What this trick is
A manual is riding forwards with only the back wheels touching the ground and the front wheels in the air.
Note - Try not to scrape the tail. A manual is holding the balance between riding with front wheels in the air and the tail not touching the ground.
Before you try it
Be comfortable riding forwards, and try to balance only on the back wheels in a stationary position before trying moving!
How to do it
- Foot Position - Back foot around the pocket of the tail, front foot where feels comfortable, but avoid feet being too close together.
- Riding forwards, bend your knees a little and apply a bit of pressure to the tail whilst lifting your front leg up to raise the front wheels.
- When holding the manual, aim to make a C shape with your body whilst keeping your centre of gravity over the rear wheels and hold the manual for as long as possible!
Source: GRANTIHERO · How to Manual on a Skateboard (Beginner Tutorial)
Bend your knees as your front wheels touch back down and ride it out!
Learn more here!
Source: GRANTIHERO · How to Manual on a Skateboard (Beginner Tutorial)
Common mistakes
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Not going fast enough - the faster you go, the easier it is to hold the manual
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Not bending your knees - bent knees help to absorb the wobbles and allow you to correct your balance
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Stepping the tail too hard too soon - ease into and feel the manual rather than throwing it straight back and risk dragging the tail
How to know you've got it
You can manual long distances, re-adjusting your weight distribution as you go. You can manual over long flat surfaces aiming between two points, eg. after an up ramp, accross the flat section and touching back down into the decline, or through a rough patch of ground between two smooth sections.