Skateboarding Made Simple · Chapter 8 of 18
A manual is riding on just your back wheels, like a wheelie on a bike. It is all balance, and the longer you can hold it, the more tricks open up.
In This Chapter
- Finding the balance point
- Holding a manual
- Nose manuals
Gear Check
Board, flat shoes, smooth flat ground.
Step by Step
- Roll at a slow, steady speed.
- Slide your back foot onto the tail and your front foot back toward the middle.
- Press the tail down gently until the nose lifts.
- Balance using your arms and small ankle adjustments.
- Set the nose down smoothly.
Tip
Practice standing still on carpet or grass to find the balance point first.
Remember
If the tail scrapes, you are pressing too hard. If the nose drops, not enough.
Warning
Too much back pressure sends the board flying out. Start at slow speed.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Tail scraping. Ease off the back foot.
- Arms stiff. Use your arms like a tightrope walker.
- Going too fast. Slow speed makes it easier to learn.
Skate Nerd Stuff
A nose manual is the same idea balancing on the front wheels. It feels harder because you are leaning forward.
Your Practice Plan
- Find the balance point on grass.
- Try 1 second manuals while rolling.
- Manual between two cracks in the ground.
Need gear or a hand dialing it in? Stop by the shop inside the Carson City Mall or shop decks online.