Jordan Ellis
A hospital flip on a Tech Deck is a stylish and intermediate-level trick that combines a backside 180-degree flip with a grab, creating a visually striking maneuver. To execute this trick, start by positioning your fingers comfortably on the Tech Deck, typically with your middle finger on the edge and your index finger near the nose. As you pop the tail down, simultaneously flick the board with your fingers to initiate the flip while using your front foot to scoop and guide the board into a backside rotation. During the flip, reach down to grab the board between the trucks with your non-dominant hand, holding it briefly before releasing and landing smoothly. Practice is key, as timing the grab and rotation requires precision and coordination. Mastering the hospital flip not only enhances your Tech Deck skills but also adds a creative flair to your fingerboarding repertoire.
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What You'll Learn
- Prepping the Deck: Clean, sand, and prime the Tech Deck for a smooth hospital flip base
- Grip Tape Application: Apply grip tape securely to enhance control during the flip
- Finger Placement: Position fingers correctly for balance and precision in execution
- Flip Technique: Master the hospital flip motion with wrist snap and timing
- Landing Stability: Practice smooth landings to maintain control and complete the trick
Prepping the Deck: Clean, sand, and prime the Tech Deck for a smooth hospital flip base
Before attempting a hospital flip on your Tech Deck, ensure the deck’s surface is flawless. Fingerprints, dust, or factory residue can disrupt paint adhesion and ruin the trick’s aesthetic. Start by cleaning the deck with isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration) and a lint-free cloth. Avoid household cleaners, as they leave behind films that hinder priming. Wipe in straight, overlapping strokes, focusing on the edges and concave areas where grime accumulates. Let the deck air-dry for 10 minutes before proceeding—rushing this step risks trapping moisture under the primer.
Sanding is where precision meets patience. Use 400-grit sandpaper to degloss the factory finish, creating a texture that grips primer. Work in circular motions, applying even pressure to avoid uneven wear. Pay special attention to the nose and tail, as these areas bear the brunt of the flip’s impact. After sanding, blow off dust with compressed air (canned air works) or wipe with a tack cloth. Skip this step, and your primer will flake off mid-flip, leaving your deck looking like a botched DIY project.
Priming transforms a toy into a professional-grade tool. Choose a high-build automotive primer (gray or white) for maximum durability. Shake the can for two minutes to ensure proper mixing, then hold it 6–8 inches from the deck. Apply thin, overlapping coats, waiting 15 minutes between layers. Two coats are ideal—enough to seal the wood without adding bulk. Over-priming makes the deck too heavy for precise flips, while under-priming exposes wood grain that catches on grip tape.
The hospital flip demands a base as smooth as a surgeon’s scalpel. After priming, lightly sand the deck again with 600-grit paper to knock down any primer bumps. Wipe clean, then inspect under bright light to catch imperfections. This step separates the pros from the weekend warriors: a glass-smooth surface reduces friction during the flip, allowing for cleaner rotations. Ignore it, and your deck will wobble mid-air, crashing harder than a first-year med student’s diagnosis.
Finally, let the deck cure for 24 hours before adding graphics or grip tape. Humidity accelerates drying but risks bubbling; keep the workspace between 65–75°F. Once cured, test the deck’s slide on a flat surface—it should glide like a stethoscope on a patient’s chest. With a properly prepped base, your hospital flip will land as smoothly as a seasoned doctor’s bedside manner.
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Grip Tape Application: Apply grip tape securely to enhance control during the flip
The hospital flip demands precision, and your Tech Deck's grip tape is the unsung hero of this trick. Think of it as the friction-filled foundation for your board control. A poorly applied grip tape job means a slippery disaster, sending your miniature skater tumbling instead of soaring.
Here's the breakdown: grip tape's sandpaper-like surface creates the necessary traction between your fingers and the board. This friction allows you to manipulate the board during the intricate flips and catches of the hospital flip.
Application is key. Start by cleaning your Tech Deck's surface thoroughly with rubbing alcohol to ensure the adhesive bonds properly. Cut the grip tape slightly larger than your deck, allowing for a small overhang. Peel the backing and carefully align the tape, smoothing it down from the center outwards to avoid bubbles. Use a hairdryer on low heat to gently warm the tape, making it more pliable and easier to mold around the deck's edges.
Once applied, trim the excess tape with a sharp razor blade, following the deck's contours closely. File the edges smooth to prevent snagging.
Grit matters. For Tech Decks, a medium-grit grip tape (around 80-100 grit) strikes a balance between control and finger comfort. Coarser grit provides more grip but can be harsh on your skin, while finer grit sacrifices some control for a smoother feel.
Maintenance is crucial. Over time, grip tape wears down, losing its abrasive quality. Regularly inspect your tape for signs of wear and tear, and replace it when necessary. A fresh sheet of grip tape can breathe new life into your Tech Deck and significantly improve your hospital flip success rate.
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Finger Placement: Position fingers correctly for balance and precision in execution
Mastering the hospital flip on a Tech Deck demands precise finger placement, as even a millimeter of misalignment can send your board tumbling. Your middle and ring fingers act as the fulcrum, positioned firmly on the deck's tail. This grip provides the stability needed to initiate the flip while allowing your index finger to act as the lever, applying controlled pressure to the nose. Think of your fingers as a tripod, each playing a crucial role in maintaining balance during the trick's execution.
Fine-tuning finger placement is an art honed through repetition. Experiment with slight adjustments to find the sweet spot where your fingers feel naturally anchored yet agile. Remember, too much pressure from the index finger will cause the board to over-rotate, while insufficient pressure will result in a lackluster flip. Aim for a delicate balance, akin to a surgeon's touch, where precision trumps force.
Consider the analogy of a tightrope walker: their balance relies on subtle shifts in weight distribution. Similarly, during a hospital flip, your fingers must work in harmony, adjusting pressure and positioning in real-time to counter the board's movement. This dynamic interplay between fingers and deck is what transforms a static grip into a fluid, controlled motion.
Practicing finger placement in isolation can accelerate your progress. Start by simply holding the Tech Deck in the starting position, focusing on maintaining a consistent grip without actually performing the flip. This isolates the crucial element of finger positioning, allowing you to refine your technique before introducing the complexity of the flip itself.
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Flip Technique: Master the hospital flip motion with wrist snap and timing
The hospital flip on a Tech Deck is a visually striking trick that hinges on precision and rhythm. Unlike simpler flips, this maneuver demands a delicate balance between wrist snap and board timing. Imagine your wrist as the fulcrum, your fingers as the conductors, and the board as the instrument—all must harmonize for a seamless execution.
Step Breakdown: Begin by holding the Tech Deck with your dominant hand, positioning your thumb and middle finger on the trucks for stability. The key lies in the setup: tilt the board slightly backward, creating a launching angle. As you flick the board upward with your fingers, simultaneously snap your wrist downward. This dual action generates the initial rotation. Here’s the critical part: time your catch precisely as the board completes one full rotation. Your free hand should be poised to grab the board mid-air, ensuring it doesn’t over-rotate or wobble.
Common Pitfalls: Over-snapping the wrist often sends the board into a chaotic spin, while insufficient snap results in a lackluster flip. Timing is equally unforgiving—catch too early, and the board stalls; too late, and it tumbles. Practice isolating each component: first, master the wrist snap without catching, then focus on timing the catch.
Pro Tip: Visualize the board’s trajectory as a controlled arc rather than a wild flip. This mental framing encourages smoother, more deliberate movements. For beginners, start with a slower wrist snap to better observe the board’s rotation before increasing speed.
Takeaway: The hospital flip is less about brute force and more about finesse. By refining your wrist snap and internalizing the board’s rhythm, you’ll transform this trick from a gamble into a consistent, crowd-pleasing staple of your Tech Deck repertoire.
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Landing Stability: Practice smooth landings to maintain control and complete the trick
A botched landing can turn a promising hospital flip into a frustrating faceplant. The key to sticking this trick lies in mastering smooth, controlled descents. Imagine your Tech Deck as a miniature athlete – a jerky landing will send it tumbling, while a graceful touch ensures a triumphant finish.
Think of your landing as the period at the end of a perfectly crafted sentence. It needs to be decisive, yet delicate. Too much force, and you'll overshoot; too little, and you'll wobble. The sweet spot lies in a gentle, controlled compression of the board, allowing the wheels to make contact with the surface simultaneously.
Achieving this requires dedicated practice. Start by focusing on slow, deliberate landings from low heights. Visualize your board as a feather settling onto the ground. Gradually increase the height and speed, always prioritizing smoothness over speed. Remember, consistency is key. Aim for ten flawless landings in a row before progressing to more challenging setups.
Utilize tools to refine your technique. A soft landing surface like a carpet or foam pad can provide a forgiving environment for experimentation. Observe experienced riders, analyzing their body positioning and board control during landings. Slow-motion video analysis can reveal subtle adjustments that make a significant difference.
The reward for your dedication? A hospital flip that flows seamlessly, a testament to your mastery of both the trick's explosive takeoff and its graceful conclusion. Smooth landings not only enhance the visual appeal of the trick but also demonstrate a deeper understanding of board control, a skill that will benefit you in every aspect of Tech Deck riding.
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Frequently asked questions
A hospital flip is a trick where the skateboard (or tech deck) flips 360 degrees while the rider mimics being thrown or "flipped" like a patient in a hospital, often involving a grab and a twist of the body.
Begin by practicing basic flips like the kickflip or heelflip. Once comfortable, focus on grabbing the board with your front hand while twisting your body to initiate the 360-degree rotation. Use slow, controlled movements to master the trick.
Ensure your grab is firm but not too tight, and keep your eyes on the board throughout the flip. Practice the twist motion without the board first to get the timing right. Finally, spot your landing and commit fully to the trick to avoid under-rotating or over-rotating.
