Interview with BMX rider KOBY CLAYTON

DD: How old are you and what age did you start riding BMX?

KOBY: I’m 8 years old and I starting riding when I was 12 months old on a balance bike, but I saw my first skate park around 2 1/2 and have loved it ever since.

DD: You just recently learned to backflip! Congratulations - What was the scariest part of the learning process?

KOBY: Thanks. Telling myself I’m about to go upside down… the fear was real and such a mind block but also I was worried about landing on my head. Once I got that sorted I loved the feeling. Than the lander came out and I was back to the fear of landing on my head but as soon as I threw it once it was on. 🤘

DD: After learning it to the flat airbag you took it straight to the airbag lander. What was the biggest challenge mentally, going from the flat airbag to the lander?

KOBY: Biggest challenge was just the lander I had it in my head that it was going to be such a different feeling. An hour later I realized it’s the same and finally sent it.

DD: What was the scariest part of the whole backflip journey?

KOBY: I have wanted this trick for a year but every time the thought and fear of getting on your bike and going upside down, was the biggest mental block and just couldn’t bring myself to do a full rotations. It wasn’t until I came to Perth and tried on the bag with Todd Meyn who is one of the raddest dudes I know - his words and inspiration got me in the best headspace to get this backie done. Going from bag to lander was definitely a huge fear.

We all know the hardest part of a backflip is the commitment.

DD: What would your advice be to all the other groms out there trying to get over the fear of committing to pulling back?

KOBY: Just send it it’s easier than u think!

We heard the next time you rode a skatepark you took it to concrete, congrats little legend, super proud of your achievements and excited to watch you grow!

-DD