Riders bust out best moves
Ryan Dando says practice makes perfect.
The Motueka rider was in Takaka to compete in the Tasman Skatepark Tour on Saturday and came second in the BMX open section. He has been BMXing for just over two years and says he practises every chance he gets.
‘‘You get more confidence each time you ride,’’ he said.
Hundreds gathered to watch skaters, BMXers and scooter riders break out their best moves on a hot afternoon at the Takaka Skatepark.
Event organiser Paul McConachie said he was pleased with the turnout and spirit of the event.
‘‘There was lots of camaraderie between the riders and a lot of respect shown,’’ he said. ‘‘We’re trying to break down the stereotypes about skaters and skate parks. There’s actually a lot of support shown here.’’
The Tasman Skatepark Tour continues around the region. The next two events are at the Mapua Skatepark tomorrow and Wakefield’s Whitby Way car park on Saturday. The tour will also take place at Tapawera, Motueka, Brightwater, Nelson and Richmond skateparks through this month.
In the BMX Open at Takaka, Lee Nuttal came first, Ryan Dando came second and Jack Dixon third. In the Scooter Open, Mita Timpson came first, Lee Nuttal second and Karl Ratcliffe third. In the Sk8 Junior Pros Jake King was first, Zak Fitzgerald second, and Tyler Hickmott third. In the BMX Junior 11 and under, Tom Basset was first. In the Scooter Junior Max Rodgers came first, Tom Bassett second and Tarn third. In the 12-16 years age group in BMX Dylan Boffa was first and Kayla Kennedy second, while in the under-11 skateboard Reggie McDonald came first.