Young west Auckland skater wins place at Big Day Out

Fourteen-year-old Jade Beckhouse outskated the competition yesterday for a chance to showcase his talent on the big stage.

The Waitakere College student was among a handful of in-line skaters and BMX riders vying for the prize of performing in front of thousands at the Big Day Out 2004.

The competition was on Auckland's only vertical ramp, in Onehunga, but the actual ramp at next month's rock concert will be almost three times the size.

Professional extreme performers will display their talents at the Big Day Out and Jade, from West Auckland, along with five others, will have a chance to show what he can do alongside the pros.

Organiser Etienne Fier said it was a good opportunity for "wannabes" in an often-overlooked sport.

"There's also the kudos of performing in front of so many people, a chance they would not normally get - and, of course, free tickets to the Big Day Out," said Mr Fier.

The event, the 10th in Auckland, on January 16, promises to be the biggest yet. Sixty bands will play seven stages over 12 hours, with top-name international acts including Metallica, The Strokes, Basement Jax, The Dandy Warhols, Black Eyed Peas, Muse and Kings of Leon.