Is there anyone who landed a Varial Kickflip before a Kickflip?
Although the Varial Kickflip is structurally more complex, it can in fact be easier to land than a Kickflip under certain conditions. This article examines the mechanics behind this phenomenon and explains how to execute a Varial Kickflip efficiently.
Summary
Jump before popping the tail.
Raise your body before initiating the pop. As explained in the previous article, you cannot perform an effective flick while your body weight is still pressing down on the board.
Flick like a Kickflip, but slightly forward.
The fundamental mechanics of the Varial Kickflip flick are similar to those of the Kickflip. The key difference lies in the direction: you should flick forward, or even slightly toward the toe side.
Simulation
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Breakdown of the Trick
Foot placement
I place my front foot slightly before the bolts and my back foot in the pocket. If you wish to generate a higher pop, positioning the front foot farther back is effective.
Approach
During the approach, maintain your gaze on your front foot. Bend straight downward while keeping slightly more weight on the toe side. This difference between the center of mass of your body and that of the board becomes essential for producing an efficient horizontal spin.
Jump upward
Raise your body vertically and allow yourself to gain upward momentum before popping. As your body shifts toward the toe side, the board naturally begins to rotate backside due to the downward force applied with your weight distributed toward the toe side.
You do not need to “force” the spin; it is generated as a consequence of proper weight distribution.
Pop
Initiate the pop once your body has risen sufficiently. Popping too early makes the motion more difficult, as your body is still exerting downward force that suppresses the tail.
Flick
After completing the preparatory movements, execute the flick.
Unlike the Kickflip, the Varial Kickflip benefits from a forward or slightly toe-side flick to prevent obstructing the board's horizontal rotation.
