Mount Maunganui's vert ramp has been hailed as the best in New Zealand, drawing skaters from all around the North Island and expected to feature top pros in a high profile event by next summer.
"It is the best ramp in the country by a mile," regular user and Mount Skating Association founder Cale Tolley said.
Skaters from one of the sport's biggest magazines were coming out to sample the vert ramp which opened three months ago.
Mr Tolley said it had been a huge success, with Aucklanders regularly seen enjoying the international standard vert ramp, and a group of skaters from Wellington making the trip on the strength of its growing reputation.
"Top riders say this is the best ramp in New Zealand," he said.
About half-a-dozen local skaters rode the ramp to its highest standard but a lot more were using it everyday. Kids were skating around the bottom, without dropping down from the top, he said.
"It's not at that highest level, but they can still ride it."
The importance of the vert ramp was that it was a step up and challenged riders who were honing their skills on the nearby mini-ramp.
Mr Tolley said it was higher than the big vert ramp at Memorial Park and its modern design meant it had a bigger curve so a fall from the top meant skaters landed about halfway down, with many riders choosing to be protected by wearing helmets and knee pads
Meanwhile, late night noise issues caused by young skaters on the mini-ramp appear to have been fixed after the council slung a chain along the middle of the halfpipe.
Council parks co-ordinator Josh Trafford said the mini-ramp was busier because it was easier to use, but the noise of skateboards sparked complaints from nearby residents unable to get to sleep. The council responded by making the mini-ramp off limits after 10pm. After that was only partially successful, the chain was installed on February 20.
Mr Trafford said the chain resulted in some teenagers getting so miffed at not being able to use the mini-ramp that they made as much noise as they could. "They were just being annoying."
Only the small ramp was used at night because it was closer to the road and people were able to point their car lights at it from the car park.
One of the residents, who asked not to be named, said the problem had been fixed and they were now getting a good night's sleep. "It is working, the council has been excellent."