Bowl Jam puts Mangawhai on skate map

 

The word is out – Mangawhai is gradually cementing its place on the skaters competition ladder.

Waitangi Weekend saw the fourth annual Mangawhai Bowl Jam.

Held at the Mangawhai skate park, and presented by Ultimate Surf n Skate, it was blazing hot every-which-way with a record crowd, relentless sun, and a lineup of ferocious ‘crete shredders from all over the country.

Chief organiser Jesse Peters of Ultimate Skate was thrilled with the record turnout with around 800 people through the bowl on the day, and paid tribute to the efforts of Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) chairman Colin Gallagher and his team in making this year’s event run smoothly.

Taupo’s Bowman Hansen was a force from the moment he dropped in, and despite some legendary ripping from the likes of Shaun Boucher, Sam Haven, Mike Bancroft, Ben Wallis, Chris Wood and Josh Wilson, he was a shoe-in for the win.

“Things are good with the state of skateboarding in New Zealand, especially with these guys around,” says Peters.

“Thanks to the Mangawhai Beach School caretaker who set up the seating, also to the food truck man, and to everybody who turned up making it the best event to date! It was another incredible event and will hopefully draw even more top skaters next year.”

Footage will be aired on Airtime’s brand new season on Edge TV channel 14 (114 on Sky) at 9pm (date of episode to be confirmed.)

Competition Results

U16s: 1 Rico Henare, Taupo; 2 Riley Van Hende, Auckland; 3 Liam Hayes, Auckland.

Opens: 1 Bowman Hansen, Taupo; 2 Mike Bancroft, Auckland; 3 Shaun Boucher, Tauranga.

Masters (40-plus): 1 Leigh Mackensie, Auckland; 2 Brian Smith, Auckland.

HIGH FLYER: Taupo’s Bowman Hansen on his way to first place in the open division. –PHOTO/Bas Van Est (@basvanest)

---