The Ollie

The Ollie is the most fundamental skateboard trick ever. Without it, no other trick would really be possible because every trick derives from the motions of the Ollie. It is basic, yet important to master. It’s what gets you on top of objects, to jump over things and get around with ease. Learning this trick will open a variety of doors for you in skateboarding.

On record, the Ollie was first invented by Alan Gelfand in 1977 with the original name “Ollie Pop.” It was the first time in history a skateboarder was able to do what every skateboarder dreamed of being able to do. Before this, the only way to get air was to launch yourself off of a ramp. Alan found a way to get your board in the air on flatground Skateboarding changed forever.

After you’ve established which foot is your front and back foot after getting comfortable riding, you can now learn the Ollie. To do this trick, place your back foot on the tail end of the board and your front foot right around the middle of the board. Next, in one smooth motion, squat down like you’re about to jump, then as your body is coming up to jump, press your back foot down to pop the front end up. This part is all about timing so make sure to press your back foot down when you feel your body momentum start to go up. Then to even the board in the air, slide your front foot up to the nose of the board which will make the back end raise and your board parallel to the ground. Then it’s all about sticking the landing.