How to Catch Air on a Vert Ramp

The world of extreme sports is divided into street, park and vert. While the first two styles are done on the ground as much as they are on variety of ramps, the third type is restricted entirely to a single obstacle known as the vert ramp. This ramp is shaped like a letter "U," and tests the competitor's ability to ride up its vertical walls and perform aerial maneuvers before falling back down into it. Learning the proper technique for catching air on a vert ramp will reduce the risk of getting hurt.

Instructions

    • 1

      Position yourself on the deck, which is the flat part located at the top of the transition. This is the highest point of the ramp and it will provide you with the momentum necessary for getting air.

    • 2

      Drop into the ramp by riding over the edge and into the vertical part of the ramp. Direct your movement directly down the ramp. As you get close to the first curve of the ramp, bend your knees to gain more speed as you glide across the flat bottom portion of the ramp.

    • 3

      Approach the opposite curvature with straight legs. As you move into the transition and up to the vertical part, bend them again to direct your momentum upward.

    • 4

      Glide up the vertical wall. As you approach the coping, which is the metal pipe bordering the top of the ramp, jump to continue beyond the top of the ramp and into the air.

    • 5

      Bend your legs to gain as much altitude as possible before you begin your descent back into the ramp. As you fall past the coping, extend your legs to touch your wheels back onto the vertical portion, then ride smoothly back through the transition. Repeat this process to jump again when you reach the other side of the ramp.