kicktail

A kicktail is a term commonly used in skateboarding to describe the upwardly curved tail of a skateboard deck. This curvature is a defining feature of many modern skateboard designs. The primary purpose of a kicktail is to facilitate tricks and maneuvers that involve lifting the skateboard off the ground.

Skateboarders utilize the kicktail by applying pressure with their back foot, causing the tail to pop off the ground. This pop, when combined with other foot movements and body coordination, is essential for performing aerial tricks, ollies, and flips. The angle and length of the kicktail can vary between different skateboard models, influencing the ease and height of tricks. For instance, a steeper kicktail may offer more pop, while a longer one might provide more leverage.

Beyond its functional role in tricks, the kicktail also affects the overall feel and control of the skateboard. It can assist in steering and making quick turns. In some cases, the kicktail can also be used as a braking mechanism, although this is not its intended primary function. The inclusion of a kicktail has become standard on most street and park skateboards, distinguishing them from older designs or specialized boards like longboards, which often lack this feature. The development of the kicktail was a significant innovation in skateboard design, opening up a vast array of new possibilities for tricks and freestyle riding.