Rain ahead, skateboarding national champs end early

Gisborne’s Reuben Baker completes a backside crooked grind down the hubba at the Alfred Cox Skate Park yesterday. He was competing in the quarter-finals of the men’s open section at the NZ Skateboarding national championships. The competition was to finish today, but organisers decided to wind things up yesterday due to a forecast for “100 percent rain” today. Picture by Liam Clayton

The skateboarding national championships at Alfred Cox Skate Park were forced to change their final events to yesterday due to a forecast of “100 percent chance” of rain for today.

The last-minute adjustment added to the excitement for the crowds who attended the event over the two days.

Organiser and Tairawhiti Adventure Trust member Shane Kingsbeer said the nationals had been a success.  With an $18,000 cash prize pool up for grabs across various divisions and genders, the event attracted a good range of skaters.

Blair Stewart, from sponsors Sequence Surf Gisborne, said three of the local stand-out skateboarders this year were Reuben Baker, Momo Steffen and Brad Wilkie.

“It’s a great vibe — you can feel the intensity with the skating being so close and there’s an incredible crowd,” Mr Stewart said.

Leading up to the nationals, the New Zealand Olympic skateboarding team were training at the Alfred Cox Skate Park which added to the anticipation of this yearly event.

“Gisborne still holds the title of the biggest and best skatepark in the country,” said Mr Stewart.