The world of skateboarding is filled with a seemingly endless array of tricks, each with its own unique flavor and degree of difficulty. Among these, the bigspin stands out as a cornerstone trick, a rite of passage for any skater looking to progress beyond the basics. It’s a blend of style and technicality, requiring a precise coordination of body movement and board control. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the bigspin, offering a step-by-step breakdown, helpful tips, gear reviews, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned skater aiming to refine your technique, this article will equip you with the knowledge to conquer the bigspin and add it to your skateboarding arsenal.
Deconstructing the Bigspin: A Fusion of Pop Shuvit and Body Varial
To truly understand the bigspin, we need to break it down into its core components. Imagine a graceful dance between a pop shuv-it and a frontside body varial. The board executes a full 360-degree rotation beneath you while your body simultaneously spins 180 degrees in the same direction. This synchronized movement creates a visually captivating trick that embodies the essence of skateboarding’s fluidity and control.
Think of it like this: your feet initiate the pop shuv-it, popping the board into a spinning motion. As the board rotates, your body follows suit, guided by a frontside shoulder turn. The key lies in timing and coordination. Your body and the board must work in perfect harmony, completing their respective rotations simultaneously for a clean and stylish bigspin.
Mastering the Bigspin: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learning the bigspin requires a systematic approach, building upon a foundation of basic skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you conquer this iconic trick:
- Prerequisites: Before attempting a bigspin, ensure you’re comfortable with both the pop shuv-it and the frontside body varial. These tricks form the building blocks of the bigspin, and mastering them will significantly ease your learning process.
- Stance and Foot Placement: Start in your regular stance with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your front foot should be positioned slightly angled, with your toes pointing towards the nose of the board, just behind the front bolts. Your back foot should be placed on the tail, with your heel hanging off slightly.
- The Pop: Bend your knees and crouch down, preparing to initiate the pop shuv-it. As you spring upwards, use your back foot to scoop the tail downwards and outwards, generating the spin. Simultaneously, begin your frontside body varial by turning your shoulders in the direction of the spin.
- Body Rotation: As the board spins beneath you, continue your frontside body rotation. Keep your eyes focused on the board, tracking its rotation to maintain control and timing.
- Landing: Once the board completes its 360-degree rotation and your body has spun 180 degrees, prepare to land. Bring your feet back over the board, ensuring they align with the bolts for a stable landing. Bend your knees upon impact to absorb the shock and maintain your balance.
Tips and Tricks for a Clean Bigspin
- Start Slow: Practice the individual components of the bigspin – the pop shuv-it and the frontside body varial – before attempting the combined trick. This will help you develop the necessary muscle memory and coordination.
- Visualize: Before each attempt, visualize yourself successfully completing the bigspin. This mental rehearsal can improve your execution and boost your confidence.
- Focus on Timing: The key to a clean bigspin lies in the synchronization of your body rotation and the board’s spin. Practice timing your movements to ensure they happen simultaneously.
- Keep Your Eyes on the Prize: Maintain visual contact with the board throughout the trick. This will help you track its rotation and adjust your body movements accordingly.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Like any skateboarding trick, mastering the bigspin requires consistent practice. Don’t get discouraged by initial setbacks. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually land it.
Gear Up for Success: Skateboard Deck, Trucks, and Wheels Reviews
Having the right equipment can significantly impact your skateboarding performance. Here are reviews of some essential gear for mastering the bigspin:
Deck:
- Element Seal 8.0″ Skateboard Deck: This deck offers a perfect balance of pop and stability, ideal for learning and executing bigspins. Its medium concave provides excellent foot control, while the durable construction ensures it can withstand the impacts of landing tricks.
- Pros: Durable construction, medium concave for optimal control, excellent pop.
- Cons: Slightly heavier than some other decks.
Trucks:
- Independent Stage 11 Standard Trucks: These trucks are known for their responsiveness and stability, making them a great choice for bigspins. Their superior turning capabilities allow for precise board control, while the durable construction ensures they can handle the stress of aggressive skating.
- Pros: Responsive turning, durable construction, excellent stability.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than some other trucks.
Wheels:
- Spitfire Formula Four Classic 99a Wheels: These wheels offer a perfect blend of grip and speed, ideal for practicing bigspins. The 99a durometer provides excellent traction on various surfaces, while the classic shape ensures a smooth and predictable ride.
- Pros: Excellent grip, durable construction, smooth and predictable ride.
- Cons: May be too hard for some skaters who prefer a softer wheel.
FAQs: Addressing Common Bigspin Queries
Q: How long does it take to learn a bigspin?
A: The learning curve for a bigspin varies from person to person. Factors like prior skateboarding experience, practice frequency, and natural ability all play a role. Some skaters might land it within a few sessions, while others might take weeks or even months. The key is consistent practice and perseverance.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when learning a bigspin?
A: Common mistakes include not popping the board hard enough, not rotating your body fully, and not keeping your eyes on the board. Focusing on these key elements will significantly improve your chances of landing the trick.
Q: What are some variations of the bigspin?
A: Once you’ve mastered the basic bigspin, you can explore variations like the bigspin heel flip, bigspin kickflip, and bigspin heelflip. These variations add another layer of complexity and style to the trick.
Q: Can I learn a bigspin on a cruiser board?
A: While technically possible, learning a bigspin on a cruiser board can be more challenging due to its larger size and softer wheels. It’s generally recommended to learn on a standard skateboard with harder wheels for better control and pop.
Q: What safety gear should I wear when practicing bigspins?
A: Always wear a helmet and consider using knee pads and elbow pads, especially when learning new tricks. Skateboarding involves inherent risks, and protective gear can help minimize injuries.
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Beyond the Bigspin: Embracing the Journey of Skateboarding
Learning the bigspin is more than just mastering a trick; it’s a journey of self-discovery and pushing personal boundaries. It teaches perseverance, coordination, and the importance of practice. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the small victories, and most importantly, have fun along the way. The bigspin is just one step in the endless journey of skateboarding, a world filled with creativity, expression, and camaraderie. So grab your board, hit the streets, and let the bigspin be your gateway to new possibilities.