American Freestyle Association

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The American Freestyle Association or AFA was the first governing body for BMX freestyle in the 1980s. During that time BMX Freestyle consisted of Vert competition and the Flatland Division. The AFA was so popular that virtually every state throughout the country held local events. The AFA Masters series was a national event that featured riders coming to compete from all over the country. The events consisted of novice, intermediate, expert and pro class divisions. In 1986 the AFA held its largest Masters event at Madison Square Gardens with over 300 riders attending the competition. By 1989 the AFA had closed down due a sluggish economy, lack of bmx bike sales and main stream coverage.

Although the AFA closed down, some of its top riders continue to compete to this day. Dave Mira, Dennis Mccoy and Matt Hoffman, all former Haro Designs sponsored riders, carried the sport to the Xgames, which is the showcase event for BMX Freestyle throughout the World today. The AFA had virtually every bicycle manufacturer sponsored riders compete in their competitions to promote individual stars and bike sales. All competitions were covered by BMX Plus, BMX Action, and Freestylin Magazine.

GT bicycles, Haro Designs, Dyno, Mongoose, Skyway, Schwinn, DiamondBack, Kuwahara, CW, SE Racing, MCS Bicycles,General Bicycles, Redline, Murray, Hutch and Ozone were all actively involved in sending the riders to compete in the AFA Masters. Bicycles sponsors were not the only ones to get in the mix, Vision Street Wear, Vans, Awesome Footwear, Airwalk and Lifes a Beach clothing were heavily present sponsors.

GT Bicycles was represented by

  • Eddie Fiola
  • Martin Aparijo
  • Josh White
  • Krys Dauchy
  • Brian Scura
  • Jason Geoffrey
  • Gary Pollack

Dyno was represented by

  • Dino Deluca
  • Dave Voelker
  • Brett Hernandez
  • Rubin Castillo

Haro Designs was represented by

  • Bob Haro
  • Joe Gruttola
  • Dennis Mccoy
  • Rick Moliterno
  • Matt Hoffman
  • Dave Mirra
  • Dave Nourie
  • Brian Blyther
  • Ron Wilkerson

Mongoose Bicycles was represented by

  • Trevor Hernandez
  • Rick Allison
  • Phil Mackles
  • Chris Laushua
  • Marty Schlesinger
  • Park Carter
  • Karl Rothe

Schwinn was represented by

  • Jim Johnson
  • Robert Peterson
  • Jonathan Garcia

DiamondBack was represented by

  • Mike Dominguez
  • Woody Itson


General Bicycles was represented by

  • RL Osborn
  • Fred Blood
  • Brian Belcher
  • Chris Day
  • Mark Roldan

Redline was represented by

  • RL Osborn

Hutch was represented by

  • Mike Dominguez
  • Woody Itson
  • Rick Moliterno
  • Dennis Langlias

Murray was represented by

  • Rich Sigur

Skyway was represented by

  • Kevin Jones
  • Mark Mckee
  • Matt Hoffman
  • Scotty Freeman
  • Maurice Meyer
  • Hugo Gonzales
  • Eddie Roman

Ozone was represented by

  • Eric Emerson
  • Pete Brandt
  • Carly Garcia
  • Oscar Gonzales
  • Gerry Smith

MCS Bicycles

  • Mike Karanik

Kuwahara

  • Jay Jones
  • Kris Ketchum
  • Mike Loverige
  • Randy Tischman

SE Racing

  • Denny Howell
  • Larry Manayan

CW BICYCLES

  • Dizz Hicks
  • Gary Pollack
  • Ceppie Maes
  • Eric Evans