“To document, share and progress”, the mission statement if you like of Flatmattrsonline has remained consistent since FM’s birth in 2008. As I wondered what I can produce to celebrate our 16th anniversary, I asked around a few friends as I always do for some feedback. One of the ideas was to showcase 16 highlights throughout the years, that idea stuck in my head for a few days before I started going through the archives and thinking this had a nice feel to it.
I enjoyed going through content I had forgotten about, and I thought you at home would do also.

It’s hard to fathom its been 16 years being Flatmatters, I appreciate all the support I have been receiving especially recently. It seems as I am pretty much the only consistent the only flatland website, riders seem to appreciate the work that goes into running the site much more.

It would be interesting to hear back from you at home, what are some of your most memorable moments?

*The actual anniversary was Saturday 30th November, which I missed being at work all day.

I’ve added website links and videos as well for a reference for you all.
Here we I go! Thank you Flatland for 16 amazing years!

Flatmattersonline To document, share and progress!!

Effraim:

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN:2008.

The first in-depth article I did on Flatmatters, still makes me think bout where we are at. Have techniques really moved on 16 years on? It’s an article I return to every so often, food for thought…

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/debate-to-scuff-or-not-that-is-the-question-intro#comments

2009.

Video parts don’t get much bigger, than when Martti Kuoppa and Viki Gomez dropping a full video together, drop in Pete Brandt and this video incredibly still stands up today! This might be one of the most pivotal moments in flatland history when you think about it. Dropped in 2008, we reviewed in 2009.

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/kgb-impulsivity-review

2010.

Groundtactics during this era, made a massive impact on our community. And how about Moto Sasaki going the extra mile with that insane 3 minute line. Insane! Also, while on the long combo talk, dont forget Dominik Nekolny’s One Combo line from 2014, line below!

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/throwback-thursdays-moto-sasaki-groundtactics-2

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/dominik-nekolny-little-edit-2014

2011.

This one hits different, thin tyres, crazy pedal steam lines, this one is beautiful in it’s simplicity of thought, but so complex in performing. Stands up today loved this one from Leo Claro!

2012.

During this era, the productivity and insane riding of Mateus Beckmann mixing flatland and street was really inspiring.

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/matthias-beckmann-the-flatmatters-interview-must-watch-edit

2013.

One of my favourite parts of running the site, is the process of putting together interviews. Shintaro Misawa is one of my biggest inspirations, I really enjoyed putting this one together. Interviews are so time comsuming, but the feeling of satisfaction when I hit publish, is I guess why I still running the site to this day.

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/shintaro-misawa-interview-back-wheel-progression

2014.

Much like the KGB video, in 2009. Five years later when Martti and Viki combined forces again with Bobarderos this video had a massive affect in our community and is still talked about to this day.

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/bombarderos-martti-kuoppa-viki-gomez-–-flatmatters-2014-year-end-award-winner-editorial-choice-edit-of-the-year

2015.

2015 was a big year, check out these top ten edits I did from the year. These parts are still amazing in 2024. Michele Maiolani and that one handed pedal 5, what ever happened to Michele?, not to mention amazing edits from the likes of Akihiko Takahashi, John Yull, Heresy, Peter Olsen, and James White.

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/the-flatmattersonline-top-ten-edits-of-2015

2016.

I just mentioned John Yull, John has been around forever, I grew up with John riding for Hutch in the U.K. it’s fair to say he really reinvented himself during this era and killed it in the Master of Creativity contest. It’s hard to pick a best video to rewatch, but it’s fair to say John pushed flatland to new levels. No handed backwards decade anyone?

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/must-watch-john-yull-fall

2017.

One that perhaps went through the radar, I have had numerous conversations recently including with Matthieu himself. No one is touching this stuff, mind boggling difficulty right here.

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/must-watch-matthieu-bonnecuelle-raw-10

2018.

I’m a big fan of riders that give back more than just their riding, we all essentially do that. But who goes the extra mile, Jean William Prevost is one of those riders that’s working his ass off to make flatland better! Respect, go watch his PURO 2 part again, it’s worth it!

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/must-watch-jean-william-prevost-puro-flat-2-spring

2019.

Dane Beardsley has been at the top for a long ass time, somehow going under the radar. You might be like me, and can’t wait for his next video part. Trick selection, creative ride outs that remind you BMX is fun!

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/must-watch-dane-beardsley-that-and-this-2019

2020.

I recently asked is flatland an artform or a sport? Peter is definitely a rider I would describe as an artist. We might not ever see him ride, but for video parts, and that alone makes him very interesting to watch. And his trick selection always gets me motivated, as he always has a little homage to the flatland gods. For example, brakeless multiple straddelronis, something no one has touched since Ross Smith.

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/must-watch-peter-olsen-ritual

2021.

Yu Katagiri is a name on every Flatlanders mind in this new era in flatland. His 350 bikeflip into a massive line that won him the Chimera Games in a tense battle with Kio Hayakawa took the award line of the year in 2021. And these two, are pushing the sport side of flatland to new levels dropping worlds firsts in their runs.

Worth watching the awards show back, if you ever have a spare hour to kill and need some motivation.

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/the-flatmattersonline-year-end-award-winners-2021-are

2022.

The Japanese domination era seems to be well and truly upon us. Away from that it’s so motivating to see the grassroots edits from Japan! I look forward to Jimalog’s annual Matsudo edits every year and this is always well received by the flatland community. His videos always remind me of the importance of getting together with your friends and riding. Shoutout Jimalog!

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/must-watch-matsudo-year-end-jam-2021

2022 was most definitely the year of Jean William Prevost, winner of the legendary Red Bull Circle of Balance contest. Taking place in New Orleans, his final battle with Yu Katagiri got everyone talking.

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/jean-william-prevost-vs-yu-katagiri-red-bull-circle-of-balance-final-2022

2023.

Akihiko Takahashi’s edits always get me fired up, Aki performs backwards rolling moves no one does or can do. His reboot edit in 2023 was on repeat for me, big inspiration!

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/must-watch-akihiko-takahashi-reboot

CURRENT DAY: 2024.

I’m still digesting this year as we get close to announcing the awards. We are in a social media world where tricks are showcased on IG everyday, when I think about a standout move or moment, all I can think about is Yu Katagiri’s levitating move then flipping to Xft ice cream on the Jimalog Umikaze jam edit. For me, this move broke new ground, it went viral and you could understand why, absolutely mind boggling level. The whole video is just a pure vibe, Jimalog at the helm once again (who remembers his videos with Moto Sasaki!).

Hope you all enjoyed this breakdown of some highlights from over the last 16 years of Flatmattersonline, where will flatland be when we reach the big 20?

https://www.flatmattersonline.com/must-watch-yokosuka-umikaze-jam-2024