V

Varial

Used generally to help describe tricks, this is lateral rotation of the skateboard or rider. Each varial rotation is 180°.

More specifically the name of an actual trick where the board is spun 180° laterally by the hands. Named after the inventors sponsor, Variflex (who knows the actual guys name?).

Varial Heelflip

A heelflip where the skateboard also does a 180° frontside shuvit. A backside varial heelflip is known as an inward heelflip.

Varial Kickflip

A kickflip where the skateboard also does a 180° backside shuvit. A varial kickflip where the varial part of the trick is done frontside is known as a hardflip.

Vert Skating

The name given to the style of skateboarding using half pipes and focussing on gaining maximum air in combination with various grab tricks and lots of rider rotation.

Turning the board 180° by crossing your back foot over to the nose so you are standing in crossfoot stance, then unwinding your legs. Walk the dogs are performed in multiples for best effect.

Wallie

An ollie performed during a wallride.

Wallplant

Any move where a foot is planted on the vertical side of a wall at some point, e.g. a kickflip wallplant.

Wallride

Quite literally riding up and down the side of a vertical or near vertical surface, usually a wall of some description. This is usually accomplished by way of a transition or flat bank at the foot of the wall but with skill you can also ollie into a wall and ride it with some success.

Wedge Pads

These are basically just wedge-shaped riser pads, meaning one end is thicker than the other. This alters the angle your trucks are mounted at, changing their geometry and turning response. This means you can make your trucks take sharp corners easier or make them more stable, depending on your needs.

This might not mean a lot to a trick-based skater, but to a downhill or slalom skater or longboarder, it can make all the difference.

Wheelie

The technically correct name for what many now refer to as a manual; balancing on the rear wheels only while rolling across flat ground.

Wheelie Grind

Another name for an anchor grind, apparently, so called because the angle of the skateboard during the grind is the same as it would be during a wheelie.

Wheels

Part of a skateboard. Modern skateboard wheels are made of shock absorbant yet hard wearing polypropelyne. They come in a wide range of sizes, with small, narrow wheels better for technical skating (they make the skateboard lighter and easier to flip and grind), and big wheels better for 'going big' as with them you can go faster and ollie higher, and they make the board more stable to ride.

X

X-Foot

X-foot is a common flatland/freestyle stance. You can start or land a trick with crossed legs (X). An example is an impossible to X foot.