360 on a Scooter
A scooter seems like a simple toy for little children, but its versatility makes it a good candidate for advanced tricks and 360 turns. While attempting this trick, make sure to wear any safety gear necessary.
Steps
- Use a freestanding quarter skate ramp for practice. Eventually, you can learn how to make 360 turns off the ground, but the ramp is great for learning because it will give you enough height to land safely.
- Line your scooter with Install Grip Tape. You'll need it to improve traction between the scooter and your feet, and to help you stay on as you turn.
- Scooter up the ramp. As you near the edge of the ramp, jump off and forcefully steer your scooter to the right to begin a clockwise turn.
- You'll need to make a large turn to have enough momentum to complete a 360.
- Shift your feet and your legs to turn your whole body into the turn. Turn your head too to align your body and add additional momentum. Make sure you follow the curve of the scooter.
- Hold onto your scooter tightly to avoid falling off!
- Make sure your feet are tightly gripped to the griptape.
- Prepare for landing, after you have turned about 270 degrees. Use your eyes to determine where you'll land. Steer your scooter and your body forward towards that spot.
- Bend your knees to absorb the impact of landing. You will probably have to bend into a low crouch to absorb all of the force while staying balanced.
- Stand back up slowly, as you continue scootering away from the ramp, completing the trick.
Tips
- If you lose your balance in the middle of a turn, jump off your scooter. Free up your hands to catch yourself if you fall.
- Get a strong scooter; you will be landing quite hard.
- If you can land 360 turns off the ramp effortlessly, you can try doing them on the ground. The steps are the same, except that you have to leap high into the air to give yourself enough room to turn 360 degrees. You will also need to use a larger amount of force to turn faster.
Warnings
- Don't lean too far back when you land or you will fall off.
- This trick is quite dangerous; attempt it at your own risk!
- Always wear a helmet. Other gear, including kneepads and elbow pads, are recommended.
