How to Do a Tailwhip

The first recorded tailwhip was pulled off by Stu Thomsen in 1975 at Fountain Valley's grand opening. Although it was called a 360 at that time, Thomsen's trick is considered a tailwhip because it involved spinning the frame of his BMX bike around a stationary front end. Since 1975 riders have modified the trick and made it even more spectacular, but if you've never done a tailwhip before, avoid doing the variations until you've mastered the original trick.

Things You'll Need

  • Half-pipe at least 4 feet high
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Ride as fast as you can up the half-pipe.

    • 2

      Kick the side of the bike frame just above the pedal with your back foot. If you're using your right foot, kick the bike frame counterclockwise. If you're using your left foot, kick the bike frame clockwise.

    • 3

      Lift your feet above the bike frame as it comes around.

    • 4

      Keep your hands on the handlebars throughout the trick, but swing your arms in the direction the bike is moving once you kick the frame; this will increase the rotational speed of the bike.

    • 5

      Drop the foot you didn't use to kick the bike frame onto the pedal once the bike has finished rotating around you once. This will stop the rotation of the frame.

    • 6

      Drop your other foot onto the opposite pedal and ride away.