Varial Kickflip
A mix of a Pop Shuvit and a Kickflip.
The Varial Kickflip combines the backside 180-degree rotation of a Pop Shuvit with the lengthwise rotation of a Kickflip. It is often one of the first combination flip tricks that skaters learn and serves as an excellent preparatory step for learning 360 flips.
Kickflip, Pop Shuvit
🎯 Combine your flips and spins!
This guide will break down how to coordinate the scoop and the crucial straight-forward flick to land your first Varial Kickflip.
👟 Foot Positioning
1. Front Foot Position
Place your front foot angled behind the front bolts, similar to a kickflip. You can experiment by moving it further back or more to the center; skateboarding is about trial and error to find what works for you.
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2. Back Foot Position
Your back foot should be in a pop shuvit position, in the toe-side pocket of the tail. This setup is preferred for getting the right scoop for the rotation.
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📈 Detailed Varial Kickflip Execution
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Pop and Scoop
While rolling slowly, pop the tail down hard. This strong pop is crucial for giving you enough time and height to complete the flip. Your back foot performs the same motion as a pop shuvit.
The Straight Flick
This is the secret: unlike a regular kickflip where you flick out sideways, for a varial flip, you must flick your front foot straight forward, or even slightly inward. This motion happens simultaneously with the pop.
Lean and Jump Forward
The board will tend to land in front of you. To counteract this, lean your body weight over the board and jump slightly forward to stay on top of it as it rotates.
Catch and Land
Keep your shoulders parallel to the board, watch for the griptape, and catch the board with both feet over the bolts. Bend your knees to absorb the impact.
Golden Tip!
The two secrets to a good Varial Kickflip are the flick and the jump. First, flick your front foot straight forward or slightly inward, not sideways like a normal kickflip. Second, lean over your board and jump forward with it, as it will naturally move in front of you.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Board flies away from you: This usually happens because you are not leaning and jumping forward with the board. Keep your weight centered and commit to moving with the trick.
Board does not rotate the full 180 degrees: Ensure you are giving a proper scoop with your back foot, similar to a Pop Shuvit. The power for the rotation comes from the scoop, not the flick.
Over-flipping or under-flipping the kickflip: The flick should be straight and light. If you flick too hard or sideways like a normal kickflip, you will lose control of the rotation.
This tutorial will help you combine the two tricks into a Varial Kickflip:
Video Tutorial
Credits: Jonny Giger
Watch on YouTube →🏆 Congratulations! You made it to the end!
Now it's time to practice! Remember: consistency is the key to success.