The world of skateboarding is a mesmerizing blend of athleticism, creativity, and style. It’s a realm where defying gravity and pushing boundaries is the norm. Within this exciting domain lies a treasure trove of tricks, each with its own unique flair and difficulty level. Among these, the varial kickflip skateboard trick stands out as a visually captivating maneuver that seamlessly merges a pop shove-it and a kickflip. This comprehensive guide delves deep into the intricacies of the varial kickflip, covering its mechanics, tips for mastering it, gear recommendations, and answers to common questions.
Deconstructing the Varial Kickflip
The Varial Kickflip, often referred to as the “Varial Flip,” is a trick where the skateboard rotates 180 degrees along its axis while simultaneously flipping along its vertical axis. Imagine the board doing a pop shove-it and a kickflip at the same time – that’s the essence of a Varial Kickflip. This synchronized movement creates a captivating visual effect, making it a favorite among skaters of all levels.
Breaking Down the Mechanics
The Varial Kickflip involves a complex interplay of footwork, timing, and body control. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the mechanics involved:
- Stance and Positioning: Start with your feet in the ollie position, with your front foot slightly angled towards the nose and your back foot on the ball of your foot, covering the bolts.
- The Pop: Bend your knees and initiate the pop by pushing down on the tail with your back foot. Simultaneously, slide your front foot diagonally towards the front heelside corner of the board. This scooping motion is crucial for achieving the 180-degree rotation.
- The Flick: As the board rises, use your ankle to flick the board, initiating the kickflip. The timing of the flick is critical; it should happen just as the board starts to rotate.
- The Catch: Keep your eyes on the board as it spins and flips. Once it has completed the rotation and flip, bring your feet up to meet the board.
- The Landing: Focus on landing with your feet over the bolts and your knees bent to absorb the impact. Maintain balance as you roll away clean.
Mastering the Varial Kickflip: Tips and Techniques
While the Varial Kickflip may seem daunting at first, with consistent practice and the right approach, you can conquer this trick. Here are some valuable tips to help you along the way:
- Start with the Basics: Ensure you have a solid foundation in ollies and pop shove-its before attempting the Varial Kickflip. These tricks form the building blocks for this more complex maneuver.
- Visualize the Trick: Close your eyes and visualize the entire motion of the Varial Kickflip. This mental rehearsal can significantly improve your execution.
- Practice the Scoop: The scooping motion of your front foot is crucial for the 180-degree rotation. Practice this motion on flat ground until it becomes second nature.
- Focus on Timing: The timing of the flick is critical. Practice the timing by performing kickflips and pop shove-its separately, then gradually combine the two motions.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Mastering the Varial Kickflip takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land it right away. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually get there.
- Film Yourself: Recording your attempts can help you identify areas for improvement. Analyze your footage to see where you can adjust your technique.
Gear Up for Success
Having the right gear can make a significant difference in your skateboarding journey. Here are some recommendations for gear that can help you master the Varial Kickflip:
- Skateboard Deck: Choose a deck with a width and concave that feels comfortable for your stance and riding style. A medium concave is generally recommended for beginners.
- Trucks: Opt for trucks that offer a good balance of stability and responsiveness. Independent and Thunder trucks are popular choices among skaters.
- Wheels: Select wheels with a durometer (hardness) that suits your preferred terrain. For street skating, wheels with a durometer of 99A or higher are recommended.
- Bearings: Invest in high-quality bearings to ensure smooth and fast rides. Bones Reds bearings are a popular choice for their durability and performance.
- Shoes: Choose skate shoes with good grip and ankle support. Vans, Nike SB, and Adidas Skateboarding offer a wide variety of skate shoes.
Varial Kickflip Reviews: What Skaters Are Saying
The Varial Kickflip has garnered praise from skaters of all levels for its captivating visual appeal and challenging nature. Here are some reviews from skaters who have mastered this trick:
- “The Varial Kickflip is my go-to trick. It’s so satisfying to land, and it always turns heads.” – Mark, experienced street skater.
- “I was intimidated by the Varial Kickflip at first, but with practice, I finally landed it. It’s such a rewarding feeling.” – Sarah, intermediate skater.
- “The Varial Kickflip is a great trick to learn because it combines two fundamental tricks. It’s a stepping stone to more complex maneuvers.” – David, beginner skater.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Varial Kickflip difficult to learn?
A: The Varial Kickflip is considered an intermediate-level trick. It requires a solid foundation in ollies and pop shove-its. With consistent practice and the right approach, most skaters can learn this trick.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when learning the Varial Kickflip?
A: Some common mistakes include not scooping the board properly, not flicking the board with enough force, and not keeping your eyes on the board.
Q: Can I learn the Varial Kickflip on a ramp?
A: While it’s possible to learn the Varial Kickflip on a ramp, it’s recommended to start practicing on flat ground. Once you’re comfortable with the trick on flat ground, you can gradually progress to ramps.
Q: What are some variations of the Varial Kickflip?
A: Some variations of the Varial Kickflip include the Hardflip (Varial Kickflip with a frontside flip), the Inward Heelflip (Varial Kickflip with an inward heelflip), and the Varial Heelflip (Varial Kickflip with a heelflip).
Q: Are there any tutorials available for learning the Varial Kickflip?
A: Yes, there are numerous tutorials available online, including videos and step-by-step guides. YouTube channels like Braille Skateboarding and VLSkate offer excellent tutorials for learning the Varial Kickflip.
Conclusion
The Varial Kickflip is a captivating skateboard trick that combines the pop shove-it and the kickflip into a visually stunning maneuver. While it may seem challenging at first, with consistent practice and the right approach, any skater can master this trick. Remember to start with the basics, visualize the trick, focus on timing, and be patient. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be landing Varial Kickflips in no time. So, grab your skateboard, head to your local skatepark, and embark on the exciting journey of mastering the Varial Kickflip.
Read More:
Hardflip Skateboard Trick: Mastering this Iconic Trick
Conquering the 180 Ollie: Your Ticket to Skateboarding Freedom