The coconut wheelie stands out as a classic freestyle trick that's as flashy as it is iconic. Legend has it, it was pioneered by Pierre Andre, the skateboarding icon who laid the foundation for Etnies, éS, Emerica, and 32 Boots. Catch him in 1980s Huntington Beach, making it look effortlessly cool in contests, videos, and ads, cementing its place as a go-to for today's skaters.
So, what exactly is a coconut wheelie? It's when you stand on the side of your board as you roll on the outside edge of your wheels. If you're new to skating or grew up on Rodney Mullen videos, you might mistake it for a primo slide, but those are a bit more of a challenge — primo slides involve sliding along the side of your wheels and deck. Big shoutout to Primo Desiderio for pioneering that one. Coconut wheelies don't rely on slippery ground, wax, and brute force. instead, they require finesse and balance.
The secret to coconut wheelies lies in the wheels. Specifically, freestyle wheels with an offset shape that covers the axle edge, giving you better balance and a solid base for tricks like coconut wheelies, primos, and rail stands. Trust me, trying these moves with street wheels? Good luck—they'll chew up your axles like it's their job.
Now, let's break down the coconut wheelie. Start with your front foot centered, along the heelside edge of your board... maybe like you're gearing up for a kickflip. Plant your back foot near the rear truck, hanging off the toe side. Roll with medium speed, press down on your front foot to tilt the board onto its side. Quick, catch the wheel with your back foot before the deck kisses the ground. Then, shift your weight back onto the other wheel with your front foot and cruise on the edge. Simple, right? Well, maybe not at first glance.
For a deeper dive into mastering the coconut wheelie, check out Quentin's Trick Tip
