There's a lot of talk (and action) about "trendiness" in flatland, and truth be told after watching a bazillion videos, yeah, there are a lot of people out there just recycling the same concepts. Recently I've been seeing some new concepts from all over the world, fresh ideas, distinct riding. I think every rider on some level dreams of unearthing a new concept to dive into and develop as their own. So my questions are, are you working on any new concepts? Have you seen anything in recent history that could be developed into a new style? Basically, what would you say, are the emerging concepts in flatland RIGHT NOW?
In my own riding, a small concept I'm just recently working on now came from a powerful dream I had about a year ago. It involved leaving the ground to initiate turbines in tricks; both 180's and 360's. It's probably not going to affect "flatland", but it's definitely an emerging concept in my own journey.
What are YOUR thoughts and experiences on this topic?
To start it off, let me mention just 3 concepts that were emerging several years ago and have had a profound effect on mainstream flatland: pumping, back-to-front and front-to-back wheel switches on a single wheel, and no hand/no foot tricks. There are plenty more...please discuss
I'm not sure I have a concept but my motivation is.. when people tell me it's gonna be too hard for me to do and I need to do it this way or this first. My only goal is to A do the trick and B do it the wrong and carve in towards my foot use the wrong hands so on and so forth so eventually people will get the hint.. Yeah I can do it.. and I can do it the "wrong" way.. if there is one in flatland :)
ReplyDeletevery nice Lea, doing things the "wrong way" is a very valid form of creating new style. thanks for the input!
ReplyDeletei think it's the street-flat,freestyle concept.which is very interesting in my opinion, and even if it has a retro feeling, it's the first concept since years ago that will hopefuly lead us to re-unite with the other disciplines of BMX(something that should be done years ago).In the name of progression ,flatland tried to be independent,and created monstrosities,now it's the one that asks to get back to the family!Flatlanders tend to think with arrogance compared to other bmx riders and this was the reason of our earlier isolation.It's afact that flatland is more spiritual than the other disciplines and needs more mental than physical strength,and this element was the source of our separation.Nowdays flatlanders and street riders seem to approach each other with respect and appreciation like in the beginning of the sport,cause in the past decade situation was like the elite and th punks.Combining all styles seems like "reall" progression,perhaps it's a chimera but it's worth trying,each on his own.Don't forget that Paul Osicka has already shown you the way!Keep riding...
ReplyDeleteI agree. I also like that we as flatlanders are embracing styles from other disciplines and becoming more "bmx" lately. Thanks for the good words George!
ReplyDeleteRefining your riding, take a look at Ciaran Perry's riding or Sam Foakes for a good example of this refinement.These guys have their own personalised theory to their riding. There is a shift with riders who are "corporate minded" and those that are straight up hardcore, i.e Martti Kuoppa, theres room for both of course and this is healthy. Seems to be two camps.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the insightful comments, I have much to learn. thanks!
ReplyDeletenice post jim! by the way, flat style is spelt wrong on the top of the page.
ReplyDeleteFlat is so complex, in every area. Huge subject..Where does it stop?Your imagination?
Let's hope the diversity in flatland never stops...I personally can't wait to see what's next. I feel like we're on the brink of change.
ReplyDeleteElaborate Jim, change in what way?
ReplyDeletegood question...it's mainly this gut feeling I have, tho I can site some examples: Martti has done much to push flatland forward in the past year or so with Ground Tactics and his edits from the white room. For the first time since I've been riding, I feel a shift, across the board, for flatland riders to become less isolated, as George mentioned. Things are changing, bikes are changing, tricks are changing. I have no idea what's in store, but I'd say new things are already in motion. I almost feel like flatland is coming full circle, returning to "freestyle" where riders are riding a bit of everything. That's just one aspect. Another aspect I see is that the familiar styles we're used to seeing (pumped steamrollers, etc.) are getting played out, dated. Riders are looking more outside the box now and I can only guess that more originality will come with that. I can't speak more in specifics, but from what I've seen, there is a change in the air and I'm very excited to stay tuned to see what it brings.
ReplyDeleteInteresting points JIm!
ReplyDeleteOk. To come up with something new and different in flatland is very, very difficult. You have to be super talented and somewhat gifted. There are tricks I have thought of in my head, that would be pretty amazing. To think about doing something and actually executing it, is hard. Don't get me wrong, it can be done.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the riders that want to have fun? I don't want everyone mad at me, because my whole run at a contest consisted of someone else's tricks. Imitation is a sincere form of flattery. Right? I love Flatland and have been riding for over 15+ years. There are still tricks I want to copy. Is that still cool? In one way or another, we are all doing one anothers tricks. Guess all I'm trying to say is Respect all styles and of riding. I haven't met one dickhead in my flatland journey. I'm not the best rider out there, but I make it a point to talk to people in the beginer class and make them feel comfortable. I don't look down on any level, or style of riding. We all share the same passion. I just want to have fun, with my flatland family and friends. Cesar Calderon (Angleton, Tx)
I fully agree, creating new things is both rare and very challenging. I don't want to say that un-original riding is bad; not at all! I do think that discussing the future of flatland is good. There's a lot of talk online about parts and bikes and videos, but very little discussion about flatland itself, so I'm really glad to hear your input Cesar! You've been riding much longer than me, and may have a better perspective than I do, so I'll ask you this; have you also noticed an overall change in flatland lately?
ReplyDelete