How to Kick Turn on a Skateboard (Video & Images)

Skateboarding is a dynamic and exhilarating sport that requires skill, balance, and determination. Whether you're cruising down the street, grinding rails at the park, or just practicing in your driveway, skateboarding offers endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression. However, before you can tackle more advanced tricks, it's important to master the fundamentals, such as riding, turning, and stopping.

One essential maneuver that every skateboarder should learn is the kick turn, which allows you to pivot the board and change direction smoothly and efficiently. A kick turn is a basic maneuver that involves pivoting the skateboard's trucks so that the board turns in place. This maneuver is used in various skating styles, from cruising and carving to ramp and street skating.

Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate skater, learning how to do a kick turn can help you take your skills to the next level and make your rides more enjoyable. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of doing a kick turn on a skateboard and share some tips and tricks to help you improve your technique. We'll cover foot placement, weight distribution, foot movement, shoulder movement, and speed control, as well as safety tips and common mistakes to avoid.

By the end of this article, you'll have a solid understanding of how to do a kick turn on a skateboard and the confidence to take your skills to the next level. So grab your skateboard and let's dive in!

What is a Kickturn

A kick turn on a skateboard is a basic maneuver that involves pivoting the board's trucks so that the board turns in place. It's a fundamental skill that every skateboarder should learn, as it allows you to change direction, navigate around obstacles, and add style and creativity to your rides.

Once the turn is completed, the skateboarder releases the pivot and shifts their weight back over the center of the board to continue riding. The kick turn is a versatile maneuver that can be used in various skating styles, from cruising and carving to ramp and street skating. It's an essential skill for every skateboarder, and with practice and persistence, it can be mastered by skaters of all levels.

How to Kickturn

Learning to kickturn will help you gain board control and make it easier to learn new tricks on your skateboard. you can have a lot of fun with mastering the kick turn even though it's a basic skateboard trick, so lets take a look at how yo do it!

Kickturn Stance

Foot placement: Start by placing your front foot over the front truck bolts, perpendicular to the board. Your back foot should be on the tail of the board, with your toes hanging slightly off the edge for grip.

Speed

Begin by rolling at a slow speed, so you can get used to the motion and maintain control of the board. As you become more comfortable with the kick turn, you can gradually increase your speed.

Balance Point

Weight distribution: The key to a successful kick turn is shifting your weight towards the back of the board while lifting the front wheels off the ground. This will allow you to pivot the front wheels while maintaining your balance over the back truck.

Foot Movement

To initiate the pivot, use your back foot to press down on the toe edge of the board while simultaneously lifting the nose up. This will cause the front wheels to pivot in the direction you want to turn by turning your shoulders first.

Upper Body Movement

Shoulder movement: As you pivot the front wheels, turn your shoulders in the direction of the turn. This will help you maintain your balance and make the turn smoother.

Release the turn: Once you've completed the turn, release the pivot and shift your weight back over the center of the board to continue riding. Keep your eyes focused ahead to maintain your balance and stay on course.

Practice

Practice makes perfect: Don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away. The kick turn takes practice to master, so keep practicing until you feel comfortable and confident with the maneuver.

Use Safety Gear

Firstly, skateboarding can be a dangerous sport, and falls and collisions are common. Wearing protective gear can help prevent serious injuries and reduce the risk of head trauma, cuts, and bruises. Head injuries, in particular, can be life-threatening, so it's crucial to wear a properly-fitted helmet that meets safety standards. Knee pads and elbow pads can also help prevent scrapes, bruises, and more serious injuries to these vulnerable areas of the body.

Secondly, using protective gear provides confidence to try new tricks and push your limits without fear of injury. Knowing that you're protected can give you the freedom to explore new techniques and styles, which can ultimately lead to greater progress and skill development. This increased confidence can also help you enjoy skating more, which is the ultimate goal for most skaters.

Thirdly, protective gear can provide comfort and support during long skate sessions. Skateboarding can be physically demanding, and wearing gear that's designed to fit snugly and comfortably can help prevent discomfort and fatigue. It can also help prevent injuries caused by repetitive stress or strain, such as wrist injuries from frequent falls.

Lastly, wearing protective gear sets a positive example for other skaters, particularly younger ones who may be looking up to you as a role model. It shows that you take safety seriously and that you're responsible for your own well-being. This can inspire others to do the same and promote a culture of safety and respect within the skateboarding community.

In conclusion, using protective gear is an essential part of skateboarding, especially for new skaters who are just starting to learn the ropes. It can help prevent serious injuries, provide confidence to try new tricks, offer comfort and support during long sessions, and set a positive example for others. So, always wear your protective gear, and make sure it's properly fitted and maintained. This way, you can stay safe, comfortable, and confident as you learn and progress in the sport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning how to do a kick turn on a skateboard is a fundamental skill that every skateboarder should master. It allows you to change direction, navigate around obstacles, and add style and creativity to your rides. By following the steps we've outlined in this article and practicing regularly, you can develop the balance, coordination, and technique needed to execute a smooth and controlled kick turn.

Remember, learning to skateboard takes time, patience, and dedication. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing, stay focused on your goals, and enjoy the ride! And always remember to wear appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards.

We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of learning how to do a kick turn on a skateboard. With practice and persistence, you can master this essential maneuver and take your skateboarding skills to the next level. So keep shredding, and we'll see you at the skatepark!