Old School BMX Freestyle

This is a random collection of old-school BMX images and information in no particular structure - just the most recently posted at the top. I just wanted a place to put some cool things that I came across here and there. Click on the images to enlarge and read the articles.


The First All BMX Freestyle Magazine

In the summer of 1984 Wizard publications, the makers of BMX Action Magazine launched Freestylin' Magazine - the first all freestyle magazine. The first issue was sent to all BMX Action Magazine subscribers along with a letter. There was also an industry promotional flyer made that a lot of people probably never saw. I love how it refers to skateboards as "something new".

Freestylin' Summer, 1984 Cover Freestylin' Promotional Page 1 Freestylin' Promotional Page 2 Freestylin' Promotional Back Cover Freestylin' Cover Letter Freestylin' Promotional Cover


Bob Haro Interview

When BMX Freestyle was just a bunch of crazy guys messing around, Bob Haro started the first BMX Freestyle company. This inteview is a great snapshot of a time where there was a feeling in the air but nobody knew exactly where it was going - before the Haro Freestyler was released, before E.T. (with Bob doing stunts) was released and before anyone else could talk about a "rider owned" freestyle company.

BMX Plus! March, 1982 Page 5
BMX Plus! March, 1982 Page 13 BMX Plus! March, 1982 Page 32 BMX Plus! March, 1982 Page 33 BMX Plus! March, 1982 Page 34 BMX Plus! March, 1982 Page 35 BMX Plus! March, 1982 Page 36 BMX Plus! March, 1982 Page 37


Vans Trick Team

The Vans trick team was the first touring team with a half-pipe and bikes and skateboards in the same show. Checkout the clear half-pipe with no decks and no flat-bottom. Not quite Tony Hawk's Boom Boom Huck Jam but this was 20 years ago...

BMX Plus! March, 1982 Page 15


Feature on Jeff Watson

One of the first guys getting big airs was Jeff Watson. This interview is from Action Now (formerly Skateboarder Magazine) 1981. Notice that the front wheel landing style has not yet been perfected.

Action Now December, 1981 Action Now December, 1981 Action Now December, 1981


Early Interview With Tinker Juarez

Before organized BMX Frestyle competitions were happening, a few riders took to the skateparks. And before there was a King of the Skateparks contest series, there was a King of the Skateparks - Tinker Juarez.

Skateboarder April, 1980 Skateboarder April, 1980 Skateboarder April, 1980


Early Stages of Pool Riding

In this Skateboarder Magazine article from 1980, the first 5 years of BMX vert riding is summarized. Pictures of Mike Marker.

Skateboarder February, 1980 Skateboarder February, 1980 Skateboarder February, 1980


BMX Racers Cross Over to Freestyle

Some of the earliest pool riders were BMX Racers. These pictures of Greg Hill and Stu Thompson were published in BMX Plus. Note Stu's 43 number plate - total visionary...

Greg Hill 1975 Super BMX and Freestyle December, 1984 Page 67


The First Published Photos of BMX on Vert

These pictures were published in Skateboarder Magazine in 1975 as part of a photo shoot of pool riding. As far as I know these are the first photos ever published. Checkout the bike. Note that both of these kids are riding the same bike...

Skateboarder 1975 Skateboarder 1975