How to Pump on Roller Skates
Pumping forwards and backwards (fakie) is a fundamental skill when roller skating at the skate park. This video will explain the technique and body mechanics of pumping to help you gain more power in your pump!
Similar to gaining momentum on a swing, you want to transfer your weight driving it through your hips and legs and pushing into the ramp. When skating forwards, you are looking to push this power through your heels. When skating backwards, you are pushing the power through your toes.
For maximum pumping power, you will need to pump four times
- Pumping forward up the ramp (heels)
- Pumping fakie down the ramp (toes)
- Pumping fakie up the ramp (toes)
- Pumping forward down the ramp (heels)
If you are new to pumping, then pumping on a half-pipe, especially a vert ramp, can be exhausting. But as you practice, you will become more efficient in your technique and use less energy.
Shorty (Christine Murray) started roller skating in 2009 when she joined the Canberra Roller Derby League. Over her 10-year roller derby career, she skated for Team Australia, Team Korea, and Gotham Roller Derby. After retiring and moving to South Korea, Shorty expanded her roller skating passion to park skating and continued teaching via her YouTube Channel, Shorty’s Skate Series, to give back to the community. Connect with her on Instagram and check out her YouTube channel for skate park tips and tutorials!