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Master the Hippie Jump in Skate: A Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated: October 28, 2025

Skater performing a Hippie Jump in the Skate game.

In the world of skateboarding games, few franchises command the respect and nostalgia of EA's *Skate*. Its physics-based "Flick-it" controls revolutionized the genre, and as developer Full Circle prepares to reboot the series with the highly anticipated, free-to-play *skate.*, mastering the core mechanics is more important than ever. Among the roster of foundational moves, one trick stands out for its style and creative utility: the Hippie Jump.

More than a simple maneuver, the Hippie Jump is a critical tool for navigating the environment with flair, allowing players to conquer obstacles in ways that defy a simple ollie. From the sun-baked streets of San Vanelona to the fresh concrete of the upcoming San Vansterdam, this guide will break down everything you need to know to add this essential and visually satisfying trick to your arsenal.

What Exactly is a Hippie Jump?

Before we dive into the controls, let's clarify the concept. A Hippie Jump, both in the real world and in *Skate*, is the act of jumping over an object while your board rolls unimpeded underneath it. Picture a low-hanging rail, a parking barrier, or a picnic table bench. Instead of popping your board over it, you jump straight up with your feet, let the board's momentum carry it under the obstacle, and land perfectly back on the deck as it emerges on the other side.

In the *Skate* franchise, it’s a testament to the nuanced physics engine. Mastering it unlocks a world of possibilities for linking spots and creating unique lines that feel both clever and authentic, turning the entire city into a seamless skatepark.

Mastering the Fundamental Controls

The beauty of the Hippie Jump lies in its deceptive simplicity. Unlike the intricate stick motions for flip tricks, it relies on a single button and, crucially, impeccable timing. The controls have remained consistent throughout the classic trilogy and are the foundation for the system in the new *skate.*

The primary button is for jumping and getting off your board: Y on Xbox, Triangle on PlayStation.

Here’s the core mechanic broken down:

  1. Momentum is Everything: You cannot perform a Hippie Jump from a standstill. You need to be rolling at a steady, controlled speed. Too slow, and your board won't clear the obstacle before you land; too fast, and you risk overshooting your board or losing control. Push a few times on a flat, open surface to find that perfect cruising speed.
  2. The Crouch (Charge): As you approach your target obstacle, press and hold the jump button (Y/Triangle). Your skater will crouch, compressing their legs to prepare for the jump. The longer you hold the button, the higher your skater will leap.
  3. The Jump (Release): This is the moment that separates success from failure. Release the jump button the instant before the nose of your board makes contact with the obstacle. Releasing the button springs your skater straight up, lifting their feet cleanly off the board. The board itself, maintaining its forward momentum, will continue rolling along its path.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Hippie Jump

Ready to try it? For your first attempt, find a simple, low-to-the-ground obstacle. A parking block, a curb-height planter edge, or a low-slung yellow rail are all perfect training grounds.

Step 1: Scout Your Spot and LinePosition yourself with a straight, clear approach to the obstacle. Give yourself enough runway to push two or three times to build up a moderate, steady speed. Make sure you're aimed to pass directly under the center of the object.

Step 2: Crouch and CommitRoughly 10-15 feet from the obstacle, press and hold the Y/Triangle button. Your skater is now in the "charged" state. Keep your focus on the obstacle and maintain your line as you roll closer.

Step 3: Nail the TimingThis is where muscle memory is built. As the nose of your board is about to slide under the rail, release the button. Your character will pop vertically into the air. If you timed it correctly, your feet will clear the top of the obstacle as your board seamlessly glides beneath it. If you jump too early, you’ll land before your board clears; too late, and you’ll crash into the object.

Step 4: Stick the LandingGravity and the game's physics handle the rest. As long as your jump was straight and your speed was consistent, your skater will descend back towards the board. There's no need to press anything else. Just let your skater land back on the deck and absorb the impact to ride away clean.

Advanced Applications and The Future in San Vansterdam

Once you've nailed the basic Hippie Jump, you can begin integrating it into your lines to unlock its true potential. This trick is a creative powerhouse.

  • Hippie Jump to Grind: Find a low barrier positioned just before a ledge or another rail. Hippie Jump the initial obstacle and land directly in a grind on the feature behind it. This is a stylish way to start a combo.
  • Incorporate Flips and Grabs: While airborne during a Hippie Jump, you’re not locked in place. You can perform body-varials (using the analog sticks) or use the triggers to tweak a grab for extra style and points.
  • Chain Your Jumps: The ultimate test of rhythm is chaining Hippie Jumps. Look for environments with several successive low obstacles, like a series of parking barriers. Flowing through them with perfectly timed jumps is one of the most satisfying feelings in the game.

As we look toward the launch of *skate.* and the new urban playground of San Vansterdam, these skills will be invaluable. The city's unique architecture and verticality promise to introduce unprecedented opportunities for creative lines. Don't get discouraged if you bail your first dozen attempts. The timing window is precise, but with practice, the Hippie Jump will become an instinctive part of your vocabulary, transforming how you see and skate the virtual world.