The 50 50 flip is a foundational skateboarding trick where a skater ollies onto a ledge, rail, or curb, landing evenly on both the front and back trucks so that both grind simultaneously across the obstacle.
Executing a successful 50 50 flip requires a seamless blend of precise board control, disciplined body weight distribution, and a thorough understanding of foundational skateboard physics. While it is often classified as an entry-level grind trick, mastering it demands countless hours of practice on flat ground, rolling setups, and low obstacles. Skaters must coordinate their pop, slide, lock-in, and exit with absolute precision to avoid sudden stops, wheel bites, or catastrophic hang-ups. This comprehensive guide explores the mechanics behind the trick, the step-by-step learning progression, equipment selection, common safety considerations, and targeted troubleshooting techniques to help skaters progress safely and effectively.
Understanding the Anatomy of a 50 50 Flip
Before attempting to take a 50 50 flip to an actual curb or rail, a skater must thoroughly understand the component parts that make up the maneuver. At its core, the trick relies on the intersection of two distinct movements: the vertical pop and leveling of an ollie, and the precise mechanical placement of the skateboard's trucks onto a sliding surface.
When a skater performs a standard ollie, they snap the tail of the board downward against the ground while sliding their front foot upward toward the nose. This action levels out the board in mid-air. For a 50 50, this trajectory must be precisely calculated so that the midpoint of the board aligns with the corner of the ledge or rail. If the skater pops too early, they will land short, resulting in a frustrating wheel bite or a blunt stop. If they pop too late, they will clear the obstacle entirely or land awkwardly on the opposite side.
Once the board is airborne and aligned with the obstacle, the skater must focus on truck placement. The front truck and the back truck must connect with the coping, ledge, or rail at the exact same moment. Landing heavy on the back truck turns the maneuver into a manual or a tail slide, while landing heavy on the front truck leads to a nose slide or a disastrous nose-dive. Achieving this balance requires shifting the torso's center of gravity directly over the center of the skateboard during the apex of the jump.
Prerequisites and Equipment Selection
Attempting advanced ledge tricks requires a properly set up skateboard and a firm grasp of underlying prerequisite maneuvers. Without these building blocks, skaters will find themselves fighting their own equipment and basic balance rather than focusing on the trick itself.
Essential Prerequisite Tricks
- The Stationary and Rolling Ollie: You must be able to ollie comfortably over obstacles and onto designated targets while maintaining forward momentum.
- Frontside and Backside 180s: Understanding board rotation and body alignment in the air is critical for positioning yourself parallel to a ledge.
- Frontside Board Slides or Axle Stalls: Familiarity with how metal or wood interacts with coping or concrete helps build the confidence required to slide rather than stick.
Equipment Considerations
Your choice of skateboard components directly impacts your ability to lock into and slide out of a 50 50 flip. Skaters should inspect their hardware and setup using the following guidelines:
| Component | Optimal Setup for Grinds | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Trucks | Standard width matching board | Trucks that are too narrow or too wide make truck alignment unpredictable on rails. |
| Wheels | Hardness 99A to 101A | Harder wheels slide more easily against concrete ledges and resist sticking. |
| Wax | Paraffin or skate wax (applied sparingly) | Reduces friction on rough concrete ledges, allowing for a smoother, longer grind. |
| Deck | 8.0 to 8.5 inches wide | Provides a stable platform for foot placement and landing impacts. |
Step-by-Step Execution Guide
Learning the 50 50 flip is a progressive journey. Breaking the maneuver down into discrete sequential phases ensures proper muscle memory development and reduces the risk of injury.
Step 1: Approach and Foot Placement
Approach the ledge at a comfortable, controlled rolling speed—neither too fast to lose control nor too slow to lack momentum through the grind. Position your feet similarly to a standard ollie: your back foot should rest securely in the pocket of the tail for maximum pop leverage, while your front foot should sit roughly two to three inches behind the front bolts. Your shoulders should remain parallel with the edge of your board, facing squarely toward the obstacle.
Step 2: The Pop and Approach Angle
As you approach within a few feet of the ledge, prepare to bend your knees deeply to store potential energy. Carve slightly away from the ledge just before popping to create a gentle, controlled arc toward the obstacle. Snap your tail downward aggressively while sliding your front foot upward. The angle of your approach should be relatively shallow—roughly 30 to 45 degrees relative to the ledge—allowing you to glide onto the surface smoothly rather than crashing into it perpendicularly.
Step 3: The Lock-In
At the peak of your ollie, guide the board over the edge. Consciously look down at the gap between your trucks and the coping or ledge. Drop both the front and back trucks down simultaneously. You will feel and hear a distinct click or scrape as the axles lock onto the corner of the obstacle. At this exact moment, distribute your weight evenly across both feet. Avoid leaning too far back or forward; your chest should remain centered directly over the bolts.
Step 4: Maintaining the Grind and Looking Ahead
Once locked in, do not look down exclusively at your feet. Keep your head up and look down the ledge toward your intended exit point. Maintain a light, balanced pressure on the board. If the ledge is un-waxed and sticky, you may need to apply slightly more forward momentum through your shoulders. If the ledge is slick, keep your weight centered and let the speed of your approach carry you naturally across the surface.
Step 5: The Exit and Rollaway
As you reach the end of the ledge or the terminal point of the rail, prepare to dismount. Give a gentle, controlled pop upward and outward, lifting the board clear of the obstacle. Turn your shoulders slightly in the direction of travel to ensure your landing gear aligns with your trajectory. Bend your knees deeply upon impact to absorb the shock of landing, extend your arms for balance, and roll away clean.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Every skater encounters specific stumbling blocks when learning how to 50 50. Recognizing these common errors allows you to correct your technique before bad habits become ingrained.
- Landing Only on the Back Truck: This usually happens when the skater leans too far backward out of fear or fails to slide the front foot forward enough during the ollie. Correction: Focus on keeping your shoulders centered over the board and practice ollies to flat ground while actively pushing the nose forward.
- The Hang-Up: A hang-up occurs when your wheels hit the ledge instead of your trucks, stopping the board instantly and sending you flying forward. Correction: Increase your pop height and ensure you are jumping high enough to clear the top edge of the obstacle entirely before dropping your trucks down.
- Turning Too Early or Too Late: Striking the ledge at a 90-degree angle often results in a violent stop, while approaching too parallel prevents you from locking onto the edge. Correction: Refine your approach carve, keeping it consistent at roughly a 45-degree angle.
- Sticking and Stopping: If the ledge is raw concrete or dry wood, your trucks or deck may grip the surface too hard. Correction: Apply a moderate amount of skate wax to the top corner and face of the ledge, and ensure your axle areas are free of debris.
Safety Considerations and Protective Gear
Skateboarding is an inherently high-impact sport where falls are a guaranteed part of the learning process. Before attempting tricks on elevated obstacles like ledges, stairs, or rails, skaters must take appropriate safety precautions.
Always inspect the skate spot before riding. Check the approach run-up for pebbles, cracks, or wet patches that could cause sudden wheel locks. Ensure the landing area is clear of pedestrians and other skaters.
Wearing a certified skate helmet is strongly recommended, especially when learning new impact-heavy tricks where unexpected hang-ups can cause sudden falls. Wrist guards and knee pads can also provide substantial protection during the initial learning phases, allowing skaters to commit to the trick with greater confidence and significantly reduced fear of injury. If you feel overly fatigued, take a break; tired muscles lead to poor coordination, slower reaction times, and increased vulnerability to accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do a 50 50 flip on a flat-ground curb?
Yes, standard low street curbs are the ideal place to learn and practice this trick. They offer a forgiving, manageable height while providing a realistic surface to practice your lock-in timing and exit rollaway.
Do I need to wax every ledge before trying this trick?
Not necessarily. Smooth granite or painted steel ledges often require little to no wax. However, rough, unsealed concrete ledges almost always require a light application of skate wax to allow your trucks to slide freely without sticking.
Why does my board keep flipping over when I try to ollie onto the ledge?
If your board is flipping over, you are likely flicking your front foot too hard or too close to the edge of the board, inadvertently turning the ollies into a kickflip. Focus on a clean, straight ollie motion without rolling your ankle outward.
Is a rail harder than a ledge for a 50 50?
Generally, yes. Rails offer a much narrower margin for error, requiring pinpoint accuracy during the pop and lock-in phases. Ledges are significantly wider and provide a more stable platform for beginners to learn the mechanics of the trick.
How fast should I roll when attempting this trick?
Your speed should match the length of the obstacle. A slow, controlled jog-speed is usually sufficient for short curbs, while longer ledges require a bit more momentum to carry you smoothly from entry to exit.
Conclusion and Next Actions
Mastering the 50 50 flip is a major milestone in any skater's progression, bridging the gap between basic flat-ground maneuvers and technical obstacle-based street skating. Success relies on consistent repetition, disciplined balance, and a methodical approach to spotting, locking in, and rolling away. Take your time practicing the prerequisite ollies and flat-ground setups before moving to real-world ledges. Start on low, forgiving curbs, apply wax sparingly when needed, and always prioritize safety by wearing appropriate protective gear. With patience, persistence, and careful attention to your body positioning, you will soon find yourself locking into smooth, confident grinds every single time.
