Intro/Interviews/Photos: Bobby Carter.

BMX brings us together to ride, but it also brings us together to experience life. Aloha Jam is not a contest, but it is more than just a jam, it’s a BMX Holiday. Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. Aloha Spirit flows through this community and even with the island itself. With Hawaii as the backdrop, we all got to experience the Aloha Spirit!

Aloha Groupshot!

Todd Carter, Photo by Jeff Cox Photography.

Todd Carter
“I decided to go to Aloha jam mainly to experience the Hawaiian Bmx community. I had heard stories about what a tight knit group of riders exists there, and I wanted to check it out. Honestly, the community completely blew my expectations out of the water. I experienced riders who seem to support each other no matter what kind of setup they ride. The group supports riders across all bmx disciplines, and they genuinely want to hang out with each other. New school and old school co-exist. I was inspired and refreshed with a true experience of Aloha. And a renewed hope, that our bmx communities, though we have work to do, can more tightly support each other. ”

Derek Takemoto
“I think the Aloha Jam showed the people here in Hawaii how something so different & out of the ordinary can make such a positive impact. Also how cool this sport is and how it is growing across the world…and to reach places like Hawaii, it’s simply amazing.”

Derek and Bobby, dual xft mega spins.

Steve Lapsley
“It was amazing. The jam was great. The spot was out of this world. Beautiful aesthetics combined with a smooth flat surface made for a great riding day. My wife and I went on a shark cage dive where we saw a bunch of galapagos sharks. We went to Waimea Valley and swam in a natural swim hole under a waterfall. We went snorkeling in Hanauma Bay and saw sea turtles, coral reefs and all kinds of fish. We made a failed attempt at body boarding in the North Shore. We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center for an authentic Hawaiian luau and saw a great show. The island has so much to offer. We had a blast. A trip/BMX Holiday we’ll never forget.”

Christina Lapsley (Steve’s Wife)
“I really enjoyed spending the day at Hanauma Bay with the group who came. We don’t normally get to hang out that much at contests while everyone is focused on riding & competing. Additionally, I was welcomed with open arms by the other riders and their families while in Hawaii and they made a point to get to know me. I felt included & hope more wives and families will come in the future!”

Photo: Steve Lapsley.

Lindsey Bode
“Aloha jam has given me clarity. bringing together the heart of BMX, like when Eaton said something to the effect of “just wanting to create that feeling of riding”, I know I am sure that I want to continue in the journey of BMX, its not about the wave, its the journey. We had all factions of BMX present. In the evolution of BMX style it would seem the ‘new ways’ are not segregated and the physics are all blending into each other as if there were no separate disciplines. As a child I never knew ‘this’ riding or ‘that’ riding. We may have joked about what a ‘true’ biker is, but freestyle is just that, and has no boundaries”

Rich Slezak
“The most memorable thing, well its hard to pick one for there were so many amazing adventures. Let’s start with the overall vacation. First I was blown away by the landscape especially the majestic mountains and the turquoise ocean which includes the marine life. Second was going out with Adam Jung for the early morning photoshoot and seeing all the rainbows and then traveling to the north shore that day (that entire day was overall the best day for me). Third was meeting all the riders who were just super friendly and seeing how tight the BMX community really is over there. In terms of Aloha Jam day, it was the vibe, the BMX community getting together. seeing everyone and meeting new folks. riding, eating all day, and being on TV.”

Dennis Toyoda (Dennis is on the left in the photo recovering from back surgery, in the photo above he’s with the first generation of flatland riders in Hawaii.)
“Da jam wuz awesome! Good seeing everyone from old skool to new skool! Hopefully I can ride da next Aloha Jam! Shoots, Brah!”.

Nelson Kuo
“I am absolutely, positively, certain, that I want more of this type of travel in my life. It was a nonstop adventure and discovery on all levels. The Aloha Jam event itself was awesome, but it was everything else we did and all the new friends we made that made me certain I was living life to the fullest in a meaningful kind of way. I definitely want more of this.”

Ryan Nunies
“It was an amazing sight. I started riding in 1984 and quit around 1989 so I missed the whole forward rolling, brakeless era. I started riding again back in 2011 and have been trying to get uma bay shot here???
“I really enjoyed spending the day at Hanauma Bay with the group who came. We don’t normally get to hang out that much at contests while everyone is focused on riding & competing. Additionally, I was welcomed with open arms by the other riders and their families while in Hawaii and they made a point to get to know me. I felt included & hope more wives and families will come in the future!”.

Sean Parker
“I love the scene here and the riding spots. I’ve been coming out here to ride and surf for about ten years. So, I finally bought a one way ticket to stay and it’s worked out better than I could have imagined. Aloha Jam was a lot of fun, but I was kinda buss from doing it big the night before. Definitely got me stoked to ride my new Intrikat set-up! Let’s do it again. Shoots brah!”

Dave Parages
“The jam was great! Positive vibes all day! The news coverage definitely helped BMX get noticed more! Can’t wait till next year!”