🌀 Dave Nourie: The Flatland Freestyler Who Rewrote BMX History
If you’ve ever watched a BMX flatland rider spin endlessly on one wheel, defying gravity and logic, chances are you’ve witnessed the legacy of Dave Nourie—whether you knew it or not. A pioneer, innovator, and performer, Dave Nourie helped shape the very DNA of freestyle BMX during its golden age and continues to inspire generations with his creativity and passion.
📍 Origins of a Freestyle Icon
Dave Nourie was born on December 2, 1965, in the United States. His journey into BMX began in the early 1980s, a time when freestyle riding was still finding its identity. Drawn to the expressive and artistic side of BMX, Dave gravitated toward flatland—a discipline that trades ramps and rails for balance, flow, and imagination.
His early influences included the likes of Ron Wilkerson and Brian Blyther, with whom he would later tour as part of Haro Bikes’ first-ever stunt team in 1985. That tour wasn’t just a showcase—it was a cultural moment that helped BMX explode into the mainstream.
🔥 Signature Tricks & Innovations
Dave Nourie didn’t just ride—he invented. Among his most iconic contributions is the “Nourie Stand,” a trick that became a staple in flatland vocabulary. He also mastered and popularized moves like:
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The Funky Chicken
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Fire Hydrant
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Freak Squeak
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Miami Wedge
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Antrider
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Steamroller
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No-handed Time Machine
Each trick carried his signature style: fluid, technical, and always pushing the boundaries of what was possible on two wheels.
🛠️ Sponsors & Support
Throughout his career, Dave was backed by some of the most influential brands in BMX and streetwear culture. His sponsors included:
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Haro Bikes
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Vision Street Wear
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Odyssey
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ODI
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Life’s a Beach
These partnerships weren’t just about gear—they were about aligning with brands that understood and celebrated the freestyle ethos.
🎥 Video Sections & Media Presence
Dave’s riding has been immortalized in classic BMX videos like Aggro Man and Kung Fu Fighting by Eddie Roman. These tapes weren’t just entertainment—they were instructional, inspirational, and foundational for riders around the world.
In recent years, Dave has taken to YouTube to share tutorials, stories, and throwback footage. His channel is a treasure trove for anyone wanting to learn old-school flatland tricks or simply dive into BMX history. Highlights include:
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“43 Years of Freestyle”
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“Flatland Grandpa Defies Gravity”
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“Birth of the Gumbee”
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“Around the World on Two Wheels”
🌍 Beyond BMX: What’s Dave Up To Now?
Dave Nourie hasn’t slowed down—he’s just evolved. Today, he’s still deeply involved in the BMX community through events like the “Back for More in 2024” tour and appearances at bike shows across the U.S. He’s also the founder of Helping Hands, a cleaning, moving, and organizing business that reflects his commitment to service and community.
He runs Nourie’s Bike Academy, where he teaches flatland fundamentals to new riders, blending mentorship with mastery. And yes, he’s still riding—still spinning, still innovating, still inspiring.
Dave Nourie // Moreno Valley Contest // 1995 (BMX)
Dave Nourie - GUMBY - BMX Flatland - Old School Freestyle Reuinion 2011
OFG BMX EP #49 LIVE from Cornhucket '18 with Dave Nourie!!