How to Do a Double Flip (Kickflip with Two Rotations)

Dive into the mechanics of the double flip. Learn how to glide, flip, and land safely in this comprehensive guide. Perfect your skate tricks.

Image of a skater doing a double flip trick on a skateboard. Source: pexels

Have you ever been cruising on your deck and thought, “What would it be like to amp up my kickflip game?” Well, this post is pretty much for you! Today, we’re gonna dive in deep with the double flip. They’re not my usual go-to; I’m all about sharing the good, the bad, and the sketchy with you.

What is a double flip?

A double flip it’s like your basic kickflip but on steroids. Instead of just one smooth flip, we’re talking about a skateboard performing two full flips in the air before it touches the ground again. It might sound a bit troublesome, but hey, this isn’t your regular Sunday cruising. It’s about pushing boundaries!

Image of a skater doing a double flip trick on a skateboard. Source: pexels
Image of a skater doing a double flip trick on a skateboard. Source: pexels
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Image of a skater doing a double flip trick on a skateboard. Source: pexels
My favorite complete skateboard (at the moment):

Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard

How to do a double flip (kickflip with two rotations) | 61vn95mf7ql. Ac sl1184 | skateboard salad
My favorite complete skateboard (at the moment):

Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard

I had my board stolen a few years ago and was forced to quickly replace it with a complete. I got one with an Enjoi deck and loved it so much that I still buy the Whitey Panda deck each time I need a new deck. This complete with budget-friendly, beginner-friendly parts, but I still swear by it.

How to do a double flip?

Like I said, double flips aren’t my favorite, but they do put a twisted spin on your skating routine. So, let’s break down the mechanics of pulling off a killer double flip. I will explain it step by step, so buckle up, folks!

Step 1: The setup

Set your feet up as you would for a regular kickflip, only this time, with your flicking foot a bit more off the edge. Why, you ask? Well, this gives you a bit more leverage. Since we want the board to make two full revolutions, we’ll need all the help we can get!

Step 2: The pop and flick

Alright, let’s make it sail. Pop your skateboard’s tail (the back of the board) and flick your front foot downwards aggressively. It’s kinda counter-intuitive to the regular kickflip, but that’s what makes the board rotate twice. Oh, and remember, flick fast. We’re trying to get as much momentum as we can.

Step 3: Clear the landing

Here’s where the drama intensifies. As soon as you’ve flicked, pull your feet up and out of the way. Let the board spin under you. Give it some room! It’s essential to really just step back and give your board’s royalty some respect. It does its own spinning thing while you hover above, ready for the catch!

Step 4: The catch and land

And right when you see the grip tape (the top rough part), stomp down. Catch that board mid-air and guide it down for a safe landing. Now, catching a double flip as high as a regular kickflip, well, that’s gnarly. But that’s an achievement for another day!

So, there you have it! It’s not the same as pulling off a cool Axle Stall, but it does add a new trick to your bag. Practice, patience, and street persistence that’s the key. Remember, every pro was once a beginner. So grab your board and keep shredding!

What are some tips for perfecting the double flip?

Let’s skate into a few additional hacks that could smoothen out your double flip ride. No, they’re not magical mantras that’ll get you double flipping in a jiffy, but these tips could potentially cut down practice hours:

  • Be consistent: Consistency is key, as the adage goes. The more you practice, the better you get.
  • Experiment with foot placement: Too close or too far off, neither does the trick. Find your sweet spot.
  • Film your attempts: This might seem a bit ‘extra’, but filming your attempts could give you crucial insights into your performance and where you need to improve.

Alright, skaters, let’s pivot to another significant part of the double flip journey – the Dos and Don’ts. Here’s a compact table detailing the do’s and don’ts of double flips:

DosDon’ts
Flick your front foot down really fastDon’t flick upwards as you would in a kickflip
Give the board room to spinDon’t catch the board too early
Setup feet similar to a kickflip, but further offDon’t overcrowd the board with your feet
Dos and don’ts while attempting a double flip.

My double flip experience

The double flip wasn’t an instant match with my style. The double flip felt superfluous, a bit out of sync with my usual cruising style. But slowly, as I started to look at it as a challenging novelty rather than an outcast, I found a new appreciation for it. This trick pushed me out of my comfort zone, and let’s be real. That’s where the real magic happens!

Image of a skater doing a flip with his skateboard. Source: pexels
How to do a double flip (kickflip with two rotations) | image of a skater doing a flip with his skateboard pexels | skateboard salad

“The double flip, it feels like a crazy plot twist in your skater journey. But you know what, plot twists make the best stories!”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

As we journey through the double flip, let’s address some queries that might be spinning in your mind. Here are a few common questions skaters often wonder about when embarking on the double flip venture.

How long does it take to learn the double flip?

Frankly, there’s no set timeline. It largely depends on individual factors, such as your previous skateboarding experience, agility, persistence, and the amount of practice you’re putting in daily. For some, it could be just a matter of days, while others may need several weeks. But remember, practice makes perfect! Interested in understanding better about skateboarding challenges? What is Battle at the Berrics?

Are there any prerequisites to learning the double flip?

Yes, definitely! The basic prerequisite to learning the double flip is, of course, having a good handle on the standard kickflip. Familiarity with other basic tricks and stances like the Ollie can also provide a solid foundation.

How common is the double flip in competitions?

The double flip isn’t an everyday scene in competitions, honestly. You’re more likely to see single flip tricks like kickflips or heelflips, and spin-based tricks like 360 flips. However, skaters do throw in a double flip occasionally to spice up their runs and wow the crowd! Interested in typical skate competitions? Check out the Battle at Battle at the Berrics.

Can I practice the double flip on any skateboard?

Yes, you can! But different skateboards can have a different feel. For a more comfortable and smoother learning process, make sure you’re using a skateboard suitable for doing tricks. A good skateboard that caters to your unique style is always a safe bet!

Remember, there’s no shortcut to success, even in skateboarding. It’s more about finding a balance between excitement and patience! Happy double flipping, folks!

Final thoughts

In essence, the double flip is undoubtedly a challenging trick, not really recommended for casual cruising or a quick ride. Yet, with its complexity comes a sense of accomplishment and thrill that only a few tricks can match. The excitement of nailing a double flip for the first time can be genuinely unforgettable. Before you go, make sure your setup is up to scratch.

Did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on mastering the art of skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and keep skating!

Key takeaways

We’ve covered some hefty ground in this piece on double flips. For those itching to try or simply curious, here are some key takeaways:

  • Double flip is not your regular kickflip. It carries two full flips instead of just one.
  • The trick lies in the swift, aggressive flick downwards and letting your board spin freely.
  • Practicing consistently and filming your attempts can up your double flip game.

Helpful resources

Steven Portrate
Written by Steven Sadder, Staff Writer

Hey! I'm Steven, a lifelong skater, and proud New Yorker. I’ve been skating since I was a teenager. I may be a bit older now, but I'm not slowing down. Follow me for skating tips and latest gear reviews.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail.

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