Rider Profile: Jake Kinney

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RIDER PROFILE: JAKE KINNEY

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Tell us a bit about yourself:

Age 27. Born in San Diego now living at Woodward West in Tehachapi CA, Likes: Outside of riding I love to skate, surf, snowboard, wakeboard. My girlfriend is pretty rad so we can enjoy those sports together. I really like good Mexican food and coffee. Dislikes: five panel hats.

How were you introduced to mountain biking?

My dad raced motocross and XC so I rode BMX and started to ride XC with him when I was younger. As I got older I started to race 4x and Dual Slalom. Then JD Swanguen, Cody Warren, and Griz got me into riding hardtails full time.

Was there a strong riding community growing up?

San Diego has a killer riding community. I was really influenced by a lot of riders growing up in San Diego. My dad would take Gary Young and I riding all the time. When I got my first hardtail I rode with JD, Cody, and Griz; they really showed me the ropes about MTB dirt jumping, DH, and just riding an MTB everywhere possible.



Was there a point where you decided you wanted to make riding a job?

From a young age it was always a dream to become pro. I worked hard and turned pro when I was 18, I never had a specific discipline. It was tough for me to fully make it in one style of riding. I loved racing but also really wanted to jump and freeride. So growing up Kyle Strait was an inspiration to me. Kyle kills it in everything and I wanted to do the same. Landing the job at Woodward really helped with riding my bike for a living.

What is your official job title at Woodward and what does your job entail?

I am the MTB Director; I oversee the MTB program year around and build the MTB summer camps for Woodward West. I get to run a program how I want and help instruct kids. Creating new friendships and helping them grow their passion for the sport is amazing. I love seeing kids reach their goals.

As a coach what do you feel is the most important piece of knowledge to give young riders?

I really want young riders to walk away with confidence and consistency. I feel these two skills are very important in riding and life.


Woodward is an incredible playground for top riders in MTB, BMX, and skate. Which riders have been your favorite to watch shred?

I feel like a little kid every time certain pros come by. It’s wild now that some of my childhood idols are actually friends who I get to ride with all the time. I love watching Brandon Semenuk, Cory Bohan, Ben Wallace, TJ Ellis, Cory Nastazio Dennis Enerson, and Beaver Fleming (skate).

You’ve starred in a number of entertaining web videos this season. Do you prefer riding in videos to riding in contests?

I really like riding in contest and having that ‘time to drop in’ feeling, but nothing beats working hard on an edit and getting to see the final product. With edits I can really share my riding with the MTB world.

Your riding is super stylish, can style be taught or is it something that comes with practice?

Thank you. My style came natural to me. I really wanted to learn more tricks when I was younger but always-ended up riding at speed to see how high and far I can go. Finding creative transfers is by far my favorite, then when it comes time to doing a trick over them nothing beats that feeling.



Tell us about the Taj trails. How long have you been working on those jumps? Do you build at Woodward too?

The Taj is amazing and a dream spot come true. We have a solid crew of six guys. In two months we built three lines with 15 jumps in each line, it takes about 50 seconds from top to bottom to ride it. During summer I have a trail crew that helps with the maintenance of the Woodward jumps. I maintain them and ride them during the off-season. Right before camp starts, Mike Saavedra and his crew come out and help dial in the trails for summer. The Taj is our escape from riding at Woodward and we were blessed with having the land and opportunity to build those jumps.

What are your major projects for this season?

This season I have been working on some really fun video projects with Deity and some killer filmers - I love getting behind the camera and expressing my creativity. I still plan on enjoying some events this year. The main project is making sure camp is running smoothly and the MTB campers are enjoying their summer.

What are your long-term riding goals?

My long term riding goal is to stay healthy and to keep progressing the sport in the best way I can. MTB is a growing sport and I want to help take part in that growth.



What do you do when you’re not riding?

When I am not riding I skate, surf, and take part in most watersports in the summer. I love to snowboard in the winter, and I ride a lot of road too. I love staying active and having fun in life.

Is there anything else we should know about you?

I am a mellow guy, but when it comes down to having a good time you can always count me in.

Who are your sponsors?
Deity, POC, Vee Rubber, Deft Family, Oakley, Vans, Index Ink, Hayes, Spank and Profile.

Is there anyone else that you’d like to thank?

Without God I would not be who and where I am today. My parents are amazing and have been there for me for everything that has come along with my riding. My dad is 57 and still shreds on his bike. Woodward West for giving me this opportunity, Danny Meadows has been a close family friend almost another dad and he deserves a shout out. My girlfriend Sarah who is beyond amazing. She also works at Woodward and is extremely talented. Last but not least Eric and Sadie at Deity, they have made me feel like family. Not only do I love getting on my bike and riding their product, I love the passion they both have for the sport. Both Eric and Sadie really make the team feel like family and I would consider them family.

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Photos: Berkley Vopnfjord, Paris Gore, and Eric Johnson
Videos: Dylan Pfohl and Rupert Walker
Interview: Scott Secco

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