Skaters drop in for annual Bowlzilla
Skateboarders took advantage of a break in Wellington’s soggy weather to showcase some of their tricks.
A few hundred people watched competitors from New Zealand and around the world compete at the annual Bowlzilla competition on Saturday.
It was the first time New Zealand skaters could accrue points from the event to qualify for the Olympic Games – the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will feature the sport for the first time.
About 60 competitors were expected across four divisions – under-16, pro open, women and masters – and despite the rain, there was lots of talent on show.
Held at Waitangi Park, the competition was back for the fourth time after it was launched in 2016 by director Chad Ford. Twelve-year-old Jett De Hann travelled from Sydney to take part and had hoped he would make the top five in his category. While he didn’t want to talk up his chances, Christchurch skater Ephraim Stocks, 16, was certain De Hann would win. ‘‘He’s the best shredder I know, he just rips.’’
De Hann came third in the open final.
Stocks, who ranked ninth in the under-16 final, had only been skating for two years but said the community was the best part of the sport.
‘‘It’s so friendly, you can go anywhere in the world with your board and go to a park, and everyone will be your mate. It’s sick.’’