Trick Tip: How to Avoid Flatspots and Ovaling

**Rich Nelson** · 07-18-2011 10:30 AM

Well it's not exactly a 'trick' but it can be very helpful.

**isk** · 07-18-2011 10:54 AM

thanks for putting this out there, im sure many people are still unaware of this.

**Minor Thing** · 07-18-2011 10:57 AM

Very nice.

**Rich Nelson** · 07-19-2011 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by isk

thanks for putting this out there, im sure many people are still unaware of this.

Yea definitely, there always seem to be a lot of people worried about flatspots, but not to much solid info one how to alter your technique to really avoid them.

Also one thing that I forgot to mention in the video is that flatspots are not your wheels fault. I often see comments like "Don't get X wheels, I got them and the flat-spotted in a week". Of course different wheels wear faster or slower, making them more or less resistant to flatspots. But, in the end it's all in the technique, excluding the rare occasion where the wheels have some serious swirls that can cause uneven wear.

**Darrel** · 08-01-2011 07:31 PM

I remember kyle chin saying that if you dig in your heels for toe side powerslides, and if your trucks are turny enough, it'll help avoid flatspotting.

**Dimm** · 08-02-2011 09:35 AM

yeah good thing to know... especially if you're riding otangs. You can see James and Kevin in the old otang videos never hold their standups 90. always at like a 45. ****** weird though I don't feel comfortable doing that.

**cawlin** · 08-02-2011 09:49 AM

holding standys at less than 90* makes them easier in the rain, too.

**aFoolOnAHill** · 08-02-2011 10:29 AM

The Berkeley freaks know what's up with this... It's so simple, but a lot of people don't realize it without being told.

**Rich Nelson** · 08-02-2011 11:15 AM

It's good to see this getting a bit of attention, Here is another good refrence for technique.

Those 72a flashies would probably be flat spotted to hell in one slide. But he keeps it at a slight angle and you can see how his thane lines make a big arc rather then a straight line.

also you can see that at the beginning of the slide even with the board at an angle the speed keeps you going pretty straight, but as you slow down you drift more and more to the side.

**Timmeh123** · 08-02-2011 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by Darrel

I remember kyle chin saying that if you dig in your heels for toe side powerslides, and if your trucks are turny enough, it'll help avoid flatspotting.

What how can you dig your heels in for toeside slide???