Burnquist rides an elevator to the top of the ramp, about eight stories above the ground. Even though he built a replica in his own backyard, the drop isn't routine for Burnquist: "I've got a level of respect for it because I ... have slammed so many different ways. I've seen what can happen."

The kicker

Reaching speeds up to 40 miles per hour, Burnquist drops to the takeoff ramp below. To clear the 60-foot gap with a 540-degree rotation, he must hit the takeoff with precise speed and spin or risk a hard landing. "A lot of these younger kids don't know the consequences. I hope they don't get to know it."

The sweet spot

The spin is critical to a smooth landing. "If you're off axis, you know you're going to end up in a weird position," Burnquist says. This gap is long enough to allow for minor corrections midair. "I can turn my body forward or a little backward, but it can't be too much."

The vert ramp

"Contrary to belief, there are no Velcro [straps]," Burnquist jokes, so holding onto his board and forcing the landing with strong feet is also a key heading right into a 27-foot quarterpipe. "You have to land full speed in order to take the quarterpipe."