Kicker 360

The 360 is your first full-rotation air and a true milestone trick. It's two 180s back-to-back, but it requires a commitment that a 180 doesn't — once you pass 180, you can't back out. Start on the S-kicker with a heelside frontside 360 (the "FS3"), which is the easiest variation because the rotation wraps around your natural heelside edge.

The key difference from a 180 is the handle pass: you pass the handle behind your back as you come around, then pick the rotation back up to complete the second 180. Many riders learn the handle-pass motion on flat water first, spinning two surface 180s in a row.

Key tips

• Dial in your kicker FS180 from both stances before trying the 360
• Wind up slightly on the approach — load the rotation before you leave the ramp
• Handle pass happens between your back and the small of your back, low and tight
• Spot the landing around the 270-degree mark
• Land with deep knee bend — a 360 lands with a lot of momentum
• If you're under-rotating, you need more pop, not more spin