If monstrous gaps and huge rails epitomise that raw, reckless side of skateboarding that we all love, then the manual is all about balance, finesse, delicacy and tact. These two ‘areas’ aren’t always separate though (see Daewon’s madness below), but nonetheless they are indicative of skateboarding’s range, versatility, and flexibility. There are few, if any, stipulated rules and codes -Don’t snake man, Don’t be a dick. The board and the street/park encourage creativity, freedom and expression, and that’s what makes skateboarding so awesome, and so different from any other active ‘sport’ around. As always, we’re keen to give a platform to something that we’re passionate about, so check out the list below to see some of the sickest, most daring, and most technical manuals that have been caught on tape.
Sewa Kroetkov – 540 flip to nose manual to nollie late flip out
Daewon Song – 360flip, Noseblunt, Manual
Rodney Mullen – Switch Kickflip, One Foot Nose Manual
Mike Mo – Kickflip Nose Manual, Switch Flip Fake Manual
Fernan Origel – Nollie Late Front Foot Flip, Nose Manual
Daewon Song – Fakie Manual, Replaces Wheel