Fingerboard Kicker: Launch Your Tricks Higher

A fingerboard kicker is a ramp designed to launch your fingerboard into the air. It's one of the most fundamental obstacles you can add to your setup. Think of it as the springboard for air tricks. Without a kicker, you're limited to flat ground or obstacles you can ollie onto directly. A good kicker opens up a whole new dimension of tricks.

Kickers are usually single-sided ramps. They have a flat base that sits on your desk or park surface, and a sloped face that curves upwards. You approach the kicker, roll up the face, and use the angle to pop your fingerboard into the air. The shape and size of the kicker directly impact how much air you get and how quickly you launch.

Most kickers are fixed, meaning they're a solid, single piece. You place them down and they stay put. Some larger park setups might integrate kickers into more complex obstacles, but the basic function remains the same: an angled surface to get airborne. This simple design makes them incredibly versatile and a staple for any fingerboarder looking to expand their trick repertoire.

Using a fingerboard kicker isn't just about adding another piece to your park; it's about unlocking a new category of tricks and refining your control. If you're comfortable with flat ground ollies and basic flips, a kicker is your next logical step. It teaches you how to approach obstacles, time your pop, and land with precision.

The primary benefit is height. A kicker gives you the lift needed for bigger ollies, higher kickflips, and more exaggerated shuvits. You can clear gaps, jump over other obstacles, or launch into grinds and slides on elevated ledges. It adds a dynamic element to your lines that flat ground simply can't provide. Imagine an ollie over a small gap, a kicker makes that transition smooth and powerful.

Kickers also teach you flow. Linking tricks over and off a kicker forces you to think about your approach, speed, and landing in succession. You learn to adjust your finger placement and timing on the fly. This builds muscle memory and board control that translates to every other aspect of fingerboarding. It's not just about popping the trick; it's about the entire sequence leading up to and following the launch.

For advanced fingerboarders, kickers are essential for complex combinations. You might launch off a kicker into a grind, then pop out into a flip, or use it to gain speed for a manual across a long obstacle. They are the launchpads for creative lines and intricate sequences. A well-placed kicker can transform a simple park into an endless playground of possibilities.

Fingerboard kickers come in a range of materials and shapes, each offering a different feel and experience. Choosing the right one depends on your budget, your preferred style of riding, and the other obstacles in your setup.

- Wood: Wood kickers are a classic choice. They offer a good balance of weight and durability. The surface usually provides consistent grip for your foam tape, which helps with launching and landing. Wooden kickers often have a smooth, finished look and feel. They tend to be more expensive than plastic but are a solid long-term investment. They can be heavier, which means they stay put better during intense sessions.

- Concrete/Stone: Concrete or resin-based kickers are heavy and incredibly durable. They rarely move during use, providing a very stable platform. The surface can be rougher, offering a unique tactile experience, but sometimes too much grip. They are often molded, allowing for interesting textures and shapes. These are usually at the higher end of the price spectrum due to their material and manufacturing process.

- Plastic/Resin: Plastic kickers are typically the most affordable option. They are lightweight, making them easy to move around and store. While they might not have the premium feel of wood or concrete, they are excellent for beginners or for building a portable park. The downside is they can slide around more easily, especially on smooth surfaces, and might not withstand heavy use as well over time.

- DIY Materials: Many fingerboarders build their own kickers from cardboard, foam, or small pieces of wood. This is the cheapest option and allows for custom shapes. While not as durable or polished as commercial options, DIY kickers are perfect for experimenting with different angles and sizes before investing in a manufactured one. They teach you a lot about obstacle design.

The shape and angle of a kicker significantly impact how it rides:

- Mellow Kickers: These have a long, gentle slope. They are great for gaining speed, flowing into tricks, and practicing precise landings. A mellow kicker doesn't give you extreme height, but it offers a smooth transition for technical tricks and connecting lines. They are forgiving and ideal for beginners learning to ollie onto elevated surfaces or over small gaps.

- Steep Kickers: A steep kicker has a sharper angle, providing more vertical pop in a shorter distance. These are for maximum air and quick launches. If you want to clear tall obstacles or get massive height for flip tricks, a steep kicker is the way to go. They require more precise timing and speed, making them more challenging but rewarding.

- Quarter Pipes/Curved Kickers: While technically a type of ramp, smaller quarter pipes can function as kickers, especially for launching into bowl or ramp-style tricks. They have a continuous curve and often a small platform (coping) at the top. These are versatile for airs, grinds, and slides. They add a different dynamic than a straight-faced kicker.

- Wedge Kickers: These are simple, triangular-shaped ramps. They offer a consistent angle from bottom to top. Often made from wood or plastic, they are straightforward and effective for basic pop and air tricks. They are a good all-around option for many setups.

Picking your first kicker can feel like a big decision, but it doesn't have to be complicated. The best advice is to start simple and don't overthink it. Your goal is to get comfortable launching your fingerboard and landing tricks consistently.

For beginners, a smaller, more mellow kicker is almost always the better call. A steep, tall kicker might look impressive, but it will be frustrating to learn on. A mellow slope allows you to practice your approach, pop, and landing without having to worry about extreme height or speed. You can build confidence and master the basics before moving on to more aggressive ramps. A kicker that is roughly the length of a typical deck, which is 94-100mm, or slightly longer, and not too tall, is a good starting point.

Consider the material. If you're on a budget, a plastic kicker is a smart choice. It's affordable, light, and perfectly functional for learning. Don't feel pressured to buy the most expensive wooden or concrete obstacle right away. If you find yourself consistently using it and wanting to upgrade, then you can invest in a premium wood or concrete kicker later. DIY options are also excellent for experimentation without spending much.

Think about the rest of your setup. Do you have a grind rail or a small box? Choose a kicker that complements these. A kicker that allows you to launch onto your existing obstacles or clear small gaps will be more useful than one that stands alone without purpose. It's about creating flow and opportunities for lines, not just collecting obstacles.

A good first kicker isn't about its price tag or brand; it's about its usability for your current skill level. Start small, get comfortable, and then challenge yourself.

A good first kicker isn't about its price tag or brand; it's about its usability for your current skill level. Start small, get comfortable, and then challenge yourself.

Durability is a factor, but for a first kicker, functionality outweighs extreme longevity. You're learning, and your preferences will evolve. A robust wooden kicker will last for years, but a cheaper plastic one will still teach you the same fundamentals. Focus on the shape and angle that will be most beneficial for your learning curve.

A fingerboard kicker truly shines when it's integrated into a "line", a sequence of tricks linked together. Just placing it on your desk is a start, but understanding how to position it with other obstacles transforms your fingerpark into a dynamic playground.

The most basic setup involves a single kicker. You approach it straight on, pop an ollie or a flip trick, and land on the flat ground. This is fundamental practice. Once you're consistent with this, you can start adding complexity.

- Kicker to Flat: The starting point. Practice hitting the kicker with consistent speed and landing cleanly.

- Kicker Over Gap: Place a small object (like a pencil or a small book) behind the kicker. Use the kicker to launch over the object. This teaches you to judge distance and height.

- Kicker to Ledge/Rail: Position your kicker to launch you onto a grind rail or ledge. The angle and distance are crucial here. You want to hit the coping or edge cleanly for a grind or slide. This setup requires precision in both your kicker approach and your mid-air adjustment. You might need to adjust your deck's width, which commonly ranges from 29-36mm, to ensure you have enough stability for the landing.

- Kicker to Kicker: Place two kickers facing each other with a gap in between. Launch off the first, clear the gap, and land on the second. This is great for practicing transfers and maintaining speed.

When you have multiple obstacles, kickers become critical connectors. Think about flow. How can you use a kicker to gain momentum or change direction for the next trick?

- Corner Kicker: Place a kicker in a corner of your park to launch into a wallride or a grind along an adjacent ledge.

- Transition to Kicker: Use a mellow ramp or bank to gain speed, then hit a kicker for a big air trick. This creates a smooth, continuous line.

- Central Kicker: A well-placed kicker in the middle of your park can be hit from multiple angles, allowing for diverse trick options and transitions to different obstacles.

Experiment with distances. Sometimes moving a kicker just a few millimeters, especially with common deck lengths of 94-100mm, can make a huge difference in whether a trick feels effortless or impossible. Pay attention to your approach angle. A slight diagonal approach can open up new lines or make landing easier on certain obstacles.

The goal is to create a park where you can perform several tricks in a row without stopping. Kickers are the accelerators and lifters in these sequences. Don't be afraid to constantly rearrange your obstacles. That's part of the fun of building a custom fingerpark.

Just like your fingerboard, your kicker benefits from a little care. Proper maintenance ensures your obstacle lasts longer and performs consistently. While kickers are generally robust, neglect can lead to issues that affect your sessions.

Dust and debris can accumulate on the surface of your kicker. This might not seem like a big deal, but a layer of dust can reduce the grip for your foam tape, making launches less consistent. Take a soft cloth or a small brush and wipe down the surface regularly. If your kicker is made of wood, avoid harsh chemical cleaners that could damage the finish. A slightly damp cloth followed by a dry one is usually sufficient.

For concrete or resin kickers, a stiffer brush can help remove stubborn grime from the textured surface. Make sure the kicker is completely dry before you start riding again, especially if it's made of wood, to prevent warping or damage.

Over time, even the most durable kickers can show signs of wear. Check for chips, cracks, or loose components. On wooden kickers, look for splinters or areas where the finish might be peeling. Small chips can usually be sanded smooth to prevent damage to your fingerboard or fingers. Larger cracks, especially on plastic kickers, might indicate it's time for a replacement if they affect structural integrity.

If your kicker has any metal parts, like a coping on a quarter pipe, check for rust. A light application of mineral oil can help prevent rust from forming. Make sure to wipe off any excess oil before riding.

Where you store your kicker matters. Extreme temperatures or humidity can affect wooden and some plastic kickers. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for extended periods or in damp environments. A cool, dry place is ideal. If your kicker is part of a larger park setup that you frequently move, handle it carefully to avoid accidental drops and impacts, which can cause chips or cracks, especially on the edges.

A well-maintained kicker is a reliable kicker. It means consistent pop, smooth landings, and a longer lifespan for your obstacle. Treating your obstacles with care is part of respecting your setup and ensuring every session is as good as the last.