You could see the confidence building as time went on. Well done man.This was a lot of fun to watch you out of your element. Seems like a good group of guys.
There was a big difference from when i got there and left. If I had infinite energy and a bit more time, there were a few more things i wanted to check off, but I'll save them for another time. :)
I was there for two weeks for skating in 98. it was heaven. and the cabins were the same back then too. my favorite memory was watching Dave practice the first double backs on the foam and resi, there were just a few people in the building that day and everyone stopped to watch, skaters included. ill never forget it
Thats very cool! I was really curious to see if the cabins had gotten any less gross from what I remembered, and as you can see they were still gross. Not sure how the cabins consulars maintained their sanity with 15 stinky teenagers, i know I was a PITA. I got a chance to witness Daniel Dhers before he became a staple, and also watch Kevin Robison (rip) try double flairs on the Vert ramp. I flatted right in front of him at cloud 9 and he hooked me up with a tube, and I've never forgotten that.
Really love your authenticity Phil. I think you’re a gem to the bike community and have made great contributions to a variety of aspects to the sport. Getting kids like me(been watching since back in middle school and am now a senior in college) into mountain biking and practicing skills with friends. Would love to see you continue to be a great facilitator of the bike community! Thanks for being you and looking forward to the next vid!
Man Woodward has been around forever. I remember having it on my destination list back when I was freestyle riding in the late 80's but never made it there, except in the Dave Mirra BMX video games. It was great to see such a legendary park is still thriving after all these years.
I am amazed at this park! If this kind of stuff would have been around when I was riding BMX, I'd probably be way more broken than I already am now! LOL. We used to think riding drained pools were cool in the winter. Thanks for sharing this memory Phil.
I'm still enamored by it! There was always atleast one kid who would get injured on his first day of camp and have to sit out the whole week. Usually they'd comp them a free week or something.
Woodward clips go hand in hand in my brain with Dave Mirra's secret warehouse sesh and some other amazing, sometimes borderline stupid bike/ skate edits. Crazy times.
Surprisingly i have never played Dave Mirra, I played THPS but it was the BMX show Props that put woodward on my radar. I actually didn't realize it was a camp you could go to until a teammate on my Hockey team told me about how he went. It was just as cool as i thought it was going to be.
@@SkillsWithPhil Sorry for the misunderstanding, there is a old video called "Dave Mirras Secret Warehouse Session" with RATM playing in the background I think. Should've been 06/07 and should still be online, eventhough quite pixelated I suppose. But honestly amazing of your parents to give you the opportunity to experience that - sounds like they did a rather good job. And as you said: out the house AND something nice to do. Win-win for everyone :D
This video is awesome Phil! So glad you took us along the journey! I just got back into BMX and skateboarding recently again after 10 years + off both lol. So much fun!
Love this video, brother! 😎 I took a similar path from racing BMX at a young age to MTB when I’m older. I’ve always had a fascination with Woodward and all things Action Sports related. This was a great change of pace for you.
I'm glad i switched paths, but BMX racing was a huge part of my life, but towards the end I found it pretty monotonous, so moving to where there was no racing anymore was a blessing in disguise. Even the best park / street riders came from BMX racing, theres something about racing that really hones your skills and is applicable to wherever you end up.
@@SkillsWithPhil I agree completely! There’s something about racing that gives you a better feel for the bike and how you react with it to make it do what you need it to do. Once you know the feel, it translates to pretty much anything in any type of bike.
It was nice to meeting you there. This one was a small turnout compared to other years. We were chatting about MTBs and I finally got to try DH. Now I’m hooked. It’s funny because now I see you in GT ads and I’m like wait I’ve met that guy. lol
I love that Deftones' "Be quiet and drive" is the first song being played on the stereo! I remember playing the snowboard game "Amped 2", where that song was a part of the soundtrack :D
So true, back in the BMX days the least cool thing you could do is ride a mountain bike. Woodward was always a dream, so cool to see it survived until today.
They were still doing gymnastics when i was there, but as of a few years ago they finally closed their gymnastics program. All of the gymnastic areas got converted into additional action sport facilities which were cool to see for the first time in person.
This is such a cool vid! I had no idea this existed, it’s so alien to me 😄. Loved seeing the candid appearances of pros, past and present, and all that place has to offer!
I was actually really take back by how many of my friends hadn't heard of Woodward. Growing up in the action sports world, you'd be hard to find somebody who doesn't know what you're talking about. It was from that I realized that a lot of people have no idea it's a thing. A few years back I went to Woodward Park City to ride their MTB trails, which was cool but it didn't have the same vibe.
I could have probably got one if i had asked, but i ended just ordering a GT BMX bike because I was impatient. BMX bikes are extremely reasonable compared to MTB bikes.
Bmx is so fun! I love ripping around the bowl as fast as I can. I’ve seen mtb referenced as the new golf, which I agree with. But as long as real riders keep to and share their core values I think mtb will stay welcoming
@@SkillsWithPhil I thought the same thing when I was swiping through my Instagram stories lol. I'm sure you two will cross paths again sometime soon, always a good time watching both of you ride
This brings back so many memories of riding when I was young but I was over a decade before you in the 80s. Thanks for the videos, I live vicariously through you because if I tried this stuff it would take me months to heal after a major crash haha!
Super rad place. I think you painted the place in a great light. Hopefully MTB doesn't head down the same path as Skiing has or we will end up needing club memberships to ride park.
My favorite parks were the original cage and the outdoor rhythm. I wish i had a chance to experience the redone outdoor street, but the town square is pretty sick too.
I was on last years GT Team Kachinsky model, which is the same at this years minus the colors gtbicycles.com/collections/freestyle-bmx-bikes/products/team-kachinsky?variant=46395545780521
Hey Phil how does it feel when on a bmx after being on mountain bikes for long periods of time and does just feel the same or do you have to take a minute to adjust back to bmx or mountain bike when you switch cause it takes me a few seconds
Well there's two things I'm relearning, how to ride skateparks, and how to ride a BMX. Skateparks are full of sharp edges and concrete, there's not much room for error compared to MTB jumps. relearning how to ride a bmx took me the better part of the weekend, but I tend to be a quick learner when Jumping bike to bike. I brought my Dirt jumper with me just incase, but I wanted to force myself to ride a 20inch. I'm glad I did, they are way more fun in these settings.
I think an xc/trail rider who doesn't have much jumping experience will have a really hard time getting used to bmx bikes. it's not impossible, but it's also not something that everyone clicks with.
I hear you on feeling out of place at times, but I feel once you're out on the trail it kind of goes away. Once you're past the gear wankery in the carpark it's all about how you ride, and if you're fun to chat to. I guess MTB being pretty expensive by comparison makes it a target for elitists but again, once they're on the trail with you, can they keep up, and are they good fun to be around? That's all that matters really
If you happened to be at Camp Woodward the summers of 2004 and 2005, we may have crossed paths. I used to ride a DK SOB and people called me Frenchie.
You could see the confidence building as time went on. Well done man.This was a lot of fun to watch you out of your element. Seems like a good group of guys.
There was a big difference from when i got there and left. If I had infinite energy and a bit more time, there were a few more things i wanted to check off, but I'll save them for another time. :)
I was there for two weeks for skating in 98. it was heaven. and the cabins were the same back then too. my favorite memory was watching Dave practice the first double backs on the foam and resi, there were just a few people in the building that day and everyone stopped to watch, skaters included. ill never forget it
Thats very cool! I was really curious to see if the cabins had gotten any less gross from what I remembered, and as you can see they were still gross. Not sure how the cabins consulars maintained their sanity with 15 stinky teenagers, i know I was a PITA.
I got a chance to witness Daniel Dhers before he became a staple, and also watch Kevin Robison (rip) try double flairs on the Vert ramp. I flatted right in front of him at cloud 9 and he hooked me up with a tube, and I've never forgotten that.
@@SkillsWithPhil that's awesome. Enjoyed the vid man
Really love your authenticity Phil. I think you’re a gem to the bike community and have made great contributions to a variety of aspects to the sport. Getting kids like me(been watching since back in middle school and am now a senior in college) into mountain biking and practicing skills with friends. Would love to see you continue to be a great facilitator of the bike community! Thanks for being you and looking forward to the next vid!
Man Woodward has been around forever. I remember having it on my destination list back when I was freestyle riding in the late 80's but never made it there, except in the Dave Mirra BMX video games. It was great to see such a legendary park is still thriving after all these years.
Glad I got to meet you and shred with you man hope you make it back! Love the vid.
Dude I'm so glad you commented! I had a blast. I was also so pumped when you stomped that 540 on the mini, I was not expecting that!
I am amazed at this park! If this kind of stuff would have been around when I was riding BMX, I'd probably be way more broken than I already am now! LOL. We used to think riding drained pools were cool in the winter. Thanks for sharing this memory Phil.
I'm still enamored by it! There was always atleast one kid who would get injured on his first day of camp and have to sit out the whole week. Usually they'd comp them a free week or something.
Woodward clips go hand in hand in my brain with Dave Mirra's secret warehouse sesh and some other amazing, sometimes borderline stupid bike/ skate edits. Crazy times.
Surprisingly i have never played Dave Mirra, I played THPS but it was the BMX show Props that put woodward on my radar. I actually didn't realize it was a camp you could go to until a teammate on my Hockey team told me about how he went. It was just as cool as i thought it was going to be.
@@SkillsWithPhil Sorry for the misunderstanding, there is a old video called "Dave Mirras Secret Warehouse Session" with RATM playing in the background I think. Should've been 06/07 and should still be online, eventhough quite pixelated I suppose.
But honestly amazing of your parents to give you the opportunity to experience that - sounds like they did a rather good job. And as you said: out the house AND something nice to do. Win-win for everyone :D
This video is awesome Phil! So glad you took us along the journey! I just got back into BMX and skateboarding recently again after 10 years + off both lol. So much fun!
I pick up a skateboard every 5 years or so just to remind myself how bad I suck at it, but I still enjoy it riding mini ramps and the like.
Love this video, brother! 😎
I took a similar path from racing BMX at a young age to MTB when I’m older.
I’ve always had a fascination with Woodward and all things Action Sports related.
This was a great change of pace for you.
I'm glad i switched paths, but BMX racing was a huge part of my life, but towards the end I found it pretty monotonous, so moving to where there was no racing anymore was a blessing in disguise. Even the best park / street riders came from BMX racing, theres something about racing that really hones your skills and is applicable to wherever you end up.
@@SkillsWithPhil I agree completely!
There’s something about racing that gives you a better feel for the bike and how you react with it to make it do what you need it to do.
Once you know the feel, it translates to pretty much anything in any type of bike.
I'm definitely going to the next Woodward Over the Bars weekend event. Hope to see you there. Thanks for the video and tour.
It was nice to meeting you there. This one was a small turnout compared to other years. We were chatting about MTBs and I finally got to try DH. Now I’m hooked. It’s funny because now I see you in GT ads and I’m like wait I’ve met that guy. lol
I love that Deftones' "Be quiet and drive" is the first song being played on the stereo! I remember playing the snowboard game "Amped 2", where that song was a part of the soundtrack :D
Lovin your channel Phil.
So true, back in the BMX days the least cool thing you could do is ride a mountain bike. Woodward was always a dream, so cool to see it survived until today.
This is my dream! This looks awesome
I went to Woodward in 1975 but it was for gymnastics then. Yes, I am that old.
They were still doing gymnastics when i was there, but as of a few years ago they finally closed their gymnastics program. All of the gymnastic areas got converted into additional action sport facilities which were cool to see for the first time in person.
Love it! Good to get back to your roots with bmx from time to time. 💪🏽
That was super cool, Thanks for sharing.
This is such a cool vid! I had no idea this existed, it’s so alien to me 😄. Loved seeing the candid appearances of pros, past and present, and all that place has to offer!
I was actually really take back by how many of my friends hadn't heard of Woodward. Growing up in the action sports world, you'd be hard to find somebody who doesn't know what you're talking about. It was from that I realized that a lot of people have no idea it's a thing. A few years back I went to Woodward Park City to ride their MTB trails, which was cool but it didn't have the same vibe.
So good! It’s like sitting in on the Jedi counsel.
Awesome vid man!! Does GT give you a BMX bike? and will we see a downhill snow day before end of season?
I could have probably got one if i had asked, but i ended just ordering a GT BMX bike because I was impatient. BMX bikes are extremely reasonable compared to MTB bikes.
hell yeah brother, just picked up a BMX again like 3 weeks ago. Been 20 years lol
cloud 9 spine mini is one of the best sessions in the world.. so fun.
Hell yeah! Phil back on a BMX 🤙
Bmx is so fun! I love ripping around the bowl as fast as I can. I’ve seen mtb referenced as the new golf, which I agree with. But as long as real riders keep to and share their core values I think mtb will stay welcoming
I think it's only right you get a bmx session in with jay
I found it ironic that he was in Whistler/BC while I was at Woodward.
@@SkillsWithPhil I thought the same thing when I was swiping through my Instagram stories lol. I'm sure you two will cross paths again sometime soon, always a good time watching both of you ride
This brings back so many memories of riding when I was young but I was over a decade before you in the 80s. Thanks for the videos, I live vicariously through you because if I tried this stuff it would take me months to heal after a major crash haha!
Babe! Cancel our trip, Phil posted another video!
What a cool place, makes me wanna get a BMX and go there!
BMX rules!
I remember it from Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2, may he rest in peace
LETS GO BABY Phil on some bmx
Crazy how the helmet cam makes it look like you're barely leaving the ground when you're flying. Cool video!
Most skatepark content only looks good from a 3rd person perspective, but you lose the candid/immersive experience.
Super rad place. I think you painted the place in a great light. Hopefully MTB doesn't head down the same path as Skiing has or we will end up needing club memberships to ride park.
we tore out everyhing u remember in 2006 🎉 worked there frm then till 2016 im 45 mins away wonder if they would let me ride still
My favorite parks were the original cage and the outdoor rhythm. I wish i had a chance to experience the redone outdoor street, but the town square is pretty sick too.
Cool video!!! since you mentioned Rampage…Brendog got ROBBED!!!
Phil did a decade's worth of back flips.
Got stock up for when i wont be able to do them anymore 😁
Great times re living your youth
You have great flow! You just crush it on anything with 2 wheels and pedals
That's the dirt jump and BMX race background coming into play! I hate casing as much as and I hate landing flat which plays into how I ride MTBs.
NOICE!
This bmx content was sick, would love to see more - ay what was your bike?
I was on last years GT Team Kachinsky model, which is the same at this years minus the colors gtbicycles.com/collections/freestyle-bmx-bikes/products/team-kachinsky?variant=46395545780521
The bike I was on was a GT "BK Team" - It was a previous years model I think. The current generation one has a different paint job but same parts
I wish they had more mtb parks in pa I ride and at Woodward
Good job, kept me engaged and I bore easy
As someone who also gets bored easily I'm happy to hear that. :)
BMX IS THE BEST YOU HAVE EVERY STYLE DIRT VERT STREET! CHEERS PHILLY
5:48 guys I have been to Woodward, that jump into the turn is NOT small (it is like 20ft)
Pretty cool 🆒
less gooo!
Hey Phil how does it feel when on a bmx after being on mountain bikes for long periods of time and does just feel the same or do you have to take a minute to adjust back to bmx or mountain bike when you switch cause it takes me a few seconds
Well there's two things I'm relearning, how to ride skateparks, and how to ride a BMX. Skateparks are full of sharp edges and concrete, there's not much room for error compared to MTB jumps. relearning how to ride a bmx took me the better part of the weekend, but I tend to be a quick learner when Jumping bike to bike. I brought my Dirt jumper with me just incase, but I wanted to force myself to ride a 20inch. I'm glad I did, they are way more fun in these settings.
Thanks for the reply I was just curious cause i know you for mountain biking
I think an xc/trail rider who doesn't have much jumping experience will have a really hard time getting used to bmx bikes. it's not impossible, but it's also not something that everyone clicks with.
@@SkillsWithPhil I did bmx for a good 2 years before I went to mountain bike riding for about 7 years now but thanks for your feedback
the fact people are forgetting what Woodward is makes me sad. xD
Yo Phil can u come back to mountain creek in nj
Go ride with Jay!
Since your in pa go to blue mountain bike park
I edit videos from my house and i didn't bring my mountain bike with me.
Mountain Biking has become
An eliteist sport, just the cost of the bikes alone has gotten rediculiously out of reach for the average person.
I hear you on feeling out of place at times, but I feel once you're out on the trail it kind of goes away. Once you're past the gear wankery in the carpark it's all about how you ride, and if you're fun to chat to. I guess MTB being pretty expensive by comparison makes it a target for elitists but again, once they're on the trail with you, can they keep up, and are they good fun to be around? That's all that matters really
Funny these bmx kids have no idea who you are lol
It's honestly refreshing to be just another face in the crowd.
Should have know you had a BMX background
I've talked about it in the past but it's been a bit.
Funny how the bmx guys don’t recognize you
It's great. I like being just another face in the crowd.