Around 200 people descended on the Pambula skate park on Saturday to watch more than 50 entrants in the inaugural Pambula Skatefest.
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The Sapphire Coast Skatepark Association joined forces with Rotary Pambula to put on the day and organisers said they were blown away with the response.
"It far exceeded my expectations," Rotary's junior coordinator Chrisi Haar said. "The day we created the event on Facebook I got an inkling it could be big, but it was everything I had hoped for and more."
Ms Haar said she was stunned by the entrants, adding they showcased local ability well with "amazing talent."
The Skatepark Association's Peter O'Keefe said the group knew there was an abundance of local talent and was thrilled to see it showcased over the weekend.
"We frequent the skate parks often so I think it would have been more surprising for those who don't go often than it was for us - it was a really high skill level shown on the day," Mr O'Keefe said.
"There were also some other kids that were a bit shy to go in ... but the showcase of local talent will inspire others to join in next time for sure."
Both Mr O'Keefe and Ms Haar agreed the big takeaway from the event was showcasing local talent to to the Far South Coast community with support from local business.
The pair both thanked Bendigo Bank in Pambula and the Merimbula surf business Raging Bull for getting behind the Skatefest.
Mr O'Keefe also thanked Pambula man Josh Gregory who turns old skateboard parts into jewellery in a business dubbed "Skate Junk" for his support with all female competitors getting their pick of some locally made jewellery on the day.
"We timed it around football season and didn't want it in the school holidays as we wanted it to be about our kids and community and I feel really blessed the community jumped on board," Ms Haar said.
Judges joined in the fun and frivolity of the day with some sessions on the board and the BMX as well as providing clinics on kick flips and other board skills, which Mr O'Keefe said is reflective of the nature of skate parks.
"It's just what happens to see the older kids stepping up and helping guide the youth along and teaching them the trade so to speak," he said.
Mr O'Keefe said the feedback was spectacular and thanked Pambula Rotary who helped plan the event in record time, going ahead just three weeks after the concept was raised.
"We were also grateful to Raging Bull and the Mayor [Russell Fitzpatrick] for coming along and officially opening it."
Mr O'Keefe said there was an amazing vibe on the day and plans were already afoot for a bigger and better Skatefest in 2022.
Results:
Under 10 scooter
1st Jonathon Lancaster, 2nd Kai Schroder, 3rd Jasper Lee Smith.
Under 14 scooter
1st Will Went, 2nd Logan Barton, 3rd Geoffrey Ostler
Under 18 scooter
Winners Abby Fraser and Lilly Simpson (on roller skates)
Under 10 skateboard
1st Sunny Michelin, 2nd Ollie Richards, 3rd Jasper Lee Smith.
Under 14 skateboard
1st Will Lake, 2nd Xavier Lehoczky, 3rd Billy Hughes.
Under 18 skateboard
1st Otto Lowe, 2nd Blake Woods, 3rd, Blake Racok
The Stephen Goodchild Award for outstanding effort and attitude winners were Kai Schroder and Maddy Weaner.
Jacob McMaster
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
I am passionate about amplifying people's stories and trying to do them justice in the written word. I find pressure washing videos soothing. email me jacob.mcmaster@austcommunitymedia.com.au or 0406 212 845.
