Red Bull Island Hopper with Tyler Bereman & Apple
Red Bull Island Hopper began not as a production brief, but as an idea sparked in an unlikely place: a Red Bull athlete ideation session. It was there, during a casual moment by the pool with Parks Bonifay, that the concept first surfaced. After being shown a stretch of water dotted with islands, the question was simple. Could they be jumped?
UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY
Introduction.
Island Hopper was never intended to follow a traditional production format. It was built around instinct, creativity, and exploration, with the goal of pushing freeride motocross into unfamiliar territory.
With Red Bull backing the concept and Apple joining as a creative partner, the project evolved into a global collaboration that blended riding, storytelling, and technology while staying true to Tyler Bereman’s identity.
WHAT’S NOT A CHALLENGE WHEN ISLAND HOPPING?
The challenge.
Turning the idea into reality presented a challenge on an entirely different level. Island Hopper was never meant to be safe, predictable, or straightforward. It was designed to push limits both creatively and physically. Preparation became everything. From start to finish, the course measured precisely 2,316 feet, with six islands requiring 15 moments where Tyler’s wheels would leave the ground to safely complete the crossings.
The scale and precision demanded by the project exceeded anything Tyler had attempted before. Even when compared to Red Bull Straight Rhythm, a half-mile straight-line supercross track, Island Hopper stood alone in complexity, commitment, and risk.
A SMALL BUT MIGHTY ROLE
The process.
Owlpine Group worked closely with Tyler Bereman and Jason Baker from the earliest stages of the project. With a high number of moving parts and multiple departmental needs, the primary focus was managing a heavy list of deliverables while keeping each team progressing toward their respective goals.
Protecting the creative intent was essential, while simultaneously building the structure required to execute a project of this scale. This meant aligning Red Bull, Apple, and Tyler’s personal sponsors under a single vision, ensuring each partner was integrated authentically without disrupting the narrative or overall experience.
TALENT FIRST
Our approach.
As always, Owlpine Group took a talent-first approach, prioritising Tyler’s creative leadership while providing strategic oversight and communication across all stakeholders.
Apple’s involvement was positioned as a creative enabler rather than a focal point, allowing technology to support the story without overshadowing the riding. The emphasis remained on authenticity, trust, and clarity, ensuring the project retained its raw energy while delivering value for every partner involved.
ACCELERATING THE OPPORTUNITY
Execution.
Execution required hands-on involvement at every stage. Owlpine Group supported Tyler and DreamTraxx on the ground, coordinating logistics, supporting production teams, and managing partner requirements throughout each phase of the build and shoot. Operating in remote conditions demanded adaptability and constant problem solving, with no margin for error.
The entire project was captured in a way rarely seen before, using more than 40 iPhone 17 Pro Max devices positioned throughout the environment. Phones were mounted across the lake, on the islands themselves, on the motorcycle, and worn by Tyler, creating an immersive perspective that placed viewers directly in the ride. Several iPhones were also integrated into FPV drone systems, tracking Tyler mid-air as he launched across the water on jumps stretching beyond 150 feet.
24+ MILLION IN ORGANIC REACH & VIEWS
Results & impact.
Red Bull Island Hopper resonated globally not just because of the riding, but because of how the story was built and told. The project demonstrated what is possible when an athlete is trusted to lead creatively, supported by partners who respect the process and a team committed to execution.
From a digital perspective, the response was immediate and significant. Between 15 and 22 December, content from Island Hopper generated 23,971,875 total views, all achieved organically through Tyler Bereman’s Instagram account. The scale of engagement reinforced the strength of athlete-led storytelling and highlighted the project’s ability to connect authentically with a global audience without paid amplification.
Red Bull Island Hopper now stands as a benchmark for athlete-first storytelling, meaningful brand integration, and what can be achieved when imagination is met with preparation, belief, and the right support structure.
All content featured is provided by Red Bull Content Pool, Chris Tedesco & Robert Snow
