How to Air on Quarter Pipe on a BMX

A quarter pipe is probably the most unfamiliar object you'll approach as a BMX rider. All the other ramps in a park feature linear gradients and right-angled edges. What makes the quarter pipe different is the circular radius that moves you from horizontal to vertical, called a transition. Riding transitions is a specific discipline that requires you to shift your weight in ways that may be new to you. Quarter pipes are usually used to change direction without a loss of momentum, but mastering airs on them is a good primer for riding vert on a half-pipe.

Instructions

    • 1

      Approach the ramp at a fairly low pace to begin with. Position yourself off to one side of the transition, to ensure you have adequate space to turn around at the top of the transition. You don't want to fall off the side.

    • 2

      Stand up on your pedals and center your weight over the frame of the bike. Ride up the transition, keeping your body in the same relative position to the frame; don't lean back or lurch over the handlebars.

    • 3

      Carve a tight turn at the top of the transition, near the coping. Aim your front wheel back down the transition and roll away. Repeat this a few times and get comfortable with the way the bike moves underneath you as you ride up the transition. Increase your speed until you are turning at the very top of the ramp.

    • 4

      Approach the ramp just as before, but bend your knees a little more just before you hit the base of the transition. Carve an arc across the ramp as you did before, but perform a little hop right at the peak of the arc. Remember to turn the bike with your body while in the air, or you'll carry your initial trajectory up and over the coping.

    • 5

      Concentrate on getting the bike turned and pointing down the ramp exactly where you want it. You needn't worry about height just yet. Continue to practice the "Crouch, hop, turn, land" sequence until you have it smoothed into one movement. The rhythm and timing of this movement helps you maintain momentum and perform higher airs. It's known as "pumping." Practice your pumping technique, and the extra height will appear under your wheels once you perfect the timing.