Craig Campbell: The British Freestyle BMX Pioneer Who Rode Into Legend

If you were into BMX in the 1980s, the name Craig Campbell likely conjures up images of wild tricks, signature bikes, and a fearless British rider who helped shape the freestyle scene. Born on July 16, 1969, in Essex, England, Campbell grew up near Southend and later moved to London at age 17. His journey into BMX began like many others—riding for fun, pushing boundaries, and eventually catching the eye of industry legends.

🚴 From Harrow Skatepark to Haro Bikes

Craig’s big break came in 1983 at Harrow Skatepark, where his riding impressed none other than Bob Haro, founder of Haro Bikes. Haro was looking for a British rider to represent his brand, and Campbell’s style and flair made him the perfect choice. This sponsorship made Craig the first non-American rider to receive full backing from Haro—a groundbreaking moment that catapulted him into the spotlight.

🔥 Tricks That Turned Heads

Campbell wasn’t just a rider; he was an innovator. He was one of the first to experiment with the Rocket Air on a BMX bike in 1986, inspired by skateboarder Christian Hosoi. While Ron Wilkerson may have popularized the move, Craig’s early adoption helped bring it into BMX culture. He also revolutionized the 540 wallride, a jaw-dropping trick he showcased during a 2hip event in 1988. These moves weren’t just impressive—they were foundational, influencing generations of riders to come.

🛠️ Sponsors and Signature Gear

Throughout his career, Craig rode for several top-tier sponsors, including:

• Haro

• Skyway

• Pro-Lite

• Bully

• GT

His partnership with Pro-Lite in 1985 led to the release of his own signature frame, built by Freewheeler. It became the best-selling freestyle bike of the year, outselling its competitors and cementing his status as a BMX icon.

🎥 Lights, Camera, BMX

Craig’s charisma and talent made him a natural fit for television. He appeared on BMX Beat, a popular UK show that aired from 1984 to 1987, showcasing freestyle BMX to a mainstream audience. His performances were electric, helping to bring BMX into living rooms across Britain and inspiring countless young riders.

🌍 Going Global

In 1987, with sponsorships drying up and the UK scene stagnating, Craig made a bold move. He relocated to the United States with fellow riders Nick Phillip and Lee Reynolds to chase bigger opportunities. There, he competed, performed in shows, and continued to push the boundaries of freestyle BMX.

🎧 Life After BMX

By 1991, at just 21 years old, Craig retired from professional riding. The BMX industry was shifting, and making a living from freestyle was becoming increasingly difficult. But Craig didn’t fade away—he reinvented himself. With a growing passion for music, he transitioned into a career as a disc jockey, diving into London’s vibrant club scene and producing soundtracks for TV commercials.

🕶️ What’s He Up to Now?

Today, Craig Campbell remains a respected figure in BMX history. Though he’s no longer riding professionally, his influence is still felt. He occasionally appears in interviews and podcasts, reflecting on the golden era of freestyle BMX and sharing stories from his groundbreaking career. His legacy lives on not just in the tricks he pioneered, but in the spirit of innovation and rebellion he embodied.

Craig Campbell // Portland AFA Masters // 1988

CRAIG CAMPBELL | Two Runs At Pipeline | King Of The Skateparks |

Craig Campbell - Episode 7 - The Union Tapes Podcast