Airing a quarter pipe means riding up the ramp, lifting the bike clear of the coping, turning in the air and landing back into the ramp. It is the first air most riders learn at a skatepark, and the base for barspins, 360s and flairs.
What you need first
- Riding up a quarter pipe and back down comfortably, turning around near the top.
- Pumping: pushing down through your legs in the transition to gain speed without pedalling.
- A bunny hop. The same lift gets your wheels over the coping.
In the video
Step by step
- Start on a small quarter. A low ramp with a mellow transition. Height comes later.
- Ride straight at it with speed. Pump the bottom of the ramp by pushing down with your legs.
- Ride up standing tall. Keep your weight centred and look at the coping.
- Lift at the top. As the front wheel reaches the coping, pull up with your arms and legs, like a bunny hop, so both wheels clear it.
- Turn in the air. Look over your shoulder back down the ramp and let the bike follow your head round.
- Land back in the transition. Back wheel first, high up in the ramp, knees bent, and ride away.
Common mistakes
- Not enough speed. The wheels catch the coping. Pump harder or start a little further back.
- Turning before you clear the coping. Get up and out first, then turn.
- Landing on the coping or the deck. Turn a little more so you come back into the ramp, not on top of it.
- Landing too low. Aim high in the transition. Landing near the flat bottom is a hard hit.
Stay safe
- Wear a helmet and knee pads.
- Look before you ride in and wait your turn. Other riders drop in from the deck.
- Learn on small quarters first. If your park has a resi quarter, start there.
More on gear and bailing on the safety page.
What’s next
Once you can air a quarter every time, try a barspin on it, or go a little higher each session. More Foundations tricks →