’s time to hit the pavement and put your newfound skills to the test. Remember to practice regularly, be patient with yourself, and always wear protective gear.
Happy riding!
Conclusion
Incorporating kick turns into your longboarding routine can take your skills and enjoyment to a whole new level. While mastering the technique may take some time and practice, the tips and steps outlined in this post give you a solid foundation to build upon.
Remember to start slow and be patient with yourself as you work toward improving your balance and coordination. Always prioritize safety by wearing protective gear, practicing in open areas, and taking breaks when you need them. With dedication, persistence, and a willingness to learn, you’ll soon be kick turning your way through corners and cruising with confidence on your longboard.
So step up, and give it a go!
