How to Revert on a Skateboard (2026)
A revert spins the board 180 degrees on its wheels so you roll away fakie. Here's how to set up, turn your shoulders and slide it smoothly.
What Is a Revert?
A revert is a 180-degree spin where all four wheels stay on the ground, sliding the board around so you ride away fakie. Skaters use reverts to finish tricks smoothly, especially in bowls and on ramps. They feel surfy and stylish once you've got them.
Setup
| Factor | What Helps |
|---|---|
| Wheels | Hard, slippery wheels slide easily |
| Surface | Smooth concrete |
| Speed | Moderate; too slow won't slide |
| Stance | Feet over the bolts, knees bent |
How to Revert on Flat Ground
- Roll at a comfortable speed on smooth concrete.
- Wind up your shoulders slightly in the opposite direction.
- Unwind: turn your head and shoulders in the direction of the spin.
- Push your back foot around while keeping weight centered.
- Let the wheels slide until you've turned 180 degrees.
- Ride away fakie with knees bent.
How to Revert on a Ramp
- Ride up a small transition and come back down.
- As you come down, turn your shoulders and push the tail around.
- The transition helps the wheels slide; finish the 180 and roll away.
Revert Variations
| Variation | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Backside revert | Rotate with your back to the direction of travel |
| Frontside revert | Rotate facing the direction of travel |
| Front-truck revert | Pivot on the front wheels instead, similar to a fakie kickturn |
| Switch revert | Revert while riding switch |
| Trick to revert | Land a trick and flow straight into the revert, like a shove-it revert |
Reverting Out of Tricks
A revert adds style to the end of a trick, but timing matters: start the rotation as you land, so it flows out of the trick. Spinning around well after landing looks like a separate move. Start with simple tricks, like a 180 or shove-it, before adding reverts to flips.
Get the Screech
A clean revert usually makes a quick screech as the wheels slide. If the wheels grip and stall instead, unweight the back wheels a little more and commit to the rotation. Harder wheels slide more easily than soft cruiser wheels.
Common Mistakes
- Leaning back: keep your weight centered.
- Not turning your shoulders: your body leads the board.
- Soft wheels: they grip instead of sliding.
- Too slow: you need a little momentum.
Gear
See hard vs soft wheels, goofy vs regular (for fakie and switch) and how to drop in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a revert in skateboarding?
A 180-degree spin with all four wheels on the ground, usually after a trick or a landing, so you ride away fakie or switch.
Do I need hard wheels to revert?
Hard wheels make reverts easier because they slide. Soft wheels grip and make reverts harder.
How do I revert on a ramp?
Come down the transition, turn your shoulders and push your back foot around as the wheels slide 180 degrees.
Is a revert the same as a powerslide?
Similar, but a powerslide slides sideways and returns; a revert completes 180 degrees.
What tricks combine with reverts?
Many park tricks, like rock to fakie variations, frontside airs and slides, finish with a revert.