Napier skateboard comp kick-flips into action

Nolan Ewart, originally from Napier, came second in the open finals of the Inaugural Bay Skate Bowl Competition at Bay Skate, Napier. Photo / Duncan Brown

It may have got off to a slippery start but the rain wasn't enough to deter those with a love of skateboarding who travelled far and wide for a Hawke's Bay competition.

Skaters travelled as far as Palmerston North to take part in the Bay Skate Bowl competition in Napier on Saturday.

Bay Skate manager Justin Dwyer said it's the first time a bowl competition had been held in Napier with at least 15-20 people taking part. There were only three local competitors.

Napier's Bailey Lawson took out first place in "16 and under" bowl competition while ex Napier man Nolan Ewart came second in the open finals and also took out "best trick".

Although a scooter culture seemed to be the current ruler of the Bay Skate park, Dwyer said skateboarding was still very much alive with competitors between 8 to 43 years old taking part in the competition.

"Skateboarding is a bit more creative and it's more of a street sport. This event is the first inaugural bowl event, but we're going to have a skate jam every six months because we received such a good reception at the weekend."

Dwyer said skateboarding had increased at the park since they re-coated the tiles, with the numbers of users doubling in the past three weeks.

"That was just one little key part, but it's made such a difference and it's great to see more skaters using it. We're starting to see a little roller blading community use it as well."

Dwyer said they will continue to host a bowl competition every year, with a "jam" every six months.

"A jam is basically a-get-together so the skating community can just see who's who what's what before the annual event.

"We just want to keep growing the sport because we love it, not because it's our job. Skateboarding is just so unique, you can't just teach someone, it's something that you need to learn at your own pace, something you need to create.

"There's no right or wrong way to do it, there's more skateboarders and scooter riders than there are rugby players so it's just a really good active sport to get into."