How to Do a BMX Tailwhip

Watch any BMX competition at the local park or on the big stage with the professionals, and you will see a 360 tailwhip. Many times, you will see the 360 tailwhip performed during street competitions (where it originated). The 360 tailwhip has moved to the air and can be done off a jump. Some professionals have recently started doing double tailwhips, swinging the body of the bike around for a 720. You need to be able to perform the 360 tailwhip on the ground before you do it in the air.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Protective gear
• Open area

1. Find a smooth open area to do the first 360 tailwhip.
2. Pedal the bike slowly to get a little speed, which will help you maintain your balance.
3. Position the pedals on the bike so the right pedal is forward.
4. Move your right foot from the pedal to the opposite side of the bike, near the top tube.
5. Move your left foot from the pedal to the peg on the bike. Both of your feet should be on the left side of the bike.
6. Grab the front brake to slow down the bike to a stop. Move your right foot to the top of the front tire, directly behind the forks.
7. Do a small endo by bringing the back tire off the ground.
8. Swing the body of the bike around by pushing the bike with your left foot. The back tire and frame should move counterclockwise.
9. Move all of your weight to your front right foot on the front tire.
10. Keep track of the body of the BMX bike as it swings in a circle. Raise your left foot to the top of the tube as the body comes near the completion of the 360 rotation.
11. Move your feet back to the pedals once the body of the BMX bike finishes its 360 rotation. Your right foot should automatically be on the right side of the bike after the body spins. You cleared the left side of the bike by lifting your left foot over the tube during the rotation.
12. Release the brake.
13. Pedal away, and watch your friends' jaws drop.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear protective gear when working on a new trick, like the 360 tailwhip.
• Be prepared to fall often when learning to do the 360 tailwhip as you work on your balance and timing for this trick.
• Make sure you have the endo down pat before trying to do the 360 tailwhip.