Kicker FS180 (S-Kicker)

Your first aerial rotation. Approach the small kicker like a straight air, but initiate a frontside rotation as you leave the lip. Rotate 180 degrees and land riding switch. Start with heelside approach, then progress to toeside, and eventually both in switch.

The heelside FS180 is the natural first one. The rotation flows in the same direction as your heelside edge, so the spin almost happens by itself if you commit. The key is separating the pop from the spin in your head. Pop first, spin second. If you start winding up before you leave the ramp, you lose the air.

In depth guide here:

Video by Raph Trinidad

Key tips

• Get comfortable with straight airs first. This adds rotation on top
• Start the rotation at the lip, not before
• Spot your landing by looking over your shoulder
• The handle pass happens in the air. Practice the motion on flat water first
• Land with knees bent riding switch
• If you under-rotate, you need more pop, not more spin