| Unlike mountain bike racing, the core of dirt | | | | As long as you have a good grasp on how to do |
| jumping is the tricks. The jumps, the loops, the | | | | the jumps, these tricks will almost seem easy to |
| twirls in the air. When done properly, the sport | | | | you. The first trick is known as the tabletop but is |
| looks almost like a dance; strong, artistic, and | | | | different than the jump by the same name. It is |
| beautiful to watch. It takes years to reach a level | | | | performed by turning the side of the bike at a 90 |
| where serious competition is possible and even | | | | degrees angle, either to the side or further up |
| then, without the right tricks, there is still the risk | | | | depending on your routine. The second is called |
| of losing. | | | | the whip and, as its name suggests, depends on |
| Bike jumps, while not strictly considered part of | | | | flipping the back of the bike to the side. There |
| the tricks the sport is famous for, are still | | | | are many others, such as no hander where the |
| considered the backbone of the sport. Since a lot | | | | jumper rides with both hands loose in the air, or |
| of these tricks are performed midair, knowing | | | | suicide which is similar to the no hander but |
| how and when to jump is crucial for them to | | | | requires both hands to be stretched back as far |
| succeed. The amount of different jumps is | | | | as possible. |
| astounding, and the most common of them is | | | | With the proper equipment these tricks, no |
| known as the double. It consists of two parts, the | | | | matter how dangerous they may sound, may not |
| take-off and the landing, and is also known as the | | | | result in serious injuries. Equipment in this case is |
| gap jump. Another jump that is important is the | | | | not only the bike but protective gear as well. |
| tabletop, and this is the jump those who vaguely | | | | Shorts and a tight-fitted shirt to allow free |
| know the sport recognize. It is three parts: | | | | movement, in addition to wrist supports and |
| take-off, table, and landing. The roller jump is | | | | protective elbow and knee pads go a long way |
| based of this one. | | | | towards keeping the rider safe. A helmet is |
| The part dirt jumpers enjoy most though is the | | | | always a must, and goggles are recommended to |
| tricks, and they are also the most fun to watch. | | | | keep the sand and sun out of your eyes. |