How to Build a BMX Dirt Jump

A BMX dirt jump is built out of little more than some soil, water and the space required to have the jump on. It can be built to any size preferred and, depending on the angle of the jump, can be used to launch the BMX rider high in to the air or to achieve distance.

Things You'll Need

  • Spade shovel
  • Square-point shovel
  • Dirt (preferably clay-based)
  • Hose
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Shovel dirt to make a mound and add water to keep the soil moist. It is important not to have the dirt too dry, otherwise it will not pack down, or too wet, which will make it too runny. Form two mounds of dirt to make a "double" (a jump with a lip and landing), or one big mound to form a single or "tabletop" jump. The lip is the top portion of the face of the jump.

    • 2

      Pack the dirt down frequently by stomping your feet or compacting the dirt with the rear side of the shovel. The dirt must be moist and dense to pack down appropriately and hold shape.

    • 3

      Shape the jump using a square-point shovel. Assuming the dirt is sufficiently hard after having added moisture and compression, begin shaping the jump with a gradual angle from the ground on up to the top of the jump. Here's where you decide what type of a jump you want. For height, angle the jump sharply to create a steep lip. For distance, maintain a gradual angle all the way to the top.

    • 4

      Build the landing. The landing is made by following the same steps as the lip and should also be similar in angle. If the lip of your jump is steep, the landing should be steep as well, without being too vertical. If the lip you built is gradual and used for distance, then the landing should be appropriately spaced from the lip and with a gradual angle as well.