The Art and History of the Kickflip [21 pics]

Photograph by Lifeskater


In skateboarding, the kickflip is the defining move that separates the beginner from the skater. First comes the ollie (love), then comes the pop-shuvit (marriage), and then comes the kickflip (baby carriage). Landing your first is one of those ‘great’ accomplishments and truly rewarding. Below you will find a brief history of the trick as well as 21 stunning photographs that capture the beauty of the kickflip.

Rodney Mullen (1989) – Photograph by Donwallheim

HISTORY OF THE KICKFLIP

The kickflip was invented by skateboarding legend Rodney Mullen in 1983. He originally called it the ‘magic flip’ but the name has since evolved. It is viewed as a defining moment in the sport, as it opened the floodgates to a wave of innovation and creativity. No longer were riders bound to their board as they willed their decks to flip and rotate in every way imaginable.

For the uninitiated; the kickflip is where the skater drags his front foot at an angle up the nose of the skateboard, and then kicks his foot ‘out’ to make it flip 360 degrees along the board’s axis.

3.

Photograph by Tommy Larsen Photography

4.

Photograph by Negrit0

5.

Photograph by Chris Pagano Photography

6.

Photograph by Timbos Marr

7.

Photograph by jamesnw

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Photograph by _bob3

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Photograph by Joe Langton

10.

Photograph by Shayne Stadnick

11.

Photograph by Samu Rai

12.

Photograph by DordtGekst!

13.

Photograph by Alec Smith

14.

Photograph by smashthirteen

15.

Photograph by Fred Erickson

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Photograph by paananen

17.

Photograph by TJ Elias

18.

Photograph by Hilali

19.

Photograph by J Khounthavong

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Photograph by Adam Savickas

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Photograph by Sean 6

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