BMX Term
Spot
A spot in BMX is any location worth riding, such as a ledge, stair set, plaza or gap, and spot hunting is the search for new places to ride.
Updated 2 min read355 words
A spot is any place worth riding. In street riding it is a ledge, stair set, bank, wall or gap that suits tricks. In other disciplines it can be a skatepark, a jump or a trail. Spot hunting is the search for new places to ride and film.
Meaning
A good street spot usually has three things: a feature that works for tricks, enough run-up to carry speed and a landing or exit that is safe. Riders judge spots on how smooth the ground is, whether people or cars are nearby and whether security is likely to move them on.
Typical street features include a ledge, a hubba, a handrail, a bank and a euro gap. Some spots are famous and shown in many videos. Others are found by exploring, and a new spot with a clean setup is valued by street riders and filmers.
Origin and usage
Spot comes from ordinary English and is used across skateboarding and BMX. Spot hunting and spot checking are slang for scouting, and the practice grew with the street scene. See rise of street riding for the wider story.
Spot etiquette
Spots are often public or private property, so behaviour matters.
- Be polite to owners, workers and security. Leave if asked.
- Take turns. Do not cut in on someone filming a line.
- Do not damage the property. Some riders wax ledges, but it is better to ask first or avoid it where it is not welcome.
- Clean up rubbish, tools and broken parts.
- Watch for pedestrians, children and traffic.
- Keep quiet about fragile spots if a local scene wants to protect them.
Poor behaviour is the fastest way for a spot to be closed with fences, skate stoppers or security.
Examples
- "I found a new spot downtown with a perfect ledge and a smooth run-up."
- "We spent the whole day spot hunting and only rode one place."
- "Security showed up, so we packed up and left the spot clean."
Related terms
Frequently asked questions about Spot
What is spot hunting?
Spot hunting is driving, riding or searching maps to find new places to ride. Street riders look for ledges, rails, stairs and gaps with a smooth run-up and a safe landing.
What is spot etiquette in BMX?
Be polite to owners and security, take turns, clean up, do not damage property and leave when asked. Good etiquette keeps spots open for everyone.
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