Unlike arcade skaters, you must use the D-pad to re-orient your board parallel to the landing surface to avoid "biting it".
The ultimate goal is to evolve from a "lowly skate punk" to a fully sponsored pro, eventually earning the title of by appearing on the magazine's front cover. Playable Skaters Thrasher: Skate And Destroy
Skating in Switch (riding with your non-dominant foot forward) results in lower jumps but significantly higher point multipliers. Unlike arcade skaters, you must use the D-pad