How to Do Freestyle Tricks on an ATV Quad

ATV rider performing a high jump

Performing freestyle tricks on an all-terrain vehicle can be quite exhilarating, but it can also be dangerous if not practiced carefully. From the more simplistic single jumps to the complex cliffhanger, there are many types of tricks that can be performed by the rider. Taking baby steps and practicing will allow beginners to become more advanced freestyle riders.

Instructions

Single Jumps

1. Scope out the landing zone ahead of the jump. Look to see if there are any obstacles that might cause the jump to be unsuitable. If the landing zone cannot be visually seen, ask another person to look before attempting the jump.

2. Crouch your body into an attack position. This will allow you to gain speed before hitting the ramp.

3. Bend your knees and keep your elbows out in preparation to pull the ATV upward after leaving the ramp. This will also give you more control of the ATV while it is moving toward the ramp.

4. Accelerate the ATV to the proper speed depending on the ramp size and jumping distance. For example, a smaller ramp and jumping distance will require less throttle then a larger ramp and jumping distance.

5. Lift your body upward and keep the ATV's front end slightly higher than the rear while departing from the ramp.

6. Land the ATV on the rear wheels.

Heel Clicker

1. Find a ramp that will give a few seconds of airtime. The ATV will need to be in the air long enough for the trick to be performed.

2. Accelerate the ATV up to the end of the ramp.

3. Click your feet up and out in front of you past your arms while holding onto the handlebars.

4. Click your feet together once or twice depending on the amount of air time.

5. Bring your feet back down and place yourself in a crouching position for the landing. Land the ATV on the rear wheels for a smoother landing.

Cliffhanger

1. Find a ramp that will give you a large amount of airtime. About four to five seconds of airtime are needed to perform this trick.

2. Accerlerate the ATV up until the end of the ramp.

3. Let go of the handlebars and reach outward past them, while stretching out your body so that it is parallel to the ATV while up in the air.

4. Keep your head up, watching out for how much longer you will have before having to grab the handlebars.

5. Reach down for the handlebars. Pull yourself back down onto the seat and uphold a crouching position. Land the ATV on the rear wheels.

Tips & Warnings

• Start off jumping from small ramps then increase sizes with gaining experience.

• Always have a first aid kit and phone nearby in case of an accident.

• Never ride an ATV alone in case of an emergency.

• Always wear protective gear when riding or performing tricks on an ATV, including a helmet, boots, chest protector, arm pads and knee pads.

References

• Used Four Wheelers
• ATV Style