How to Rock to Fakie on a Skateboard

A rock to fakie is a skateboarding trick that combines two moves—a rock ‘n’ roll and a fakie. A rock ‘n’ roll is a ramp trick where you ride up to the lip of the ramp, push your front truck over it, stall, then kick turn 180 degrees to reenter the transition. A fakie is when you’re in your normal stance and rolling backward. Rocking to a fakie combines these two tricks in succession.

When learning how to rock to fakie, remember that any new trick takes practice.

1. 1. Approach the coping. Go straight up so you’re perpendicular to it.
2. 2. Apply pressure to your tail. As you near the coping, apply slight pressure to your tail to lift your front truck so your front wheels clear the coping.
3. 3. Shift your weight forward. Redistribute your weight to your front foot so the middle of the board comes to rest on the coping.
4. 4. Shift the weight back. Once you’ve rocked on the coping, shift your weight back into the bowl with your back foot—but not so far that you fall backward and slam.
5. 5. Reverse. As you begin to reverse direction, put weight on your tail to ensure your front truck clears the coping once more and doesn’t get hung up on it.

There’s risk involved for new skateboarders in learning any trick, so take the proper precautions to ensure that you’re being 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 a 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.

Whether you’re just learning how to ollie or ready to tackle a Madonna (the vert trick, not the singer), the MasterClass Annual Membership can help you find confidence on your board with exclusive instructional videos from skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, street skater Riley Hawk, and Olympic hopeful Lizzie Armanto.