The Most Important Trick In Skateboarding: The Manual
When people think about skateboarding tricks, their minds often go to the flashy stuff: kickflips, 360s, or massive airs. But ask any seasoned skater, and they’ll tell you that one trick stands out as a fundamental building block of skateboarding mastery: the manual.
It might not be as showy as a tre flip or as gnarly as grinding a handrail, but the manual is the backbone of board control and creativity. Let’s break down why the manual deserves its status as the most important trick in skateboarding.
What Is a Manual?
For those new to skateboarding, a manual is like a wheelie on a skateboard.
It involves balancing on either the front or back set of wheels while rolling, keeping the other end of the board elevated off the ground. There are two main types:
- Nose Manual: Balancing on the front wheels.
- Manual (or Tail Manual): Balancing on the back wheels.
At first glance, it looks simple. But any skater who’s spent hours trying to hold a manual for more than a few feet knows how fucking hard it is.
Why Is the Manual So Important?
1. The Foundation of Balance and Control
Mastering the manual is all about balance, finesse, and board control. These are essential skills for any skate trick, whether you’re learning an ollie or a heelflip.
A solid manual helps skaters:
- Control weight distribution on the board.
- Improve their sense of timing and body positioning.
- Build confidence for more technical tricks.
2. A Gateway to Technical Progression
Once you’ve got manuals on lock, a whole world of technical tricks opens up. You can start combining manuals with other moves, like flipping into or out of them, or linking them with grinds and slides.
- Manual Kickflip Out: A classic way to add flair to your manual.
- Manual to Grind Combos: Think nose manual to nose grind or manual to 50-50.
- Long Combos: Use manuals to link together lines at the skatepark, showcasing flow and creativity.
3. Creative Freedom
The manual isn’t bound to skateparks or specific obstacles. You can manual just about anywhere: parking lots, sidewalks, curbs, or even ledges. It’s one of the most versatile tricks in skateboarding, allowing skaters to bring their personal style to any terrain.
How to Learn the Manual
Getting the manual down takes practice, patience, and persistence. Here’s how to get started:
1. Find a Smooth, Flat Surface
A parking lot or an empty basketball court is perfect. The smoother the ground, the easier it will be to focus on balance.
2. Start Small
- Roll at a moderate speed.
- Lean back slightly for a manual or forward for a nose manual, lifting the opposite set of wheels off the ground.
- Use your arms for balance, keeping your knees bent and your core engaged.
3. Focus on Balance Points
The trick is finding the sweet spot between too much weight (causing the board to tip) and not enough weight (causing the wheels to fall back down).
4. Increase Distance Gradually
Start by holding the manual for a second or two, then gradually increase the distance as your balance improves.
5. Add Style
Once you can manual consistently, start adding your own flair, like tweaking your body position or combining manuals with other tricks.
Legendary Manual Moments
The manual has been a staple in skateboarding for decades, and some of the most memorable moments in skate history involve this humble trick.
- Rodney Mullen: The godfather of technical skating, Mullen invented countless manual variations that paved the way for modern street skating.
- Daewon Song: Known for his insane manual combos on ledges, tables, and even skatepark roofs, Daewon turned manuals into an art form.
- Chris Haslam: A master of creativity, Haslam's manual lines are mind-blowing, often involving unexpected obstacles and intricate flip variations.
Why Every Skater Should Master the Manual
The manual isn’t just a trick; it’s a skill that represents the essence of skateboarding. It teaches you patience, balance, and creativity, which are the cornerstones of skating.
Whether you’re cruising the streets or linking lines at the park, the manual is always there, waiting to take your skating to the next level.
So next time you’re looking for a trick to work on, forget about the flashy stuff for a moment. Instead, spend some time mastering the manual. It’s the most important trick you’ll ever learn, and it’s one you’ll use for the rest of your skating life.
