Everyone has that one trick that seems just out of reach, the dream trick they’ve always wanted to land. For our friend Jake Keenan, that trick has been the 540 for the past couple of years. It’s been a recurring item on his New Year’s resolutions, so when Vans reached out about Zion Wright being in town to promote his new shoe, we knew this was Jake’s golden opportunity. He’d have a chance to get some pro tips from a true master of the craft.
Unfortunately, Zion was nursing an injury, which meant Jake had to rely solely on Zion’s advice without any visual demonstrations. While this added an extra layer of challenge, Jake remained a good sport, giving his best effort until his body began to cramp up. A big shout out to Zion for his patience and to Jake for being the perfect test subject. Maybe it would have gone better if he was naked?
The challenge was to learn a 540, a trick where the rider rotates 540 degrees in the air on their longboard. Jake, with the guidance of Zion, tried to learn it.
Zion Wright offers advice to Jake Keenan on how to improve his 540 longboard trick attempt.
The 540 Challenge
The 540 is a notoriously difficult trick to master, requiring a perfect blend of balance, timing, and board control. It’s a jump where a rider spins one and a half rotations in the air while on their board, making a full circle and a half. The difficulty comes from the need to spin quickly enough, keep the board under your feet, and land smoothly. For Jake, the challenge was compounded by the fact that Zion couldn’t physically demonstrate the move due to his injury. This meant Jake had to grasp the nuances of the trick through verbal instruction alone. He had to understand the body positioning, the timing of the rotation, and the way to control the board in mid-air just by listening.
Zion’s Guidance
Zion Wright, despite his injury, proved to be a patient and insightful teacher. He broke down the 540 into its core components, explaining the importance of the wind-up, the pop off the ramp, and the timing of the rotation. He emphasized the need to commit to the spin fully and to keep the board directly underfoot. He provided tips about how to control momentum and how to prepare for a smooth landing. Zion also stressed the mental aspect of the trick, encouraging Jake to visualize the movements and to approach each attempt with confidence. Even without a physical demo, Zion’s expertise provided a crucial framework for Jake’s learning experience.
Jake Keenan attempts the 540 longboard trick, while Zion Wright provides verbal guidance on technique and form.
Jake’s Effort
Jake, with his dream trick in mind, applied himself fully to the task. He translated Zion’s verbal advice into physical action, attempting the 540 multiple times. Each attempt was a learning experience. Despite the struggles, Jake continued to push himself, attempting to overcome the challenging trick. His dedication was evident as he persevered, refining his approach each time he went at it. He clearly showed the blend of physical and mental resilience that is necessary when mastering a complex longboard trick like the 540. His determination was visible as he kept at it, even as his body grew weary.
The Outcome
While Jake didn’t quite land the 540, he made significant progress. He gained a deeper understanding of the trick and built a solid foundation for future attempts. He pushed himself physically and mentally, demonstrating the hard work that goes into mastering such a complex maneuver. The experience highlighted the challenges of learning a new skill, especially without visual examples. Yet, it also showed the value of expert guidance and persistent effort. The session provided valuable insights and lessons on the process of learning and improving at a specific skill.
Conclusion
The learning session with Zion Wright and Jake Keenan was a great example of the journey involved in mastering a challenging longboarding trick. Jake’s persistent effort, combined with Zion’s expert guidance, shows that progress is achievable with the right combination of focus and help. While the 540 remains an elusive goal for Jake, the experience equipped him with valuable knowledge, setting him up for success in future attempts. This experience serves as an inspiration for all longboarders looking to master new tricks. It proves that learning a new skill takes persistence, dedication, and the support of knowledgeable people.
Filmed by: Alexis Castro & Ian Michna
Edited by: Max Seeger
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