BMX-Vert probably is the most expremie discipline of all BMX-disciplines. A half-pipe consists of a U-shape frame construction of iron tubes with a wooden deck. The two quater-pipes stand connected to eachother in a U-shape with a horizontal piece in the middle. The height of the half-pipe varies from 3 to 4,5 meters. Some events even build half-pipes up to 6 or 7 meters high. The highest platform ever used is the one used during the X-Games Big Air with a height of 27 meters. The name "Vert" comes from the vertical movements on the half-pipe. A typical Vert run goes from one side of the half-pipe to the other side, through the air, high above the "coping". The coping is the metal edge on both top sides of the half-pipe. When Vert-riders are performing tricks on the coping, these tricks are called "lip tricks".
During the nineties, the American Mat Hoffman was the king of BMX-Vert. Until recently he held a record for the highest jump from the ground. In 2008, the American Kevin Robinson broke this record with a jump of 15,5 meters from the ground while being pulled by a friend on a motorcycle.
The danger of the discipline (and the shortage of full size Vert ramps) keeps most BMX-riders from joining the BMX-Vert discipline. That's why the number of professionals that stay at the top of the BMX-Vert discipline for several years is low. Remarkable BMX-Vert riders are Dave Mirra, Tsjaad Kagy en Jamie Bestwick. A rising star at BMX-vert is Zack Warden. BMX-Vert bicycles are relatively heavy which helps the stability of the bicycle and the ability a rider has to control the bicycle.
To get a good impression of the BMX-Vert discipline, please watch the video you see on the right side of this text.
