How to Do a Frontside Rock ‘n’ Roll on a Skateboard

The frontside rock ‘n’ roll is a ramp trick where you go up to the lip, push your front truck over it, stall on the middle of your skateboard deck (like a stationary boardslide), and then kick turn 180 degrees to reenter the transition. A similar skateboard trick is the rock to fakie, which is a rock ‘n’ roll performed while riding fakie. A frontside rock ‘n’ roll is a simpler trick to learn than the rock to fakie because it's easier to come back into the transition riding regular than fakie.

When practicing a frontside rock 'n' roll for the first time, start on a mini ramp until you get the hang of it. Once you're comfortable on the mini ramp, try moving up to larger skateboard ramps like a quarter pipe or half pipe.

1. 1. Approach the coping going straight up so that your skateboard is perpendicular to the coping.
2. 2. Lift your front wheels slightly so they clear the coping.
3. 3. As your front wheels clear the coping, straighten your front leg so that the weight of your front foot pushes the nose of your board out.
4. 4. Simultaneously, bend your back leg and pivot your back foot on your board so only your toe is in contact with the tail.
5. 5. As you begin to come back in, pivot frontside. Lift up on your front wheels so they clear the coping and don’t hang up when reentering the ramp.
6. 6. Come back in like you would doing a frontside kick turn.

There’s risk involved for new skateboarders in learning even simple tricks like heelflips or kickflips, so take the proper precautions to ensure that you’re safe your first time.

1. 1. Wear a helmet and pads. If you're a novice skateboarder, falling or tripping is part of the process. Ensure that you have the right pads to break your fall—specifically knee pads, elbow pads, and a helmet.
2. 2. Read and follow official rules. Every skate park will have a list of rules to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Do your part and check them out anytime you skate a new park.
3. 3. Observe before joining in. To avoid collisions, park skaters take turns skating. This is especially important when the park is busy. Notice when other skaters take their turns so you can understand the order and flow, then claim your spot and take your turn.

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