Kaleidoscope was more of a massive production crew, and filming like a movie pretty much, whereas this one, it was just me and one filmer, my mate Matty Lambert. It kind of took the stress off, because there was lot of pressure and stress on Kaleidoscope because it was a lot of people, so many camera ops and people running around and this and that, and then, I was going on action. Whereas, when I'm riding it's just me and Matty filming and I'm like, yeah, Matt you good? And, he just shows, he's like, yep, send it. And, then I just go and send it. So, this one, for me, felt normal, what I'm used to, like a normal riding video should be.
When we first got asked to do it, it was meant to be just like a normal street riding video. Then, I thought, fair enough, that's going to be brilliant, but I was like, while we're in Dubai shooting at all these amazing locations and stuff, I was like, I wonder how far we can push it and see what we can get away with. I remember we were up on the helipad and they're like, oh, do you think you could do anything up here? And, I was like, I don't know, probably not, but if I could, I could jump out of the helicopter, and land on the roof, or whatever. Then, they just kind of laughed, and that would be amazing, this and that.
I remember we flew home and, all of a sudden, like two weeks later, I got an email saying, yeah, it's on. So, the whole year I've been sweating this helicopter thing because, as soon as they agreed it, I was like, oh no, they've actually said yes to it. What have I done? What have I got myself into? Can I do it? Especially since because I'm scared of heights as well. It was terrifying. At the same time, I knew after getting the green light to that, that this video could go a bit bigger, and then we got the water park stuff got okayed! It's always been a dream of mine as well to go to the water parks, and when you're a kid and you're on the flumes and that, you always imagine riding it if it was dry.
Your videos generally reach more people that BMX riders alone. Have you met people that got into BMX after watching your videos?
Kriss Kyle: Yeah, I get quite a lot of messages on Instagram and stuff saying you're the reason I started BMX, and all that stuff. So, that, for me, when someone says that, it means a lot. If I can be an inspiration to people out there and get them actually into it, it's crazy. Because a lot of people, I think, who follow me don't ride, or that, and then they just follow me because I'm posting daily videos and doing stuff all the time, and, I guess, they like seeing that and then they're like, oh, I can try that, it looks like you're having so much fun. So, then they get a bike and then the next thing they've been riding for five years.
Next to the incredible ride in Kaleidoscope was also about your message of doing what you want and succeeding. Actually, my wife, liked to show your video at several presentations at schools to make people aware of that message. Does the new video have a special meaning?
Kriss Kyle: That's awesome! Perhaps overcoming fears and stuff like that. I remember when I was flying out there, I was sweating, I was like, what am I actually doing? It's crazy what I've learned through the whole process and how I can essentially programme my body to do anything I want it do. I'm so scared of heights, but I knew, flying there, that I was going to jump out of that helicopter no matter what. I mean, I knew I was doing it. And, everything I say, I'll do it, or I'll at least try it.
Jumping out of the helicopter with your bike, not many people can say they've done that. How grateful are you being able to do the things that are out of the ordinary?
Kriss Kyle: Yeah, it’s incredible. I never, ever forget or take it for granted at all for what I'm doing. Especially, I remember the morning of going to the helicopter jump and sitting in the van on the way there, I was thinking, this is crazy, I'm about to do this. To think, I'm about to actually jump. How does this happen? If you had told me all those years ago when I was a kid in school that I was going to go and do all these things in 15 years, I'd have been like, no way, no chance, you're talking crap! But I love every minute of what I do, and never take it for granted. I love it.
Who helped out on the concept of this video?
Kriss Kyle: My Red Bull manager Matt messaged me one day and he's like, would you be up for doing a video, a street riding video in Dubai? I was like, yeah, man. And, then, sure enough, we're flying out to Dubai.
Any special BMX filmer involved with this one?
Kriss Kyle: Matt Lambert, who I’ve known for years now and I’ve worked with him on quite a few projects so it’s great to work with someone that you know is good and will make your riding stand out and show it the way it should be. When I found out Matty was doing it i was so stoked, and also relieved that I wouldn’t be working with some guy who didn’t know how to catch this trick from that way and doesn’t know my riding. Matty and I work great together as a team, I’m ready when he’s ready and he’s ready when I’m ready. I’m over the moon that I got to film this with him and I can’t wait to see what p 
rojects we might be able to work on together in the future.
Do you think it will reach as many views as Kaleidoscope?
Kriss Kyle: It's hard to tell these days with videos because there's so many coming out, but, I feel like this video is something completely different and no one's ever really done anything like it, like jumping out of a helicopter. Especially, riding the water parks like they're a skate park. Because people have done water park stuff in the past, but not really rode it like a skate park or whatever, you know? So, I'm hoping it goes damn well. I'd love for it to get the same amount of views, if not more, you know? I'm just happy with the video and, at the end of the day, that's all I really care about.
Watch the video HERE
Pics by Red Bull
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.