Bowl Jam all action

A crowd estimated to be in the thousands cast the heat aside and enjoyed an awesome and awe-filled day of skating acrobatics at the 6th Annual Vans Mangawhai Bowl Jam, presented by Mexicali Fresh.

Over 50 of New Zealand’s best skaters turned their tricks, from shredding and frontside to Indy air, stalefish, inverts – the works!

Even Jason Parkes, planner and builder of the complex, returned to the scene of the crime to strut his stuff and see, first-hand, the success of the venture.

The event was organised by Bowldivision. Main man Jesse Peters has been a strong supporter of the Mangawhai centre since day one.

“Our company is focused on bringing a professional level of skateboarding events and skate coaching to Mangawhai and the whole industry,” says Jesse.

He also led a big shout out to the Mangawhai Activity Zone committee and friends for all the work they do to bring such an impressive venue to Mangawhai and the New Zealand skateboarding community.

This year there were just two girls competing but Jesse says there will be a specific girls division added to the programme next year.

This year the event combined forces with the Logger Heads surf event the day before to bring a full weekend of skate, surf and music.

Organisers shout out to official drink sponsor Tararua Dairy Co, Vans, Mexicali Fresh, LikeWike, Bammas, Thunder trucks, Spitfire wheels, Otis eyewear, Manual magazine, Garage entertainment, Mangawhai Activity Zone.

FREAKY: It’s a long way down for Bowman Hansen on his way to the Open title. PHOTO/David Read