There are a lot of things that go into learning how to do a tailwhip on your BMX bike. Perhaps the most important thing is gaining the proper balance and understanding how to use your weight to control the motion of the bike.
Practicing in a safe, open space is also important, as you’ll need plenty of room to get up enough speed and make the jump necessary for completing the trick. With a little practice, you’ll be able to nail this impressive move.
How to Do Tailwhip BMX - Full Guide
When attempting a tailwhip on your BMX bike, it’s important to get a feel for the proper balance and weight distribution that you’ll need. Start by riding slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
As you approach the lip of the jump, use your weight to pre-load the bike by shifting your body forward and downward. This will help to get the bike in the air more quickly and allow you to maintain better control.
Once you’re in the air, begin tucking your knees into your chest and tucking your chin down toward your chest as well. As you start to rotate the bike, use your body weight to help control the spin.
As you come around, begin to extend your legs and allow the bike to come back under you. Land with both feet on the pedals, ready to ride away. With a little practice, you’ll have this trick down in no time.
Practice your jumps and airing out
One of the most important things you can do to learn how to tailwhip is to get comfortable jumping and airing out on your bike.
This will help you get a feel for the motion and also give you the confidence you need to make the jump necessary to complete the trick. Find a safe, open space to practice in and start putting in some air time.
Start slowly and build up speed
When first learning how to tailwhip, it’s important to start slowly and gradually build up speed. This will help you get a feel for the proper balance and weight distribution that you’ll need. As you become more comfortable, you can begin to increase your speed.
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Wait until you’ve completed a quarter-turn to kick the bike
As you rotate in the air, it’s important to wait until you’ve completed a quarter-turn before kicking the bike. This will help ensure that you maintain control of the bike and don’t overrotate.
Keep your chin tucked and your knees close to your chest
As you rotate, be sure to keep your chin tucked and your knees close to your chest. This will help you maintain control of the bike and keep you from getting dizzy.
Land with both feet on the pedals
When you come around, be sure to land with both feet on the pedals. In this way, you will be able to maintain control of the bike and avoid crashing.
Do the “washing machine”
One way to practice your tailwhip is to do the “washing machine.” This involves holding the bike with both hands and spinning it around in a circle.
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As you get more comfortable, you can begin to let go of the bike with one hand and then eventually with both hands. This will help you get a feel for the motion and also help build up your arm strength.
Use a friend to spot you
When first learning how to tailwhip, it can be helpful to have a friend spot you. This will help you stay safe and avoid crashing. Once you’re more comfortable with the trick, you can try going it alone.
Get plenty of practice
With a little practice, you’ll be nailing tailwhips in no time. Just remember to start slowly, build up speed gradually, and keep your chin tucked and your knees close to your chest. With these tips, you’ll be impressing your friends in no time.
As with any new trick, tailwhips take time and practice to master. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail it on your first try. Keep at it and soon you’ll be doing tailwhips like a pro.
Conclusion
Tailwhips are a fun and impressive BMX trick that is sure to impress your friends. With a little practice, you’ll be nailing them in no time. Just remember to start slowly, build up speed gradually, and keep your chin tucked and your knees close to your chest. With these tips, you’ll be impressing your friends in no time. Thanks for reading and happy riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it usually take to learn how to do a tailwhip on a BMX bike?
It takes most people anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to learn how to do a tailwhip on a BMX bike. It all depends on how much practice you put in and how comfortable you are with the motion.
Is it necessary to have a friend spot you when learning how to do a tailwhip?
Yes, it’s necessary to have a friend spot you when learning how to do a tailwhip. However, it can be helpful, especially when first starting out. Having someone there to help you stay safe and avoid crashing can be a big help.
What should I do if I start to feel dizzy while doing a tailwhip?
If you start to feel dizzy while doing a tailwhip, it’s important to stop immediately. This is usually a sign that you’re going too fast or that you’re not keeping your chin tucked and your knees close to your chest. If you start to feel dizzy, slow down and be sure to keep your body in the proper position.
How do I do a tailwhip on a BMX bike?
To perform a tailwhip on a BMX bike, follow these steps:
- Start by gaining some speed and getting comfortable on your bike.
- As you ride, position your dominant foot on the pedal you feel most comfortable with (usually the rear pedal).
- Approach a ramp or jump that provides enough height and space for you to execute the tailwhip.
- As you approach the ramp, bend your knees and prepare to launch off the ramp.
- As you leave the ramp, use your arms and upper body to initiate the spin. Start by rotating your upper body and handlebars in the opposite direction of your dominant foot (for example, if your dominant foot is right, rotate your upper body and handlebars to the left).
- Simultaneously kick your non-dominant foot off the pedal, extending your leg to whip the rear end of the bike around.
- Keep your eyes focused on the spinning bike and be ready to catch the pedals with your non-dominant foot as the bike completes the rotation.
- Once the bike has completed the tailwhip, bring your non-dominant foot back onto the pedal and prepare for landing.
- As you approach the ground, bend your knees to absorb the impact and maintain control.
- Practice and repetition are key to mastering the tailwhip. Start with small jumps and gradually work your way up to bigger ramps as you gain confidence and control.
Remember, performing tricks like the tailwhip can be risky, so always wear appropriate safety gear such as a helmet and pads, and make sure to practice in a safe and supervised environment.
