The Manual Beleaf challenge in Hedgemont is where Skate really tests your technical precision. This isn’t just about landing tricks – it’s about chaining together a smooth sequence that demands perfect timing, speed control, and manual balance. If you’ve been struggling with this one, you’re definitely not alone.
What Makes Manual Beleaf Tricky
Unlike some of Skate’s more straightforward challenges, Manual Beleaf requires you to maintain momentum through two separate manual landings while executing flip tricks and directional spins. It’s essentially a mini line that tests multiple skills simultaneously:
- Manual balance control (the hardest part for most players)
- Trick timing and recognition (knowing when tricks register)
- Speed management (maintaining flow without losing momentum)
- Directional control (that final 180 kickflip combo)
The challenge lives in Hedgemont and centers around navigating between two platforms while maintaining style and technical precision. Think of it as Skate’s way of teaching you how to link technical tricks into flowing combinations.
Step-by-Step Manual Beleaf Strategy
Here’s the most reliable approach that works for the majority of players:
Phase 1: The Setup
- Position yourself at the starting marker
- Build speed with four pushes – Hold left joystick forward, release after the fourth push
- Line up your approach to the first platform at a slight angle
Phase 2: First Platform Sequence
- Execute the kickflip – Right joystick up and diagonally left as you approach
- Watch for the yellow arrow in the bottom circle (this confirms trick registration)
- Immediately hold right joystick slightly down – This must happen BEFORE landing
- Land in manual on first platform – The key is “very slightly” downward pressure
Phase 3: Platform Transition
- Ollie to the second platform – Right joystick straight up
- Again, watch for yellow arrow confirmation
- Repeat the manual setup – Right joystick slightly down before landing
- Land in manual on second platform
Phase 4: The Finale
- Execute 180 kickflip combo – Right joystick up/diagonally left + left joystick left
- Stick the landing and celebrate your success
The Manual Landing Technique Explained
Getting those manual landings consistent is the make-or-break skill for this challenge. Here’s what you need to know:
The “Very Slightly” Rule: When the guide says “very slightly downward,” we’re talking about barely touching the stick. Imagine you’re trying to move it just enough to register input without actually committing to the movement.
Visual Cue: Your balance indicator should sit just beneath the perimeter of the interior circle. If it’s way down in the bottom section, you’re pressing too hard and will lose speed.
Timing is Everything: The manual input must happen AFTER the trick registers (yellow arrow appears) but BEFORE you actually land on the platform. This window is tiny but gets easier with practice.
Common Problems and Solutions
“I Keep Missing the Manual Landing”
Focus on the bottom circle instead of your skater. This is the most important tip for this challenge. The visual feedback in that circle tells you exactly when to make your inputs. Many players watch their skater and miss the precise timing cues.
Practice the timing in isolation. Try just kickflipping onto the first platform and landing in manual repeatedly until the timing feels natural.
“I’m Losing Too Much Speed”
You’re probably pressing the stick too far down. Manual balance requires the lightest possible touch. If you’re struggling to maintain speed for the second platform jump, ease up on that downward pressure.
Check your approach speed. Four pushes should be enough, but make sure you’re not releasing the left stick too early or late.
“The 180 Kickflip Feels Impossible”
This combo requires simultaneous inputs. Right stick for the kickflip, left stick for the 180 rotation. Practice the timing – both inputs should happen together as you leave the second platform.
Speed matters here too. If you’ve lost too much momentum on the manual sections, you won’t have enough air time to complete the rotation and flip.
Advanced Tips for Consistency
Master Your Camera Settings: Having proper camera angles makes this challenge significantly easier. If you haven’t optimized your setup yet, check out our camera angle guide before attempting this challenge.
Practice Individual Components: Don’t just attempt the full sequence over and over. Break it down:
- Practice kickflip to manual on the first platform
- Practice ollie to manual on the second platform
- Practice the 180 kickflip in isolation
Use the Environment: The platforms are positioned specifically to teach you proper speed management. Trust the level design – if you’re maintaining good manual form, the distances work perfectly.
Stay Relaxed: Tension in your hands leads to over-corrections on the joysticks. Keep your grip light and movements minimal.
Why Manual Beleaf Matters
This challenge is essentially a masterclass in flow and technical control. The skills you develop here – precise manual balance, trick timing, and combo linking – appear throughout Skate’s more advanced challenges.
Once you nail this sequence, you’ll find that other technical challenges like our Flip Out Challenge become much more approachable. The manual control especially transfers to street skating and more complex line combinations.
Troubleshooting Checklist
If you’re still struggling after multiple attempts:
- Are you watching the bottom circle for timing cues?
- Is your manual input truly “very slight” downward pressure?
- Are you maintaining enough speed through the sequence?
- Is your 180 kickflip using both sticks simultaneously?
- Are you getting frustrated and over-correcting inputs?
Sometimes stepping away for a few minutes and coming back with fresh hands makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Manual Beleaf represents one of Skate’s best teaching moments – it forces you to develop real technical skills rather than just memorizing button combinations. The precision required here will serve you well throughout the rest of your skating journey in San Vansterdam.
Don’t get discouraged if it takes multiple sessions to nail. Even experienced players often need several attempts to dial in the timing. The satisfaction of finally chaining that perfect sequence together makes all the practice worthwhile.
Ready to give it another shot? Head to Hedgemont, find that starting marker, and remember – it’s all about that gentle touch on the manual landings.
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