Mini Ramp Tricks for Beginners

If you've recently caught the skateboarding bug and are eager to take your skills to the next level, you're in for a thrilling ride. Skateboarding is all about pushing your limits, and mastering tricks on a mini ramp is a fantastic way to do just that. Don't let the idea of a mini ramp intimidate you; it's an excellent place for beginners to gain confidence and hone their skills. In this article, we'll explore some of the best beginner skateboarding tricks to conquer on a mini ramp.

How do mini ramps work? Let me break it down for you.

A mini ramp is like a pint-sized version of a halfpipe. Picture two quarterpipes facing each other – they're essentially two halves of a tube sliced horizontally. You ride back and forth between these quarterpipes, and perched at the top of each one is the "coping" – usually a metal rail where the magic happens. Now, mini ramps come in all shapes and sizes, with variations in the steepness of the transitions and the distance between the quarterpipes. But here's the cool part: the tricks and tips we're about to dive into are versatile and can be applied on any mini ramp, halfpipe, quarterpipes, or even in pools and bowls.

If you're new to this, starting with a less steep and lower mini ramp is a smart move. They're more forgiving and will help you get comfortable with the basics. So if you know of a mini ramp nearby, what are you waiting for?

Skating a mini ramp might feel a tad awkward at first, but here's a pro tip: roll back and forth between the two quarterpipes to get a feel for it. You'll get the hang of it in no time.

Now, let's talk about the tricks you can conquer on a mini ramp, which can be sorted into various categories: Stalls, Grinds, Slides, Airs, and more.

Stalls are those tricks where you hold a specific position on the coping for a moment without moving sideways.

Grinds, on the other hand, involve sliding one or both of your trucks over the coping. Slides are pretty similar to grinds, but you can get creative by using your board's nose, tail, or the middle.

And then there are the Airs – as the name implies, these are tricks where you leap out of the mini ramp, adding a touch of flair to your skate session.

1. The Drop-In:

Before you can start pulling off tricks, you'll need to learn the fundamental move of dropping in. It may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, you'll get the hang of it. The drop-in involves rolling down the transition of the mini ramp, starting from the coping. Position your front foot over the bolts and your back foot on the tail, then lean forward and commit to the drop. Keep your knees bent, and make sure to distribute your weight evenly between both feet. The drop-in will help you get comfortable on the ramp and build your confidence.

Video source: Ben Degros

2. The Rock to Fakie:

Now that you've got the drop-in down, it's time to work on your rock to fakie. This trick involves riding up the transition, stalling for a moment on the coping (rock), and then riding back down in the opposite direction (fakie). Start by practicing this move without gaining too much speed. As you get more comfortable, you can increase your speed and height on the ramp.

3. The Kickturn:

The kickturn is another crucial trick for mini ramp beginners. It's all about controlling your board and transitioning smoothly between the ramp's walls. To perform a kickturn, approach the ramp's transition with moderate speed, lift your front wheels off the ramp, and pivot on your back wheels. As you pivot, use your front foot to guide the board and bring it back down the ramp. Mastering kickturns will help you maintain control and fluidity on the mini ramp.

4. The Axle Stall:

An axle stall is a great way to learn to balance on the coping while also looking stylish. Approach the coping, lift your front wheels, and turn your board 90 degrees while using your back wheels to rest on the coping. Once balanced, pivot the board back down into the ramp. It may take a few tries to find your balance, but the axle stall is an excellent introduction to more advanced coping tricks.

5. The 50-50 Grind:

The 50-50 grind is a classic mini ramp trick that involves grinding the coping with your trucks while your board stays parallel to the transition. Approach the coping with enough speed and commitment, position your trucks on the coping, and bend your knees to maintain balance. As you grind, keep your weight centered and look ahead. When you're ready to drop back in, simply unweight your front foot and guide the board back into the ramp.

Remember, skateboarding is all about practice and progression. These tricks may take some time to master, but with dedication and perseverance, you'll find yourself conquering the mini ramp like a pro. Always wear protective gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and wrist guards, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy the ride. Skateboarding is about pushing your limits and expressing yourself, so get out there, hit the mini ramp, and show off your newfound skills. Happy shredding!

Check out DOSE's YouTube channel for some mini ramp action: