A flair is a backflip with a 180 turn out of a quarter pipe: you go up the ramp, flip back while turning, and land riding back down the same ramp. It is one of the tricks riders in our survey most want to learn.
What you need first
- A consistent backflip into a foam pit or onto a resi ramp.
- Confident airs on a quarter pipe, including turning 180 in the air and landing back into the ramp.
- A quarter pipe into a foam pit, or a resi quarter pipe, plus a full-face helmet and pads.
Step by step
- Start on a resi quarter or into a foam pit. As with backflips, you cannot bail half way round.
- Ride up the quarter with good speed. Stand tall and let the ramp send you up.
- Look back over your shoulder. At the lip, turn your head and shoulders back and to the side you normally turn your 180s.
- Flip and turn together. It is a backflip with a twist: the bike goes over and round at the same time, following your head.
- Spot the ramp. Keep looking for the transition you are landing on.
- Land back into the ramp. Back wheel first into the transition, then ride down and away.
Common mistakes
- Only flipping. Without the turn you go straight over and land on the deck or flat. Look over your shoulder, not just back.
- Only turning. Without the backwards throw it becomes a 180 that comes up short.
- Not enough height. Go a little faster up the ramp so you have time to get round.
- Committing half way. Once you throw it, finish it, into the pit or onto the resi.
Stay safe
- Wear a full-face helmet, gloves, knee and shin pads, and ideally a back protector.
- Learn on a resi quarter or into a foam pit only, until you land it every time.
- Never try one alone. Have a coach or experienced rider with you.
More on gear and bailing on the safety page.
What’s next
Once flairs are consistent, riders add barspins or tailwhips to them. More Advanced tricks →