Q & A | Team Rider - Colin Akerman
What’s your earliest memory of BMX? How did you get started and what has your come up been like?
My earliest memory on the bike was cruising around at the local indoor park right behind my brother Nick who got me into the sport. Nick started riding around the age of 12 when I followed his footsteps at the age of 6. We had a skatepark only 20 minutes away called The Incline Club that I instantly fell in love with at the early stage of my riding. My come-up has felt surreal the last few years from traveling all across the country competing and touring across the coast doing stunt shows. I’ve felt an Increase in my progression recently and I’m eager and more motivated than ever to keep going and putting in the work on the daily.
What’s your favorite memory of BMX? Related to you, and also in general in all of the BMX world?
My favorite memory on my bike had to have been when I won the very first contest I have ever entered. The Incline Club hosted a pro/am Jump for Joy contest in 2016. It was very intimidating going into my first contest when I was only 13. I put down everything I had and it paid off in the end. All the other guys in my class were all 17+ so walking away with the win with a stacked class was definitely a memorable experience.
Favorite BMX Trip?
My favorite trip had to have been Summerfest 2023. Summerfest is the biggest music festival in the Mideast and they host BMX demos each year. Something about the energy in the arena when you’re doing the shows is unmatched. Having concerts go on left and right while riding is a surreal experience. Summerfest is definitely up there with one of my favorite trips.
How did you get on the Monster Army team?
I applied to be on team in winter of 2023. They got back to me about a week later letting me know I have joined the team and I couldn't have been any more happier. I’ve been repping them ever since and they have been super supportive with everything I’ve done so far.
Favorite video and video part?
I am working on a video part that I plan on uploading by the end of this year/ early 2025. My favorite edit has to be Markit Zero 2013. Every part in that video is a banger and the level of riding was absurd.
What are some of the hobbies you have outside of BMX?
I like to surf since I live so close to the ocean and just really hangout with the boys and family.
Who has been your biggest influence/inspiration in BMX or outside of BMX?
My biggest influence has to be Scotty Cranmer and my brother. Scotty has taught me the ropes at such a young age and his guidance while I was young really helped to become the rider I am today. My brother also has influenced me in such a positive way with just being able to support and help me learn from my mistakes as I continue my BMX career.
Were you born and raised in NJ? How has that affected BMX for you? If not, where and how did that also affect your journey in BMX?
I was born and raised in New Jersey. Having a massive indoor skatepark only 20 minutes from my house definitely helped me with the progression aspect of the sport. I was at The Incline Club 5 days a week, 6-7 hours a day consistently riding to my fullest potential. Having a solid crew definitely added to the benefits of the BMX scene in Jersey.
Any big plans for BMX or long term goals?
My goal right now is to just have fun with the sport. I am currently super busy with BMX shows and I’m loving the fact that I get to travel the country doing the thing I love. I’m excited to be competing over seas in the future now that I am graduated from high school. My main goal in Bmx is to just have fun with it at the end of the day. I’ll just keep riding with my friends and I’ll see where the sport takes me.