BMX Term
Boost
To boost in BMX is to go much higher than a jump, quarter pipe or obstacle needs, adding extra air by popping and pulling hard off the lip.
Updated 2 min read345 words
To boost is to go higher than a jump or quarter pipe strictly needs. A rider who boosts leaves the lip with extra speed and pop and rises well above the obstacle. As a noun, boost means that extra height.
Meaning
Boost describes air that looks bigger than expected. A rider boosting out of a quarter pipe climbs high above the coping, and a rider boosting a dirt jump clears the landing with room to spare. The word is praise for style and control as much as height.
Boost is different from just going fast. A rider has to time the take-off, extend at the right moment and stay centred on the bike. Without that, speed alone can send a rider past the landing.
Extra height gives time for bigger tricks. It also adds risk, because the landing is harder and mistakes cost more. Many riders build up to a boost on smaller ramps first, then increase speed and height gradually.
Origin and usage
Boost is an ordinary English word meaning to lift or increase. It is used in skateboarding, snowboarding and BMX for big air, and when BMX riders first used it that way is not documented.
Boosting is most common in park, dirt jumping and vert. In contests, a high flyout or a big hit on a spine or hip is often called a boost. Riders also boost out of a bank in street riding to clear a gap.
Good pump technique helps. Using the transition to gain speed without pedalling gives a rider more energy for take-off, which is why smooth riders often look like they boost without effort.
Examples
- "He boosted that quarter so high I lost him over the coping."
- "You are boosting the last jump too much. Land it flatter."
- "Nice boost off the spine, you had time for a full whip."
Related terms
- Quarter pipe: a ramp riders often boost out of.
- Flyout: leaving a quarter in a straight line in the air.
- Spine and hip: jumps used for big air.
- Pump: building speed through transitions without pedalling.
Frequently asked questions about Boost
What does it mean to boost a jump?
It means getting far more height than the jump requires. The rider adds extra pop and speed so they rise well above the lip and have time to do more in the air.
How do you boost higher out of a quarter?
Carry good speed, stay balanced, drive up the transition and extend your legs and arms at the lip. Practise on smaller banks before committing to big ones.
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