How To Perform A Longboard Kickturn

Longboarding is a thrilling and versatile sport that allows riders to cruise, carve, and perform stylish maneuvers. Among the fundamental techniques to master is the longboard kickturn. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider looking to improve your skills, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of executing a flawless kickturn. By following these instructions and practicing consistently, you’ll be able to add fluidity, control, and a touch of finesse to your longboarding repertoire.

Why are kickturns essential in longboarding?

Kickturns are a fundamental skill in longboarding, serving multiple purposes that enhance both maneuverability and style. Here’s why kickturns are essential:

1. Maneuverability: Kickturns allow you to navigate tight corners, change directions quickly, and negotiate obstacles with ease. By mastering this technique, you’ll have better control over your board’s movements, enhancing your overall riding experience.
2. Stylistic Expression: Kickturns can add a touch of creativity and flair to your longboarding style. Incorporating smooth and stylish kickturns into your lines and tricks can make your riding more visually appealing and captivating.
3. Transitions and Flow: Kickturns facilitate seamless transitions between various maneuvers and riding styles. By executing well-timed and controlled kickturns, you can maintain flow and rhythm throughout your ride, enhancing your overall performance.

What are the key components of a longboard kickturn?

Executing a perfect longboard kickturn involves understanding and coordinating various key components. Here are the essential elements to focus on:

1. Stance: Begin with a relaxed and balanced stance on your longboard. Place your front foot perpendicular to the board, slightly behind the front bolts. Your back foot should rest diagonally on the tail, providing leverage for the turn.
2. Weight Distribution: Proper weight distribution is crucial for a successful kickturn. Shift your weight towards the back foot, exerting pressure on the tail, while keeping your front foot light on the board. This creates a pivot point at the back wheels, facilitating the turn.
3. Initiation: Initiate the kickturn by applying pressure to the tail with your back foot. Push down and backward to raise the front wheels off the ground slightly, allowing them to pivot freely.
4. Turning Motion: Once the front wheels are off the ground, start rotating your shoulders and hips in the desired direction of the turn. Simultaneously, use your front foot to guide the board’s movement by dragging the toes or heel.
5. Balance and Control: Throughout the kickturn, maintain a strong core and engage your leg muscles to stabilize your body and control the board’s rotation. Keep your eyes focused on the direction of the turn to maintain balance and aid in executing a smooth turn.

How can beginners practice longboard kickturns?

For beginners, learning the basics of longboard kickturns requires patience and practice. Here are some valuable tips to get started:

1. Find an Open Area: Begin in a spacious and flat area free of obstacles, such as an empty parking lot or a quiet street. This provides ample room for practicing kickturns without the risk of collisions.
2. Master the Stance: Practice finding the correct stance and foot placement on the longboard. Experiment with adjusting the width of your feet until you find a comfortable and balanced position.
3. Start with Small Turns: Begin by executing small kickturns with controlled movements. Focus on balance and maintaining stability throughout the turn. Gradually increase the angle and intensity of your turns as you gain confidence.
4. Consistent Practice: Dedicate regular practice sessions to perfecting your kickturns. Aim for short, focused sessions rather than long and sporadic ones. Repetition and muscle memory are key to refining your technique.
5. Seek Support: Consider joining local longboarding groups or connecting with experienced riders who can offer guidance and encouragement. Learning from others can accelerate your progress and provide valuable insights.

What are common mistakes to avoid when performing a kickturn?

While learning longboard kickturns, it’s essential to be aware of common mistakes and pitfalls that can hinder your progress. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

1. Insufficient Weight Shift: Failing to shift your weight adequately to the back foot can limit the board’s pivot motion and result in an ineffective kickturn. Ensure you exert enough pressure on the tail to initiate the turn smoothly.
2. Over-rotation: Over-rotating the upper body during the kickturn can disrupt balance and control. Focus on maintaining a controlled and synchronized rotation of your shoulders, hips, and feet.
3. Foot Placement Issues: Placing your feet too close together or too far apart can throw off your balance and compromise stability. Experiment with different foot positions until you find what works best for you.
4. Neglecting Core Stability: A weak core can lead to wobbling and instability during kickturns. Strengthen your core muscles through targeted exercises and practice maintaining a stable posture while executing the turn.
5. Lack of Practice: Consistency is key when learning any new skill. Neglecting regular practice sessions can slow down your progress and hinder your ability to master kickturns. Set aside dedicated time for practice and gradually increase the complexity of your turns.

How can experienced riders improve their kickturns?

Experienced riders looking to enhance their kickturns can focus on refining their technique and adding stylish variations to their repertoire. Here are some tips to help you elevate your kickturn game:

1. Experiment with Angles: Challenge yourself by attempting kickturns at various angles. Practice executing sharp and controlled turns to expand your maneuverability and versatility.
2. Combine with Other Tricks: Integrate kickturns into more complex tricks and maneuvers to create visually captivating sequences. Experiment with incorporating kickturns into slides, manuals, and other advanced techniques.
3. Smooth Transitions: Work on seamlessly transitioning into and out of kickturns. This skill allows you to maintain fluidity and control while linking different maneuvers together, enhancing your overall flow.
4. Style and Creativity: Kickturns provide ample opportunities for personal expression and style. Experiment with different body movements, hand gestures, and variations in foot positioning to add flair to your kickturns.
5. Analyze and Learn: Record and analyze your kickturns to identify areas for improvement. Look for opportunities to refine your technique, such as weight distribution, timing, and body positioning. Seek feedback from experienced riders or coaches to gain valuable insights.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of longboard kickturns takes time, patience, and consistent practice. By understanding the key components, avoiding common mistakes, and applying the tips outlined in this guide, riders of all levels can enhance their maneuverability, style, and overall performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the journey to perfecting kickturns is an exciting and rewarding endeavor that will undoubtedly elevate your longboarding skills to new heights. Embrace the challenge, stay persistent, and enjoy the exhilaration of executing flawless kickturns on your longboard.