1. The Classic OllieThe ollie is the foundational bedrock of all modern skateboarding. Invented by Alan “Ollie” Gelfand in the late 1970s, this trick allows riders to leap into the air, making the board appear magically glued to their feet. Mastering the ollie requires a precise sequence of snapping the tail against the ground, jumping upward, and sliding the front foot forward to level out the board. Perfecting this essential move opens the door to countless street and park obstacles during the winter holidays.
2. The Frontside 180Once the basic ollie feels natural, the frontside 180 introduces horizontal rotation into the mix. This trick combines a standard vertical pop with a half-turn of the body and board, turning the rider’s chest forward toward the direction of travel. Initiating the spin begins in the shoulders right before the tail snaps against the pavement. Landing smoothly in a switch stance provides a fantastic rush of momentum and a great foundation for complex line combinations.
3. The Pop ShuvitThe pop shuvit is a visually satisfying maneuver where the skateboard spins 180 degrees beneath the rider without the body rotating at all. Achieving this requires a quick, scooping motion with the back foot as the tail pops, sending the board into a horizontal spin. Keeping the shoulders square and staying directly over the deck ensures a clean catch mid-air. It is a stylish flatground staple that looks incredibly sharp when performed with confidence.
4. The KickflipWidely regarded as a major milestone for every progressing skater, the kickflip introduces a complete axial roll to the board. As the rider initiates an ollie, the front foot flicks outward across the pocket of the nose, causing the deck to spin along its length. Timing is absolutely critical, as the skater must watch the grip tape rotate fully before catching the board with the back foot. Landing a clean kickflip on a crisp winter afternoon provides an unmatched feeling of accomplishment.
5. The HeelflipActing as the sister trick to the kickflip, the heelflip rotates the skateboard in the exact opposite direction. Instead of flicking with the toes, the rider pushes the front heel off the opposite edge of the nose to initiate the spin. This trick often requires a slightly different weight distribution and foot setup, making it an excellent challenge for riders looking to balance out their flip trick arsenal before the new year arrives.
6. The ManualTesting core strength and fine-tuned balance, the manual is the skateboarding equivalent of a bicycle wheelie. Riders shift their weight to the back pocket of the deck, lifting the front wheels off the ground while rolling forward. The goal is to sustain this delicate balance without letting the tail scrape the concrete or the nose touch back down. It is the perfect tool for linking tricks together across open plazas or smooth parking lots.
7. The NosemanualThe nosemanual reverses the physics of the standard manual by requiring the rider to balance exclusively on the front two wheels. This move demands a forward shift in weight, putting immense trust in the front foot to guide the rolling board. Because it requires a heightened level of commitment and control, practicing nosemanuals helps build incredible spatial awareness and ankle stability across various types of terrain.
8. The BoardslideTransitioning from flatground to obstacles, the boardslide is often a skater’s very first introduction to rail and ledge grinds. The rider approaches a low rail or curb, pops an ollie, and turns 90 degrees to land with the middle of the deck resting directly on the obstacle. Sliding smoothly across the surface requires keeping the knees bent and the weight perfectly centered before turning back to a normal stance at the exit.
9. The 50-50 GrindThe 50-50 grind is a timeless classic that utilizes the metal trucks of the skateboard rather than the wooden deck. Riders pop up onto a ledge or coping, landing with both trucks grinding simultaneously along the edge. Maintaining speed is vital to conquering friction, and a slight lift of the nose at the end allows for a clean transition back down to the smooth pavement below.
10. The No-ComplyFor those looking to inject some old-school creative flair into their sessions, the no-comply is a fantastic choice. This unique street trick involves planting the front foot on the ground to push off, using that momentum to pop the board up into the air with the back leg before jumping back onto the deck. It is a highly expressive, fluid move that works wonderfully on rougher winter surfaces where standard popping might be difficult.
11. The Power-SlideThe power-slide is an invaluable utility move that serves as both a stylish flourish and an effective braking method. By throwing the body weight forward and kicking the back foot outward, riders force the wheels sideways against the ground, creating a loud screech and scrubbing off speed instantly. Mastering this slide builds immense confidence when dealing with steep hills or crowded skateparks.
12. The BonelessSteeped in skateboarding history, the boneless is a classic transition and street maneuver that emphasizes pure style and height. The rider reaches down to grab the middle of the board with the hand, plants the front foot firmly on the concrete, and launches upward using the leg power to lift the board high into the air. Re-entering the board mid-flight requires excellent coordination and offers a dramatic, airborne aesthetic to cap off any festive skate session.
Embracing the winter season with a fresh set of skateboarding goals keeps the energy high and skills sharp. Each of these twelve tricks offers a unique pathway to improving balance, precision, and confidence on the board. Dedicating time to practicing these maneuvers on crisp afternoons ensures steady progression and sets a fantastic foundation for a brand new year of riding.
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