In the vast, physics-driven world of EA's Skate, mastering the fundamentals is just as important as landing the most complex, high-scoring combos. Among the roster of foundational moves is one of the most stylish and deceptively simple tricks: the Hippie Jump. More than just a novelty, this maneuver is a critical tool for creative line-building, allowing players to navigate the urban landscape of San Vanelona in ways that defy conventional skating.
The Hippie Jump involves your skater leaping into the air while the board continues to roll beneath an obstacle, only to have them reunite on the other side. It’s a trick that embodies the fluid, improvisational spirit of street skating. This guide will break down everything you need to know to add this essential and visually satisfying trick to your arsenal, from the basic button inputs to advanced applications that will transform how you see the city.
What Exactly is a Hippie Jump?
Before we dive into the controls, it’s important to understand the concept. A Hippie Jump, both in the real world and in Skate, is the act of jumping over an object while your skateboard rolls underneath it. Think of a low-hanging rail, a parking barrier, or a picnic table bench. Instead of ollieing over it, you simply jump off your board, let your momentum carry the board under the obstacle, and land perfectly back on the deck as it emerges. In Skate, it’s a testament to the game’s nuanced physics engine and provides a unique solution for navigating the environment. Mastering it opens up a world of possibilities for linking spots and creating lines that feel both clever and authentic.
Mastering the Fundamental Controls
The beauty of the Hippie Jump in Skate lies in its simplicity. Unlike the intricate Flick-it controls required for flip tricks, the Hippie Jump relies on a single button press and, most importantly, impeccable timing. The primary button you'll be using is the jump/off-board button (Y on Xbox, Triangle on PlayStation).
Here’s the core mechanic:
- Momentum is Key: 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; too fast, and you risk overshooting your landing. Practice pushing a few times on a flat, open surface to get a feel for a good cruising speed.
- The Crouch: As you approach your chosen obstacle, press and hold the jump button. Your skater will crouch down, preparing to spring into the air. This is the charging phase of the jump. The longer you hold it, the higher your skater will jump.
- The Jump: The most critical part is releasing the jump button at the precise moment before your board would hit the obstacle. Releasing the button makes your skater jump straight up, lifting their feet off the board. The board, unaffected by the jump, will continue rolling forward on its established path.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Hippie Jump
Ready to give it a try? Find a simple, low-to-the-ground obstacle, like a curb-height rail or a parking block. This will give you a clear target without demanding a massive, perfectly timed jump right away.
Step 1: Find Your Line
Position yourself so you have a straight, clear approach to the obstacle. Push two or three times to build up a moderate amount of speed. Ensure your board is aimed directly to pass under the center of the object.
Step 2: Crouch and Prepare
About 10-15 feet away from the obstacle, press and hold the jump button (Y/Triangle). Your skater will compress their legs, ready to leap. Keep holding the button as you continue to roll forward.
Step 3: Time the Release
This is where muscle memory comes in. As the nose of your board is just about to go under the rail or barrier, release the jump button. Your character will pop straight up into the air. If you timed it right, your feet will clear the top of the obstacle while your board seamlessly rolls underneath it.
Step 4: Stick the Landing
Gravity will do most of the work here. As long as your jump was straight and your speed was consistent, your skater will land back on the board. There's no need to press anything else; just let the physics engine guide you back onto the deck. Bend your knees upon landing for extra style points and a smoother ride-away.
Advanced Applications and Tips
Once you've nailed the basic Hippie Jump, you can start getting creative. The trick is far more than just a way to get past a rail. It's a combo extender and a line creator.
- Hippie Jump to Grind: Find a low rail that leads up to a higher ledge or another rail. Hippie Jump the low rail and land directly in a grind on the feature behind it.
- Incorporate Flips: While in the air during a Hippie Jump, you can perform body-varials or use the triggers to do a grab for extra points and style.
- Chain Your Jumps: Look for environments with multiple, successive low obstacles. Chaining Hippie Jumps together is a true test of rhythm and timing and looks incredibly smooth when executed perfectly.
Don't get discouraged if you bail a few times. The timing window is precise, and mastering it requires practice. Experiment with different speeds and obstacles to truly understand the physics behind the trick. Soon enough, the Hippie Jump will become an instinctive part of your Skate vocabulary, changing the way you interact with the game's world.