Skateboarding Tricks Q&A with Tony Hawk: From Ollies to McTwists and More

Summary

In this article, we will explore the topic of skateboarding tricks with legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk. From defining and demonstrating tricks such as the eggplant, McTwist 540, and board slide to answering questions about setting up a skateboard and performing beginner tricks, Tony Hawk provides valuable insights and advice for skateboarders of all levels.

What is an eggplant trick and how is it different from a hand plant?
How to do a 540 on a skateboard?
Can Tony Hawk make another Pro Skater video game?
How to do a board slide on a bench rail or pipe?
Which skateboarding trick was the hardest to learn?
How to set up a skateboard?
What is the difference between a 360 flip, a kickflip, and a varial flip?
How to stand on a skateboard and do a kickflip as a beginner?
What was Tony Hawk’s first skateboarding trick?
How to do an ollie on a flat or vert surface?
Why can’t you skateboard at the age of four?

What is an eggplant trick and how is it different from a hand plant?

The eggplant trick is a type of skateboarding trick that is the reverse of a hand plant. Tony explains that while a hand plant or invert involves using the front hand to grab the board on the toe side and using the trailing hand to stand on the coping to balance the body, an eggplant trick involves reversing the hands’ positions. In other words, the backhand grabs the board while the front hand is used for balance, and the same direction of turning is used. Tony demonstrates the differences between the two tricks to the viewers in the video.

How to do a 540 on a skateboard?

To do a 540 on a skateboard, Tony recommends practicing on bigger quarter pipes to get more air time. He also demonstrates a McTwist, a version of a 540, by grabbing his board on the toe side and doing a full 360 rotation. He stresses that this trick is one of the scariest to learn because it involves landing a half rotation blindly and requires the use of force and momentum. Tony advises skateboarders to keep practicing the spin until they can land it properly.

Can Tony Hawk make another Pro Skater video game?

Tony explains that his contract with Activision, which owns the license to the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skate game, has ended. He confirms that he is a free agent and would be open to making another video game if a new agreement could be reached.

How to do a board slide on a bench rail or pipe?

According to Tony, a board slide trick involves sliding using only the board, while the wheels are off the ground. He demonstrates both a board slide on a rail and a board slide on a ramp. Skateboarders should approach a ledge, and then slide by using only the board. Tony advises using boards with larger wheels for better stability on a ramp.

Which skateboarding trick was the hardest to learn?

Tony insists that the McTwist 540 was the hardest trick for him to master and took him nearly ten years to learn. The kickflip McTwist was even harder, as it required perfect timing and balance, resulting in only two successful landings in his life.

How to set up a skateboard?

Tony advises beginning with a skateboard, truck, wheel, bearing, and hardware. He demonstrates the process of setting up a skateboard by applying grip tape, cutting it around the edges, and poking holes through it to insert the trucks. He suggests tightening the trucks and using larger and softer wheels for a smoother ride. Skateboarders should use their back foot to push off and lean on the center of the board to balance themselves.

What is the difference between a 360 flip, kickflip, and varial flip?

A 360 flip, kickflip, and varial flip are not the same. Tony clarifies that a 360 flip is also known as a tray flip and is a nickname for a full 360 rotation. A kickflip is when the board flips with all 4 wheels leaving the ground, and a varial flip is half of a 360 flip, with the board rotating 180 degrees and ending backward.

How to stand on a skateboard and do a kickflip as a beginner?

Tony advises skateboarders to center their weight and anticipate the motion to avoid falling off a stationary skateboard. They should tighten the trucks and push off with their back foot while standing with their weight centered to maintain stability. To do a kickflip, lean back and pop the board with their front foot while lifting the back foot and sliding it sideways, causing the board to flip. Skateboarders should practice this technique repeatedly to master it.

What was Tony Hawk’s first skateboarding trick?

Tony’s first skateboarding trick was rock picking up a curb by putting his foot near the nose to lift the back wheels and clear the curb.

How to do an ollie on a flat or vert surface?

The ollie is the basis for most skateboarding tricks that involve lifting the board off the ground with the feet. Tony shows the viewers the technique for doing an ollie simultaneously by snapping the tail and sliding the front foot to bring the tail up. This technique is different from doing an ollie on a vertical surface since you need to maintain balance and put pressure on the board while lifting off the surface.

Why can’t you skateboard at the age of four?

Tony jokes about this age-relevant question and says that he is four. He reframes this question, delineating that skateboarding more often requires some level of age and development, and at four, one may not have the ability and skill to balance themselves on a skateboard.

Conclusion

Tony Hawk’s passion for skateboarding shines through in his Q&A session, where he shares valuable tips and tricks for beginners and experienced skateboarders. He demonstrates various types of skateboarding tricks and explains the differences between these tricks. Tony also provides some technical advice such as how to set up a skateboard and how to do an ollie on flat surfaces and vertical surfaces. Skateboarding enthusiasts can draw inspiration from Tony’s experiences and use his advice to improve their skateboarding skills.