I'm a complete newbie who's very interested in BMX flatland. I'm also dyspraxic, so that might make things more difficult. The only thing that gives me hope is that I'm pretty good at balancing on a bike that's going very slowly. How difficult is it for a complete beginner to even step on the pegs? How to avoid or mitigate ankle sprains (and how common are they?)? How difficult are the balancing tricks in this video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adC_yJsMG9o&list=PLIJ68WfwoycwBW4zICzAveH10DYnkzgIl
by PearNo269
6 Comments
Everyone is different when it comes to natural balancing skills. The tricks in this video look quite simple and a experienced rider could probably do those without ever practicing them, but a complete beginner might have to practice a couple of days or even weeks to get them dialed. Ankle sprains are very unlikely I would say, but it also depends on the person.
Go for it and you will see. It’s the challenge that makes this sport fun!
Flatland is the hardest discipline in BMX. Those who are able to do it have far more skill and patience than I ever will. I’ve been riding 27 years and can’t ride flat to save my life.
tbh just try it out. most bmxers are welcoming towards new riders and will probably help you out. Flatland is the hardest discipline imo and the patience it takes is crazy but if its for you hell yeh
Yeah, like everyone else has said, flatland is otherworldly difficult. But you starting on it would be a benefit to your progression I think. Just remember that BMX is a high failure rate kind of sport. You’re gonna put in 10,000 hours but about 5,000 of those you’re gonna be working out something you can’t figure out. Always progress slowly, small things can lead to or link into bigger things. Just go for it and have fun.
As for injuries you’ll have to find ways out of trouble. I’ve had my fair share of bails and throwaways, they’re something you learn along the way. You might get broken off a couple times, but don’t let it stop you.
You’re going to want a flatland specific bike. Shorter frame, wheelbase, step over height, in line stem etc. Sure you could get started on any old bmx but that’s taking the already difficult and making it 1000x harder. For what it’s worth I’ve never met anyone that rides that didn’t have massive respect for flatlanders. What they do on a bike is truly amazing.
edit: and for starting out i don’t think there’s been a better time than now to be a beginner flatlander. There’s tons of free clips and tutorials to get you going. I remember seeing a flatland pics in magazines as a kid and just thinking, wtf is going on? ha goodluck and have fun!
It’s insanely difficult. One barrier to success is also that you need a very specific bike setup for it.
I ride dirt/street/park/anything on my bike. If you want to ride flat you need (well, almost definitely need) a flatland specific bike. And they’re not always practical to ride somewhere of a distance.