If you’re a skateboarder, you know that hopping is essential. It’s the foundation for many other tricks, and it can also be used to get around obstacles and navigate terrain. But hopping on a skateboard can be tricky, especially if you’re new to the sport.
In this article, I’ll teach you everything you need to know about skateboarder hops, from the basics to more advanced tricks. I’m a professional skateboarder, and I’ve been hopping on boards for over 20 years. I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I’m happy to share my knowledge with you.
Why do skateboarders hop?
There are many reasons why skateboarders hop. Here are a few:
- To get around obstacles: Hopping is a great way to get over curbs, stairs, and other obstacles. It’s also a good way to avoid cracks and holes in the pavement.
- To navigate terrain: Hopping can be used to navigate different types of terrain, such as skateparks, bowls, and ramps. It can also be used to ride down hills and banks.
- To perform tricks: Hopping is the foundation for many other skateboard tricks, such as ollies, kickflips, and pop shove-its.
Different types of skateboarder hops
There are many different types of skateboarder hops. Here are a few of the most common:
- Basic hop: This is the most basic type of hop. To do a basic hop, simply crouch down and push off the ground with your back foot. As you push off, pop the tail of the board down on the ground. This will cause the board to go into the air.
- Ollie: who invented the skateboard ollie ,The ollie is a more advanced type of hop. It’s the foundation for many other skateboard tricks. To do an ollie, start in the same position as you would for a basic hop. However, instead of popping the tail of the board down on the ground, you’ll pop the tail down and slide your front foot forward. This will cause the board to go into the air and rotate. As you’re in the air, tuck your knees into your chest. To land, extend your legs and bend your knees to absorb the impact.
- Kickflip: The kickflip is another advanced type of hop. It’s one of the most popular skateboard tricks. To do a kickflip, start in the same position as you would for an ollie. However, instead of sliding your front foot forward, you’ll kick the board out with your front foot. This will cause the board to flip in the air. As you’re in the air, tuck your knees into your chest and catch the board with your feet. To land, extend your legs and bend your knees to absorb the impact.
Benefits of learning how to hop
There are many benefits to learning how to hop on a skateboard. Here are a few:
- Improved balance and coordination: Hopping on a skateboard requires good balance and coordination. As you practice hopping, you’ll improve your overall balance and coordination.
- Increased confidence: Once you learn how to hop, you’ll feel more confident skateboarding. You’ll be able to get around obstacles and navigate terrain more easily. You’ll also be able to start learning more advanced tricks.
- Fun: Hopping on a skateboard is fun! It’s a great way to get exercise and relieve stress. It’s also a great way to socialize and meet new people.
How to hop on a skateboard
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hop on a skateboard:
- Preparation: Make sure you are wearing a helmet and other protective gear. Find a safe, open area to practice.
- Stance: Place your feet on the board with your back foot near the tail and your front foot near the bolts.
- Push off: Crouch down and push off the ground with your back foot.
- Pop: As you push off, pop the tail of the board down on the ground.
- Landing: As you’re in the air, tuck your knees into your chest. To land, extend your legs and bend your knees to absorb the impact.
Tips for improving your skateboarder hop
Here are a few tips for improving your skateboarder hop:
- Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better your hop will become. Try to practice hopping for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Start with basic hops and work your way up to more complex ones: Once you can consistently do a basic hop, you can start learning more advanced hops, such as ollies and kickflips.
- Focus on your technique: When you’re hopping, make sure you are popping the tail of the board hard enough and tucking your knees into your chest. You should also land with your knees bent to absorb the impact.
- Don’t be afraid to fall: Everyone falls when they’re learning to skateboard. Just pick yourself up and keep trying.
Common mistakes to avoid when hopping on a skateboard
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when hopping on a skateboard:
- Not popping the skateboard hard enough: If you don’t pop the tail of the board hard enough, it won’t go into the air. Make sure you are popping the tail down hard on the ground.
- Leaning too far forward or backward: If you lean too far forward or backward, you’ll lose your balance and fall. Make sure you are keeping your weight centered over the board.
- Not landing with your knees bent: If you don’t land with your knees bent, you’re more likely to get injured. Make sure you are bending your knees to absorb the impact.
History of the skateboarder hop
The skateboarder hop has been around since the early days of Skateboarding. In the 1960s, skaters would use hops to get over obstacles and navigate terrain. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the hop began to be used as a foundation for tricks.
One of the first skaters to start hopping on his skateboard was Alan Gelfand. In the late 1970s, Gelfand developed a trick called the “ollie” which involved popping the tail of the board down on the ground and sliding the front foot forward. This trick allowed Gelfand to get over obstacles that were previously impossible to clear.
Other skaters soon began to adopt the ollie, and it quickly became one of the most fundamental tricks in skateboarding. Today, the hop is used in a variety of skateboard tricks, from the ollie to the kickflip to the pop shove-it.
Famous skateboarders known for their hops
There are many famous skateboarders who are known for their hops. Some of the most notable include:
- Rodney Mullen: Rodney Mullen is considered to be the godfather of modern skateboarding. He is known for his innovative and technical tricks, many of which involve hops.
- Daewon Song: Daewon Song is one of the most stylish and creative skateboarders of all time. He is known for his big hops and his ability to perform difficult tricks with ease.
- Tony Hawk: Tony Hawk is one of the most famous skateboarders in the world. He is known for his high-flying tricks and his ability to clear obstacles that are seemingly impossible.
- Paul Rodriguez: Paul Rodriguez is a versatile skateboarder who is known for his technical skills and his big hops. He is one of the most successful competitive skateboarders of all time.
- Nyjah Huston: Nyjah Huston is a young skateboarder who is already considered to be one of the best in the world. He is known for his big hops and his ability to perform difficult tricks with ease.
Skateboarding competitions that feature hops
Many skateboarding competitions feature hops. Some of the most popular competitions that feature hops include:
- X Games: The X Games is an annual extreme sports competition that features a variety of events, including skateboarding. The skateboarding events at the X Games often feature competitions for the best hop tricks.
- Street League Skateboarding: Street League Skateboarding is a professional skateboarding league that features competitions for the best skateboarders in the world. The Street League Skateboarding competitions often feature competitions for the best hop tricks.
- Tampa Pro: Tampa Pro is a professional skateboarding competition that is held in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Pro competition is known for its challenging street course and its competitions for the best hop tricks.
Safety tips:
Conclusion
Learning how to hop on a skateboard is an essential skill for any skater. It’s the foundation for many other tricks, and it can also be used to get around obstacles and navigate terrain. With practice, you’ll be able to hop like a pro!