BMX Term
Sender
A sender is a BMX rider who commits fully to big, risky tricks, drops or gaps, the kind of rider who will "send it" when others hold back.
Updated 2 min read373 words
A sender is a rider who commits to big, risky tricks, drops and gaps without holding back. To "send it" is to go for something fully, with speed and commitment, even when there is a real chance of a bail.
Meaning
Sending is about commitment more than skill. A rider sends it when they hit a big gap, a long drop or a high rail at full speed, without slowing down or pulling out at the last second. A sender is a rider known for doing this again and again.
The opposite is checking, hesitating or "bottling it". Many crashes happen when a rider half commits: they lose speed, come up short and case the landing or hit the knuckle. This is why riders often say that if you are going to try something, you should send it properly.
The word overlaps with hammer, which describes a big, impressive trick. A sender is the person; a hammer is the trick they land. A "full send" is a run or attempt with no holding back at all.
Origin
Dictionary.com traces "send" to 1990s rock climbing slang, where sending a route means climbing it cleanly. "Send it" then spread across action sports, including skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and skateboarding, as well as BMX, and became especially common in riding slang and online clip captions in the 2010s. A viral 2017 snowmobile clip helped push "send it" and "full send" into mainstream meme culture.
Usage examples
- "He just sent the euro gap first try."
- "Full send or nothing on this one."
- "She is a total sender on dirt, she will hit anything."
- "Don't check your speed, just send it."
Riders also use it as a caution: "He sends it too early, he needs to learn the basics first."
Safety note
Commitment helps, but sending something beyond your skill is a fast way to get hurt. Build up to big features in steps, wear a helmet and the right protective gear, and check the landing before you go.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions about Sender
What does "send it" mean in BMX?
It means commit to the trick or jump without holding back. Riders shout it to encourage a friend who is lined up for something big.
Is being a sender a compliment?
Usually, yes. It praises commitment and nerve. It can also be a gentle warning, since a sender may try things before they are ready.
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