As the rise of extreme sports competitions such as the X Games indicate, skateboards aren't just for transportation anymore. While you can still use a skateboard to get around town, the devices are also useful for performing a wide array of mind-blowing tricks and stunts. Some of the most impressive tricks involve flipping and rotating the board through the air--these are called flip tricks.
Kickflip
The kickflip is one of the most popular skateboarding flip tricks, and is, according to the website Skateboard City, one of the hardest "basic" tricks to perform. The trick is intended to be performed while moving. To perform a kickflip, perform an ollie with your front foot angled at 45 degrees. While in the air, flick the edge of your skateboard with your front foot so that it rotates in the air. Be sure to only put enough spin on the board so that it rotates once and you can land on it with the wheels down on the ground.
Heelflip
The heelflip is essentially the opposite of a kickflip - the point of the trick is still to spin the board for one complete revolution along its axis, but the direction of the spin is toward the toes, rather than away. The heelflip is performed by getting a rolling start and perform an ollie. While in the air, drag your front foot toward the side of your board and bring it off, flicking the board with your heel. Heyday Skateboarding recommends hitting the corner of your board with your heel to get a better flip. When the board rotates 360 degrees, bend your knees and land.
Varial Kickflip
The varial kickflip is harder than both the heelflip and kickflip and takes practice to master. As the name implies, this trick builds upon the skills required to perform the kickflip. Angle your front foot on the board as if you were going to perform a regular kickflip. Place your back foot on the tail of your skateboard. Ollie into the air and flick the board with your front foot. Skateboard City recommends flicking the board straight on, rather than at an angle, as this will the board to rotate under you and remain in place. Lift your legs up so the board has room to spin and then land on it once the wheels are toward the ground.
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