How to Manual on a Skateboard

A manual is one of those tricks that looks simple until you try it. Instead of popping the board into the air, you're balancing on just the back wheels while rolling forward. It takes patience, good balance, and lots of practice, but once it clicks, it's one of the most satisfying tricks to learn.

Mastering manuals also improves your overall board control, which makes learning more advanced tricks much easier.

What Is a Manual?

A manual is when you lift the front wheels off the ground and ride only on the back wheels without scraping the tail.

The goal isn't to lift the board as high as possible. It's to find the perfect balance point and hold it while rolling.

Step 1: Get Your Feet in Position

Place your back foot on the tail and your front foot just behind the front bolts.

Keep your knees slightly bent and your shoulders relaxed. A comfortable stance will help you stay balanced.

Step 2: Shift Your Weight

Start rolling at a slow, comfortable speed.

Lean your weight gently towards your back foot until the front wheels lift off the ground. You only need to raise them a few centimetres. Lifting too high makes it much harder to stay balanced.

Step 3: Find the Balance Point

The hardest part of a manual is finding the balance point.

If you lean too far back, the tail will hit the ground. If you lean too far forward, the front wheels will drop. Make small adjustments with your body instead of making big movements.

Step 4: Keep Looking Ahead

Don't look down at your feet while riding.

Keep your eyes looking where you're going. This helps you stay balanced and makes it easier to hold the manual for longer.

Practice a Little Every Session

Manuals take time to learn, so don't get discouraged if you can't hold one straight away.

Start by trying to balance for just a second or two. As your balance improves, you'll naturally be able to hold longer manuals without thinking about it.

Final Thoughts

The manual is one of the best tricks for improving balance and board control. It takes patience, but the more you practise, the more natural it becomes.

If you're learning on your first setup, don't compare skateboard price alone. A quality skateboard feels more stable and responsive, making balance tricks like manuals much easier to learn. Whether you're buying your first skateboard for adults or upgrading your current board, a well built setup will help you progress with more confidence.