Disclaimer: I can't do a kickflip. 😅
Discussion
Kickflips are fun, but watch out for heelflips. I’ve credit-carded myself one too many times with those and swore them off forever.
I've heard that some people struggle with kickflips and just 'get' heelflips so there seems to be a fair amount of idiosyncracy.
Personally, I started too late to learn flip tricks. I'm learning ollies because I want to be able to hop up a curb but I probably can't keep it up for long. My plantar fascitis is flaring up again after last weekend. #1 risk factor: old age. ☠️
I'm gonna get into transition where I belong with the rest of the old dudes. 🙂
It really takes a lot of practice which is hard for us grown ups to find time for. You’ll get the ollie in no time though! Transitions are a great workout; I wish I had more time on them when I was actively skating but alas it wasn’t meant to be.
You’re probably better off without the flip tricks anyway because they’re not as forgiving to our “old guy” ankles when they don’t go well. I used to be really into gaps and stairs but can’t take the falls like I used to. Same with rails. I’ll still do ledges though.
Shove-its are a good first trick after ollies too if you’re interested.
My ollie is decent but not consistent. I'm working on my manual. If I can land ollie into manny and hold it I would be stoked! No comply would also be sweet just because it has the coolest name. But I don't even know where to start with that one. I guess I could watch some slow-mo videos and add it to the routine.
Really, tho, I just want a fun exercise where I can zone out my brain and groove in a flow state. I think transition is where it's at. Planning to get a miniramp for that but it's gonna be *mini* weekends of construction. 😀