What is "ollies"?

Ollies are one of the most fundamental and iconic tricks in skateboarding. It is a basic trick where the skateboarder and board leap into the air without the use of the rider's hands, and it serves as the foundation for many other tricks in skateboarding. The ollie was invented by skateboard legend Alan "Ollie" Gelfand in the late 1970s, hence the name "ollie".

The ollie is performed by using the rider's back foot to snap the tail of the board down while simultaneously sliding the front foot up the board towards the nose. This motion causes the board to pop up into the air, with the skateboarder jumping with it. The key to a successful ollie is timing and coordination between the snap of the tail and the slide of the front foot. By controlling the height and direction of the ollie, skateboarders can perform various tricks and maneuvers while in the air.

One of the reasons why the ollie is such a crucial trick in skateboarding is its versatility. Once a skateboarder masters the ollie, they can then move on to more advanced tricks such as kickflips, heelflips, 360 flips, and many more. These tricks all build upon the basic mechanics of the ollie, making it an essential skill to have for any skateboarder looking to progress in their abilities.

In addition to being a foundational trick, the ollie is also a crowd-pleaser and a staple in skateboarding competitions. Skateboarders often incorporate ollies into their runs to showcase their technical skills and creativity. The ollie can be performed over obstacles such as stairs, rails, gaps, and ramps, adding an extra level of difficulty and excitement to the trick.

Skateboarding has evolved significantly since the invention of the ollie, with skateboarders pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a skateboard. Today, skateboarders are constantly innovating and coming up with new variations of the ollie, such as the nollie (where the rider pops the nose of the board instead of the tail) and the fakie ollie (where the rider performs the trick while riding in the opposite direction). These variations add a new dimension to the ollie and showcase the creativity and skill of skateboarders.

The ollie has also had a significant impact on popular culture, with many skateboarders becoming household names for their mastery of the trick. Skateboarding videos and competitions often feature jaw-dropping ollies that leave viewers in awe of the skater's talent and dedication. The ollie has become a symbol of the rebellious spirit and creativity of skateboarding, inspiring generations of skateboarders to push themselves to new heights.

In recent years, the ollie has continued to be a focal point in the skateboarding world, with skateboarders constantly pushing the limits of what is possible with the trick. Skaters such as Rodney Mullen, Tony Hawk, and Nyjah Huston have all made significant contributions to the evolution of the ollie, showcasing its potential for creativity and innovation.

With the recent inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics, the ollie has gained even more prominence on the world stage. Skateboarders from around the globe are competing at the highest level, showcasing their skills and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the sport. The ollie remains a key element in these competitions, with skaters incorporating it into their routines to impress the judges and spectators.

Overall, the ollie is not just a trick in skateboarding; it is a symbol of the sport's creativity, innovation, and endless possibilities. As skateboarding continues to evolve and grow in popularity, the ollie will remain a vital skill for skateboarders of all levels. Whether you are a beginner learning the basics or a seasoned pro pushing the limits of what is possible, the ollie will always be at the heart of skateboarding culture.