If you’re learning how to skateboard and want to take your skills from the flat ground to the ramps, one of the first tricks you’ll want to master is the rock to fakie. This trick is a classic transition move that teaches balance, control, and confidence on ramps and quarter pipes. It looks stylish, feels smooth, and opens the door to learning more advanced lip tricks.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what a rock to fakie is, how to do it step by step, and some pro tips to help you land it consistently.
What Is a Rock to Fakie?
A rock to fakie is a skateboard trick performed on a quarter pipe, mini ramp, or any transition. You ride up the ramp, place your front truck over the coping so your board “rocks” on it, then shift your weight back and roll down the ramp the way you came — fakie.
It’s one of the first tricks skaters learn when transitioning from flat ground to ramps because it builds confidence riding fakie and teaches you how to work with coping.
Step-by-Step: How to Rock to Fakie on a Skateboard
1. Approach the Ramp with Enough Speed
Start by rolling toward the quarter pipe with moderate speed. You’ll need just enough momentum to get your front truck over the coping. Too slow and you won’t clear it; too fast and you might overshoot.
2. Ride Up and “Rock” Over the Coping
As you reach the top, let your front wheels go over the coping while keeping your back wheels on the ramp. Your board will “rock” on the coping with your front truck poking over the edge.
3. Center Your Balance
Pause briefly in the rock position. Keep your shoulders square with the ramp and your weight evenly distributed. Don’t lean too far forward — this is where many beginners hang up.
4. Shift Your Weight Back
To come back in, gently shift your weight back toward your tail. Lean back slightly so your front wheels can clear the coping as you roll back into the ramp.
5. Ride Away Fakie
Once your wheels are back in the ramp, bend your knees and stay loose as you roll away fakie (backward). Congratulations — you just landed your first rock to fakie!
Tips for Landing Rock to Fakie
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Look over your shoulder: It helps you stay balanced when rolling back fakie.
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Commit fully: Hesitation is the number one reason skaters hang up. Trust your motion and lean back.
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Practice on a mellow ramp: Start small before trying it on steep quarter pipes.
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Stay low: Bend your knees throughout the trick for balance and control.
Why Learn Rock to Fakie?
If you’re serious about learning how to skateboard, the rock to fakie is an essential milestone. It teaches:
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How to work with coping
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How to ride fakie confidently
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Balance and commitment on ramps
Once you’ve got it down, you’ll be ready for tricks like rock ‘n’ rolls, axle stalls, and disaster reverts.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to skateboard is all about building confidence trick by trick. The rock to fakie is the perfect move to start your transition journey because it combines style, balance, and progression. Keep practicing, stay committed, and soon you’ll be flowing through ramps with ease.