For those new to freestyle, a frontside spin means that you are opening up your chest to face the landing at the start of the rotation (as opposed to backside, where you are literally turning your back to the landing). The terminology is a little different for rail tricks, but that’s another issue for another time…
These three kicker tricks are all variations of a frontside spin, but that’s not the only thing they have in common. They’re also all super-stylish, and a lot easier than you might think. British booter wunderkind Rowan Coultas is here to break them all down for you…
This first appeared in Whitelines issue 116
The humble frontside 360 is among the first spins the average rider will learn, but even the greats still love floating them round. Spice yours up with a tailgrab – not only does it look good, it makes it easier to spot your landing. Get comfortable with tailgrab straight airs and frontside 360s before you move on to this.
On the run-in, imagine doing an ‘S’ as you come to the jump. Go from a heel edge turn into a toe edge turn and then lightly back on to your heel edge as you reach the jump.
Make sure you keep your legs bent and strong at this point or you will slip out on your back off the jump, which sucks!
When you reach the take-off, start to put some more weight onto your heel edge. Make sure you keep your legs bent and strong at this point or you will slip out on your back off the jump, which sucks! Turn your arm across your body for some extra power in the spin.
Pop off your tail and throw your arm back across you again to help initiate the spin. Once you have completely left the kicker, this is when you should start to think about the grab.
After about 90 degrees, bend your back leg to lift your tail towards you and reach for it with your trailing hand. By the time you get to 180 degrees, you should have the grab.
Hold on to the tail and look over your front shoulder to spot your landing. Just after the 270-degree mark, think about letting go of the grab to concentrate on touching down.
Spot your landing as early as possible as you will be coming in blind. Do your best to land on your toe edge to prevent washing out on your heels. Bend your legs, stomp it and ride away!
