How to Go Down Ramps on Quad Skates: Drop-In Tutorial

Welcome to this step-by-step tutorial where you'll learn how to drop-in on quad skates! Whether you're new to inline skating or looking to perfect your technique, here you'll find essential tips for safely and controlled ramp descents.

I'm Dani Patín, and in this article, I'll explain the techniques and stances needed to master the drop-in . Always remember to wear full protective gear when trying new tricks.

Step 1: Drop-In from a Flat Ramp

The secret to a successful drop-in is to maintain proper body position at all times. Here are the key points:

• Scissor position: Separate your legs slightly. Identify which foot is most comfortable for you to be forward; this will be your dominant foot.
• Knee bend: Keep your knees bent and your body leaning forward.
• Low center of gravity: Position your head and torso forward, even a little lower during your first practices. This helps maintain balance since your center of gravity will be closer to the ground.

As you descend the ramp, maintain this same position, but make sure you're perpendicular to the ramp's incline . Practice on low, gentle ramps until you feel confident in your movements.

Step 2: Drop-In with Step on a Flat Ramp

Before tackling ramps with coping or camber, it's essential to understand how weight transfers when taking a step. Imagine a ramp with a coping (the tube at the edge), similar to a quarter pipe . Follow these tips:

• Dominant foot placement: Place your foot near the edge, either resting it sideways or using the brake to prevent unwanted movement.
• Position of the other foot: Step right in the center of the rim, so that the tube is between your wheels.
• Weight Transfer: Start with your weight on your dominant foot. When you feel ready, transfer it to your other foot, move your dominant foot forward, and assume a scissor position. Remember to always keep your knees bent and your body leaning forward.

A common mistake is placing your dominant foot too far from the edge, which can hinder movement and compromise your stability. Experiment and find the position that feels most comfortable for you, whether resting your foot on the brake or placing it sideways.

Step 3: Drop-In from a Quarter Pipe Ramp

Quarter pipe ramps have a curved transition and usually feature a coping at the top. To master the drop-in on this type of ramp, it's recommended that you first practice on a bowl or mini ramp , approaching the coping to understand the body position required for the transition.

Tips for Drop-In on the Quarter Pipe:

• Place your dominant foot near the coping: Then, position your other foot on the coping, leaving the tube right between your wheels.
• Transfer your weight: Once in position, shift your weight onto your coping foot to prepare for your step.
• Body position: Make sure your body stays perpendicular to the ramp's incline. As you step, lean forward even further, keep your knees bent, and achieve a scissor position to ensure stability.

In my case, I prefer to brake with my dominant foot when taking the step, but the important thing is to find the technique that works best for you. If you already use another method, share it in the comments!

Additionally, in this video, I filmed without slider blocks on my skates to demonstrate that it's possible to perform the trick without them. However, these blocks can provide greater stability when positioning the skate on the coping, giving you more confidence.

Tips for Falling Safely

Even with proper technique, there's always a risk of losing balance. If this happens:

• Crouch: Lower the knee of your back leg to smoothly slide over the knee pad and the rest of your protective gear.
• Land on both knee pads: This technique can also help you minimize impact.

Conclusion

I hope these steps help you achieve your first drop-in and encourage you to continue improving your quad skating skills. Feel free to share your questions and experiences in the comments, and remember to tag me on Instagram @superdanimon to share your progress.

If you found this tutorial helpful, please like and share it! Subscribe to my channel for more skating tips and tutorials.

Thanks for reading and good luck on your descents!