Head skate instructor Coyote Rob gives us the break down in today's video!
Hey there, skateboard enthusiasts! If you’ve ever looked at a skater spinning their board 180 degrees while simultaneously flipping it in mid-air and thought, “I want to do that,” then you, my friend, are in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the wild world of the varial flip—a trick that’s as flashy as it is challenging. Grab your board, put on your helmet, and let’s get flipping (and maybe chuckling) with this step-by-step guide on how to master the varial flip, and why Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles can help you nail it!
What is a Varial Flip?
Before you say, “What on earth is a varial flip?” let’s break it down. A varial flip is a combination of two classic skateboard tricks: the 180 shove-it and the kickflip. Imagine if the 180 shove-it and the kickflip had a baby—voilà, you get a varial flip. Here’s the breakdown:
180 Shove-it: The board spins 180 degrees along its vertical axis while you’re in the air.
Kickflip: The board flips 360 degrees along its horizontal axis.
Combine these two, and you get a varial flip—a trick that will make you look like a skateboarding magician.
Prerequisites: Get Those Basics Down!
Before attempting the varial flip, you’ll need to master a few key tricks. Think of them as your skateboarding prerequisites—like reading the first few chapters before diving into a mystery novel.
Ollie: This is your bread and butter. If you can’t ollie, you might as well be trying to fly a plane without knowing how to steer. The ollie involves popping the board off the ground using the tail while dragging the front foot up to level the board.
Kickflip: Perfect this trick to understand how to flip the board. Place your front foot at a slight angle, flick it outwards, and watch as the board does a nice, clean flip. No pressure, right?
180 Shove-it: Get comfy with spinning the board 180 degrees with your back foot while keeping your body aligned. It’s like learning to walk before you start running.
Shove-it: This is a simplified version of the 180 shove-it. Mastering it will help you understand the board’s spin without the added complexity of the full 180.
Preparing Your Skateboard Setup
Alright, let’s talk gear. Your skateboard setup can make or break your varial flip attempts. Think of it like choosing the right ingredients for your signature dish—every detail counts!
Deck Size: A medium-sized deck (7.75" to 8.25") is usually a good bet. It’s like the Goldilocks zone—just the right amount of pop and control.
Grip Tape: Ensure your grip tape is in good condition. A grippy grip tape means your feet stay put and don’t slide around like a bad date.
Trucks: Adjust the tightness of your trucks. Too tight and you’ll be fighting against your own board; too loose and you’ll feel like you’re riding on jelly.
Wheels: Medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) work well for street tricks. Think of them as the tires of your skateboard—they need to be just right for smooth cruising and trick execution.
Foot Placement and Body Position
Getting your feet and body in the right position is like having the perfect dance partner. If you’re out of sync, the trick won’t look as smooth. Here’s how to set up for the varial flip:
Foot Placement
Front Foot: Place your front foot just below the front bolts, angled slightly towards the edge of the board. Your toes should hang off just a smidge—this will help with the flick.
Back Foot: Position your back foot on the tail with your toes hanging off. It should be angled slightly towards the edge to help with the shove-it spin.
Body Position
Shoulders: Keep your shoulders aligned with the board. This isn’t a body-twist competition; you want to stay as parallel as possible to maintain balance.
Knees: Bend your knees to prepare for the pop and spin. The deeper the bend, the higher the ollie, the better the flick, and the more impressive the trick.
Head: Look straight ahead and stay focused. It’s like trying to avoid eye contact with your embarrassing family members at a reunion—keep your eyes on the prize.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Varial Flip
Step 1: Setup and Approach
Start by riding at a moderate speed on a flat surface. Don’t worry if you feel like a snail—speed will come with practice. Position your feet correctly and prepare for the pop.
Step 2: Pop and Spin
Pop the Tail: Use your back foot to pop the tail of the board. This is where the magic begins. If you don’t pop hard enough, your board won’t have enough height to spin or flip.
Scoop the Board: As you pop the board, scoop it with your back foot to initiate the 180-degree spin. This is where your board starts to do its thing, spinning like a top.
Step 3: Flick and Flip
Flick with the Front Foot: As the board starts to spin, use your front foot to flick it outwards. This will cause the board to flip. Make sure your flick is clean and directed—imagine you’re giving the board a little push to get it moving.
Step 4: Catch the Board
Spot the Board: Keep your eyes on the board as it flips and spins beneath you. This is like keeping your eyes on the road while you’re driving—essential for staying in control.
Catch with Your Back Foot: As the board completes its flip, use your back foot to catch it. This will stabilize the board and prepare you for the landing.
Step 5: Land and Roll Away
Land with Both Feet: Bend your knees to absorb the impact and make sure both feet are over the bolts. A good landing is like a solid handshake—it shows confidence and control.
Roll Away Smoothly: Maintain your balance and roll away smoothly. Celebrate your success with a fist pump or a triumphant shout—whatever feels right!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the best skaters run into problems while learning new tricks. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Problem 1: Incomplete Spin or Flip
Solution: Focus on your scoop and flick techniques. Ensure you’re applying enough force with your back foot for the spin and with your front foot for the flip. If needed, practice each motion separately to get a better feel for them.
Problem 2: Board Flipping Away
Solution: Check your foot placement and flick direction. Make sure your front foot is flicking towards the nose of the board, not off to the side. Adjust your foot angles and try again.
Problem 3: Not Catching the Board
Solution: Practice spotting the board during its rotation. Work on timing your catch so you can grab the board as it completes the flip. Use your back foot to stabilize the board before landing.
Problem 4: Landing Off-Balance
Solution: Focus on maintaining your balance throughout the trick. Keep your weight centered over the board and bend your knees to absorb the landing impact. Practice landing on flat ground to build confidence.
How Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles Can Help
Mastering the varial flip—or any trick for that matter—can be challenging. That’s where Coyote Skate School in Los Angeles comes in. Our expert instructors are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you learn efficiently and have a blast while doing it.
Why Choose Coyote Skate School?
Experienced Instructors: Our team of skilled instructors knows their stuff and loves teaching. They’re like skateboarding’s version of fairy godparents—except instead of turning pumpkins into carriages, they turn beginner skaters into shredding pros.
Tailored Lessons: We offer personalized lessons tailored to your skill level and learning style. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned skater, we’ve got you covered with a curriculum designed to fit your needs.
Supportive Environment: At Coyote Skate School, we create a positive and encouraging atmosphere where you can learn, progress, and have fun. We believe that learning should be enjoyable, and our instructors are here to make sure it is.
Comprehensive Curriculum: From the basics to advanced tricks like the varial flip, our curriculum covers a wide range of skateboarding skills. We provide structured lessons and practice sessions to help you master each trick.
Convenient Locations: Located in Los Angeles, we offer skateboarding lessons in various locations, including Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Our convenient locations mean you can practice in some of the best skate spots in the city.
Benefits of Professional Skateboarding Lessons
Accelerated Learning: With professional guidance, you’ll learn tricks faster and more efficiently. Our instructors provide valuable insights and techniques to help you progress quickly.
Improved Technique: We focus on refining your technique and helping you overcome common mistakes. Personalized feedback will help you improve your skills and develop your unique skateboarding style.
Increased Confidence: As you master new tricks, your confidence on the board will grow. Our supportive environment encourages you to take risks and push your limits.
Safety and Injury Prevention: Our instructors prioritize safety and teach proper techniques to minimize the risk of injury. We emphasize the importance of wearing protective gear and practicing smart skateboarding habits.
Practice Drills and Exercises
To help you perfect your varial flip, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:
Ollie Drills
Work on your ollies to build the necessary pop and control. Focus on leveling the board and getting a consistent height.
Kickflip Practice
Practice kickflips to improve your flicking technique. Pay attention to the angle of your front foot and the direction of the flick.
Shove-it Exercises
Work on your shove-its to get comfortable with the spinning motion. Practice both regular and 180 shove-its to build confidence.
Pop and Balance Exercises
Practice ollies and nollies on flat ground to improve your pop and balance. Focus on maintaining a steady pop and smooth landings.
Embrace the Journey
Learning the varial flip is a thrilling adventure that requires dedication, practice, and a sense of humor. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the ride. Whether you’re cruising in Los Angeles, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, remember that skateboarding is about having fun and expressing yourself.
By following this guide and seeking expert instruction from Coyote Skate School, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the varial flip and expanding your skateboarding skills. So get out there, hit the pavement, and show off those newly learned tricks with confidence. After all, skateboarding is as much about the journey as it is about the destination!
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