Skaters turn it up for crowd

 

A huge crowd jostled for viewing space at the recent Bowl Jam at the Mangawhai Activity Zone.

Now running its fifth Bowl Jam, the reputation of Mangawhai’s facility lived up to all expectations as numbers of both competitors and onlookers braved a sweltering day to see some of the best skaters in commission go through their routines.

Numbers are getting greater and skaters getting younger as some of the grommets fearlessly drop into the big bowl, push for speed then take plenty of air to the oohs and aahs from the crowd, a round of applause or the odd gasp in dreaded anticipation as rider and board part company.

Organiser Jesse Peters, who also manned the mic on the day, was overwhelmed with the increased response from year to year.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who turned up – skaters, public and especially our sponsors,” said Peters. “The weather turned on and everybody went nuts! Congrats to the winners. Can't wait to build this event bigger and better next year.”

Seating was at a premium but as the park develops it’s likely that moves will be implemented to cope with the growing following of this exciting action sport.

Skaters and many of the public were still fizzing long after the event.

MAZ president Colin Gallagher could only shake his head in wonder at the turnout, “But this is exactly what this place has been built for,” he said.

GRAB: Skaters get some crazy air at the 2016 Mangawhai Bowl Jam. PHOTO/Scott Sinton