Tricks on a Waveboard

A waveboard is similar to a skateboard, but uses two independent platforms -- as opposed to a single one on a skateboard -- which allows the rider to move the board without having to push with one of his feet. Another major difference is that there are only two wheels, both of which rotate 360 degrees. Waveboard "street surfing," as the activity is called, involves various types of tricks.

  1. Manual

    • Originally a skateboard trick, the manual is also a popular trick for waveboarding, and involves balancing on a single waveboard wheel, either the front of the back, without dragging the board along the street. It looks simple on first glance, but actually requires incredible balance and concentration.

    360

    • The 360 is when the waveboard spins around in a full circle while in motion. After the rider gets a moving start, he brings his back leg around to the front in one swift motion, and then promptly swings his other foot 180 degrees, in the same direction, until he returns to the starting position. The quicker these two motions can be done, the smoother the 360 will appear.

    Ollie

    • An ollie is when the rider lifts the entire wave board off of the ground using only his momentum and leg power. While moving, the rider puts pressure on the back of the board with his back leg, forcing it to pop up in the air. He then keeps his feet on the board while it's in the air, and lands back on it when it hits the ground again.

    Kick Flip

    • Kick flips are somewhat more advanced tricks, because they require the rider to not only lift the board off the ground, but to manipulate it in such a way that it rotates in the air and lands in its starting position. Kick flips begin with an ollie, then the rider uses his back leg to twist the wave board in the air, causing it to spin. The rider then stomps his feet down onto the wave board, causing it to return to the default riding motion.