The Complete Overview of How to Get Second Gem Hang Eight
The second gem hang eight isn’t just an upgrade from the first—it’s a complete reinvention of the trick. While the first gem is often a moment of raw adrenaline, the second requires a level of technical refinement that borders on artistry. Skaters who land it repeatedly don’t just flip the board; they manipulate it with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel. The difference between a one-time fluke and a signature move lies in understanding the trick’s core mechanics and how to exploit them under pressure. What most skaters overlook is that the second gem isn’t just about speed or board selection—it’s about *control*. The first gem is often a reaction to momentum; the second is a deliberate choice. The skater must anticipate the board’s rotation, adjust their foot placement mid-air, and commit to the landing before the board even completes its flip. This is where the trick shifts from a physical challenge to a mental one. The second gem forces you to trust your body when your brain is screaming for stability.Historical Background and Evolution
The gem hang eight wasn’t born in a vacuum—it evolved from decades of skateboarders pushing the limits of what’s possible on a board. The trick’s origins trace back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, when skaters like Danny Way and Bob Burnquist began experimenting with airborne rotations that defied conventional tricks. The "gem" variation, where the board flips 180 degrees while the skater hangs off the nose or tail, became a staple in vert skating as riders sought to combine flips with spins in ways that were visually stunning and technically demanding. What made the gem hang eight a game-changer wasn’t just its difficulty, but its versatility. Unlike tricks that required a specific ramp or setup, the gem could be adapted to street skating, half-pipes, and even flatground. The second gem, however, took it a step further—skaters realized that if they could land one, they could chain them, creating sequences that looked like defying gravity itself. This progression wasn’t just about personal achievement; it became a benchmark for skaters aiming to push their limits.Core Mechanics: How It Works
At its core, the second gem hang eight is a trick of timing, board control, and spatial awareness. The skater initiates the trick by launching off a ramp or ledge with enough speed to carry the board through a full rotation. The key difference between the first and second gem lies in the skater’s ability to *reset* their position mid-air. While the first gem often relies on instinct, the second requires the skater to actively shift their weight to the opposite side of the board as it flips, effectively "catching" the board in a new orientation before landing. The board’s rotation isn’t just about flipping—it’s about *aligning*. The skater must ensure that by the time the board completes its 180-degree turn, their feet are positioned to absorb the impact without losing balance. This is where most skaters fail: they commit to the first gem but hesitate when it comes to trusting the board’s new angle. The second gem demands that the skater treats the board as an extension of their body, adjusting their stance dynamically to maintain control.Key Benefits and Crucial Impact
Landing the second gem hang eight isn’t just about adding another trick to your repertoire—it’s about unlocking a new level of skateboarding fluency. The process of mastering it sharpens your ability to read the board’s movement, improves your spatial reasoning, and builds a level of confidence that translates to other tricks. Skaters who successfully land it repeatedly often find that their overall skating becomes more fluid, as they develop a deeper understanding of how their body interacts with the board in unpredictable situations. Beyond the technical benefits, the second gem hang eight carries a psychological weight. It’s a trick that separates the skaters who are willing to take risks from those who play it safe. The mental discipline required to commit to a second rotation—when the first one already feels like a miracle—is a skill that extends far beyond skateboarding. It’s about trust, patience, and the ability to perform under pressure, all of which are invaluable in any field."Every time you land a second gem, you’re not just proving something to yourself—you’re rewriting the rules of what’s possible on a skateboard." — **Pro Skater & Trick Developer**
Major Advantages
- Enhanced Spatial Awareness: Mastering the second gem forces your brain to process the board’s movement in real time, improving your ability to navigate complex tricks.
- Increased Board Control: The trick demands precise weight distribution, which translates to better control in other aerial maneuvers.
- Mental Resilience: Committing to a second rotation builds confidence in high-pressure situations, both on and off the board.
- Versatility in Tricks: The skills learned from the second gem hang eight can be applied to other flips and spins, expanding your trick arsenal.
- Visual Impact: Chaining second gems creates a visually stunning sequence that stands out in competitions and videos.
Comparative Analysis
| First Gem Hang Eight | Second Gem Hang Eight |
|---|---|
| Relies on momentum and instinct | Requires active weight adjustment mid-air |
| Often a one-time achievement | Demands repeatable precision |
| Focuses on flipping the board | Focuses on controlling the board’s new orientation |
| Mental challenge: Trusting the flip | Mental challenge: Trusting the reset |
Future Trends and Innovations
As skateboarding continues to evolve, the second gem hang eight is becoming less of a novelty and more of a foundational skill. Skaters are now experimenting with adding spins, grabs, and even third gems to the trick, turning it into a canvas for creativity. The future of the gem isn’t just about landing it—it’s about what you can build on top of it. With advancements in board technology, such as lighter materials and more responsive decks, the second gem is becoming more accessible, allowing skaters to push its limits further than ever before. What’s particularly exciting is the crossover between street and vert skating. While the gem was once a vert staple, skaters are now adapting it to street environments, using ledges, rails, and even flatground to execute the trick. This shift is democratizing the gem, making it a trick that can be practiced anywhere, not just in a half-pipe. As more skaters incorporate the second gem into their routines, we’re likely to see it become a standard in competitions, further cementing its place in skateboarding history.
Conclusion
The second gem hang eight isn’t just a trick—it’s a rite of passage for skaters who refuse to accept limits. It’s the difference between a skater who can do it and one who *understands* it. The journey to landing it repeatedly is as much about technical skill as it is about mental fortitude. It’s about learning to trust your body when the world around you is spinning, and committing to the unknown with confidence. For those willing to put in the work, the second gem isn’t just an achievement—it’s a gateway. It opens doors to more complex tricks, deeper control, and a level of fluency that sets skaters apart. Whether you’re aiming to add it to your bag or simply understand what makes it so elusive, the key is to approach it with patience, precision, and an unshakable belief in your ability to defy gravity—twice.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: How do I know if I’m ready to attempt the second gem hang eight?
A: You’re ready when you can land the first gem consistently and understand the board’s rotation pattern. If you’re already comfortable with the initial flip, focus on practicing weight shifts mid-air before committing to the second rotation.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake skaters make when trying the second gem?
A: The most common mistake is hesitating during the reset. Many skaters commit to the first flip but freeze when the board starts its second rotation. Trust the board’s momentum and adjust your stance dynamically—don’t wait for the board to "catch up" to you.
Q: Should I use a specific type of board for the second gem?
A: While any board can work, a slightly softer deck (around 85A-90A) provides better grip and forgiveness. The board’s width also matters—wider boards offer more stability during the reset, but they require more speed to execute the flip.
Q: How can I practice the second gem without risking injury?
A: Start by practicing the trick on a low ramp or ledge to reduce impact. Use safety gear (helmet, pads, and wrist guards) and film your attempts to analyze your foot placement and timing. Gradually increase height as you gain confidence.
Q: Is there a difference between landing the second gem in a half-pipe vs. street?
A: Yes. In a half-pipe, the second gem benefits from the ramp’s momentum, making it easier to reset mid-air. On street, you’ll need to generate more speed manually, and the lack of a ramp means you must rely more on your own timing and board control.
Q: Can I add a grab to the second gem hang eight?
A: Absolutely. Once you’re comfortable with the second gem, experiment with adding a nose grab or tail grab during the reset. The key is to time your grab with the board’s rotation—practice this separately before combining it with the full trick.
Q: What’s the best way to film and analyze my second gem attempts?
A: Film from multiple angles (side, front, and behind) to track your foot placement, board rotation, and body position. Slow-motion playback will reveal subtle adjustments, like when your feet shift or how the board aligns during the reset.
Q: How long does it typically take to master the second gem?
A: It varies widely—some skaters land it within months of consistent practice, while others take years. The key is patience. Focus on perfecting the mechanics before rushing the trick, and avoid forcing it. Progress comes from repetition, not pressure.
Q: Are there any professional skaters known for their second gem hang eights?
A: Yes. Skaters like Tyshawn Jones and Leticia Bufoni have incorporated second gems into their routines, showcasing how the trick can be used in both vert and street contexts. Watching their runs can provide valuable insights into timing and style.
Q: What’s the most underrated aspect of learning the second gem?
A: Mental preparation. Many skaters focus on physical technique but overlook the mental commitment required. The second gem demands trust in your body’s ability to adapt mid-air—this confidence is what separates a one-time landing from a signature move.
