Buzz
Learning how to perform a tailwhip is a crucial milestone for any budding scooter enthusiast. This trick involves propelling yourself and your scooter into the air, executing a full rotation of the deck around the handlebar post, and landing gracefully back on the deck. Despite its outward complexity, the tailwhip is actually quite accessible for most riders and can be learned relatively quickly. The key lies in proper setup and mastering the coordination required to execute the maneuver smoothly.
Steps to Success
Preparing for the Tailwhip
Position yourself comfortably on the scooter. Place your lead foot behind the handlebar and your back foot near the rear wheel, bending your knees slightly to prepare for takeoff.
- Most riders adopt a “regular” stance, with the left foot forward. Left-handed riders may prefer the “goofy” stance, with the right foot forward.
- Proper foot placement is essential for a smooth takeoff and landing.
Hold the handlebars firmly with both hands positioned in the middle. Use your arms to stabilize the scooter and yourself, and to assist in rotating the deck (the part you stand on) during the trick.
- Adjust the handlebars to a comfortable height.
- Keep your grip relaxed; holding on too tightly can make your arms stiff, affecting your jump and timing.
Get some momentum by pushing off with your back foot a few times. Aim for a moderate speed, akin to a slow jog. After your last push, place your back foot back on the scooter deck and maintain focus on your direction of travel.
- Going too slow can lead to loss of balance, while excessive speed makes control more difficult.
- Ensure you're practicing in an area with sufficient space for a straight ride of 15–20 feet (4.6–6.1 m).
Begin practicing the tailwhip while stationary. If attempting the tailwhip while moving feels daunting, start by practicing the maneuver from a standstill. This allows you to concentrate on technique without the complication of momentum. Later, you can progress to combining both phases of the trick.
- One drawback of stationary tailwhips is the need to initiate the jump immediately upon both feet landing on the scooter, leaving minimal setup time.
Pro Tip: To prevent the scooter from rolling away as you practice, try on a patch of carpet or soft grass. The cushioned surface will inhibit wheel rotation.
Executing the Tailwhip
Aim to achieve maximum height with your jump. Pull up on the handlebars while jumping to elevate the scooter. Tuck your knees for extra lift, ensuring ample clearance between the wheels and the ground.
- Ensure the deck lifts after your feet to maintain proper timing.
- A higher jump grants more time to complete the rotation before landing.
Execute a forceful kick with your back foot to propel the scooter's deck backward. At the peak of your jump, flick the rear edge of the deck with your toes to initiate the outward swing, known as the “whip.”
- In a regular stance, kick with your right foot; in a goofy stance, use your left foot.
- Aim for the side of the brake for a larger target area.
Caution: Avoid crossing your legs during the kick to prevent disrupting your landing and risking injury.
Utilize your arms to aid the deck's rotation during the whip. As your feet leave the deck, tilt the handlebars slightly in the direction of movement and pump your arms up and down. Then, tilt in the opposite direction as the deck swings back around, accelerating its rotation.
- The arm motion may require practice; consider practicing spinning the scooter separately before incorporating it into the trick.
- Ensure your hands remain on the handlebar grips throughout the tailwhip.
Sticking the Landing
Keep your focus on the deck to anticipate your landing. Maintain visual contact with the deck as it completes its rotation. Syncing your movements with the deck's rotation will help you prepare for your landing and seamlessly return to riding with the correct foot positioning.
- Observe the average rotation time of the deck during practice to better gauge when to initiate your landing.
Bring both feet onto the deck to halt its rotation. Aim to stop the deck just before the wheels touch down. Ensure both feet return to their initial positions or nearby locations.
- With practice, you'll achieve higher rotations, enabling you to integrate tailwhips with grinds, stalls, and other tricks.
- If struggling to return both feet simultaneously, focus on stopping the deck with your lead foot first, then adjust your back foot as needed.
Tip: Aim to land on the balls of your feet, not the midfoot or heels.
Flex your knees to absorb the impact. Descend slightly after landing to mitigate shock and lower your center of gravity for improved balance.
- Landing with straight legs and momentum may cause you to lurch forward, leading to a fall.
- Mastering proper bracing techniques becomes crucial, especially when attempting tailwhips off higher obstacles or on ramps.
Transition smoothly into riding. Orient yourself in the direction of movement upon landing and regain control of the scooter. Congratulations on landing your first tailwhip! Continue practicing until you can execute the trick consistently.
- Stay vigilant for nearby obstacles to avoid unexpected accidents, ensuring a successful rideaway.
Additional Tips
- Once you've mastered the tailwhip, explore advanced variations like the heel-whip, footplant tailwhip, tailwhip 360, and even the double rotation tailwhip.
- Don't get discouraged if you don't nail it on your first attempts. Like any skill, mastering the tailwhip takes practice and patience.
- Always wear protective gear such as a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards to ensure safety while learning new tricks. Falling is part of the process, so prioritize safety.
Warnings
- Be cautious of bruised shins or ankles from failed tailwhip attempts.
