Why Do People Call Riding Fakie 'Backwards'? A Deep Dive
Skateboarding, a sport beloved by many, often involves complex and fascinating terminology. One of the most common questions novice riders ask is, 'Why do they call riding fakie backwards, even though you're going forwards?'
Understanding Fakie and Its Origins
The term "fakie" is perhaps one of the most recognizable in skateboarding. While it might seem counterintuitive, understanding the mechanics of why it's called that can help demystify this part of the sport.
When you ride in a fakie stance, you position your body in the same way you would when riding regular (meaning with your front foot on the front of the board). However, this position can make the rider feel as though they are going backwards. This is due to the body's natural tendency to look over its shoulder when starting a trick. This feeling is accentuated by the preparatory motion of turning around and preparing for a jump or flip.
Explaining Fakie with Examples
Another aspect of understanding fakie is through examples. Imagine you are about to execute a trick. In a fakie position, your upper body might end up looking over your shoulder as you prepare to reverse direction and perform the trick. This can indeed make it feel like you're rolling backwards.
Contrast this with switch skating, where a skateboarder rides backwards while still maintaining a regular stance. Essentially, the rider uses their tail as a front foot to guide the board, simulating the motion of a right-handed player in billiards.
Lastly, consider the nollie trick. Here, the rider sets up for the trick exactly like they would in a regular stance but starts with their front foot performing the action, with the board's nose (front) being the initial point of contact with the ground. Unlike fakie or switch, nollie tricks emphasize the front foot's role in the trick's execution.
Decoding the Terminology of Skateboarding
The technical language of skateboarding is rich and often confusing for those new to the sport. Understanding how to use these terms properly can help improve your communication and, eventually, your skills.
For instance, "fakie" is one of many terms that have grown organically within the skateboarding community. It became a useful shorthand to describe a particular riding style that felt and looked different from the more traditional regular or switch stances. Over time, these terms have been widely adopted and used in various competitive and recreational settings.
As you progress in your skateboarding journey, becoming familiar with such terminology can significantly enhance your learning experience and help you better communicate with fellow skateboarders.
Conclusion
The naming of skateboarding tricks and stances is often a combination of practicality, community consensus, and linguistic creativity. Fakie, like many skateboarding terms, originated from the intrinsic feel and motion of the rider's body, rather than the actual direction of travel.
By understanding these nuances, you not only gain a deeper appreciation for the sport but also become better equipped to navigate the rich and evolving vocabulary of skateboarding. Whether you're just starting out or have been skating for years, familiarity with these terms can be incredibly beneficial.