BMX Term
Oppo
Oppo, short for opposite, is BMX slang for doing a trick in the direction opposite to the one a rider finds natural, such as spinning the unfamiliar way.
Updated 1 min read325 words
Oppo is short for opposite. In BMX it means doing a trick in the direction opposite to the one a rider normally uses. A rider who usually spins left and spins right instead is riding oppo.
Meaning
Most riders have a favourite direction for spins and grinds. Oppo describes the other direction. The word is added to the trick: oppo 180, oppo 360 or oppo barspin. The rider is doing the same trick, but the movement goes the other way round.
Oppo is harder than the natural direction because the body and bike do not feel familiar. Balance, timing and spotting the landing all have to be relearned. For this reason, an oppo trick is often seen as a sign of skill.
Riders use oppo in a few ways:
- Spinning in the unfamiliar direction.
- Approaching a feature from the opposite side.
- Grinding on the less comfortable side of the bike.
Origin and usage
Oppo is a casual shortening of opposite. The same shortening appears in everyday English and in skateboarding. When BMX riders first used it for tricks is not documented.
Usage differs between riders. Some call any unnatural spin oppo, while others reserve it for a specific side or direction. Switch is a different idea, based on foot position, but riders sometimes say switch when they mean oppo. If it is unclear, riders usually ask or clarify in the clip title.
A rider's stance often shapes which direction feels natural, so oppo is closely linked to regular and goofy. Learning oppo makes a rider more flexible and can open up new lines.
Examples
- "He can 360 both ways, but his oppo ones are cleaner."
- "I'm learning oppo barspins so I can spin out of both ledge tricks."
- "That oppo 180 over the gap was unreal."
Related terms
Frequently asked questions about Oppo
What does oppo mean in BMX?
Oppo is short for opposite. It means doing a trick in the direction that is not your usual one, such as spinning the other way or grinding on your unnatural side.
Is oppo the same as switch?
Not exactly. Oppo usually refers to the direction of a spin or approach, while switch refers to the foot position. Riders sometimes mix the two words.
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