BMX Term
Coping
Coping is the rounded metal or concrete edge along the top of a ramp or bowl, used by BMX riders to grind, stall and transfer between surfaces.
Updated 2 min read389 words
Coping is the rounded edge along the top of a ramp, bowl or quarter pipe. It can be steel or concrete. Riders grind it, stall on it and fly over it.
Meaning
Coping finishes the top of a curved wall. It protects the edge and gives riders a smooth surface. Without coping, the top of a transition would be a sharp corner that could chip or catch a wheel or peg.
For riders, coping is a trick surface. They can grind it with pegs, stall on it with a wheel and pegs, or roll along it. It also marks where the curve ends and the deck begins. The lip is the very edge of the coping, and riders say "lip" for that spot.
Types
There are two main types.
| Type | Material | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Pool coping | Concrete, often rounded | Concrete bowls, pools and older park builds |
| Steel coping | Steel pipe fixed to the top | Wooden ramps, modern parks and vert ramps |
Pool coping is named after the edge of a swimming pool. When skateboarders began riding empty pools, the rounded concrete rim became part of the ride. It is rougher and grippier than steel, so grinds can feel slower. Steel coping is a hollow metal pipe, often about 50 to 60 millimetres across, welded or bolted to the ramp. It is smoother and faster, and it is the standard on many quarter pipes and vert ramps.
Heights and the gap between the transition and the coping matter too. A coping that sits slightly proud of the surface can catch a wheel, while a flush one is smoother.
Origin and usage
The word coping comes from building, where it means the top layer of a wall. BMX borrowed it from skateboarding, which borrowed it from pools. The exact first use in BMX is not documented. It is now standard in park and ramp language.
Examples
- "I'm trying to stall on the coping, not just fly over it."
- "The steel coping on this quarter is really fast."
- "He hung up on the coping and bailed back down the ramp."
Related terms
- Quarter pipe: a ramp with one curved wall.
- Transition: the curved part of a ramp.
- Spine: two quarters back to back with one coping.
- Hang-up: when the bike catches on an obstacle.
- Pegs: the axle attachments used to grind.
Frequently asked questions about Coping
What is the difference between pool coping and steel coping?
Pool coping is a rounded concrete edge, named after swimming pool edges. Steel coping is a round steel pipe fixed along the top of a ramp. Steel is more common on wooden and modern park ramps.
Why does coping matter for BMX?
It is the edge riders grind and stall on, and the point where a rider changes from going up to coming back down. Its height and smoothness change how tricks feel.
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