Ryan Dando, 20, in action during the BMX section of the Tasman Skatepark Tour in Richmond on Saturday. Photo: Caitlin Gladstone.

Skate tour concludes in Richmond

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The Tasman Skatepark Tour concluded in Richmond with another year of grinds, jumps and flips.

Young people came from all over the region to compete in the event which included competitions for BMX bikers, skateboarders and scooters, with junior, senior and open sections.

Competitors are judged on many factors such as style, tricks and skatepark utilisation.

Tom Bassett-Eason, 13, represented Takaka and took out the first place prize for senior BMX.

He says he put a lot of preparation into practising for the event. “I just go to the skatepark everyday and I have my own dirt jumps in my backyard.”

He says he had been riding for seven years and loves competing. “I come here every year and just do the best I can.”

Tom also competed at Mapua, Takaka, Tapawera and Brightwater competitions, scoring enough points to be crowned overall BMX champion. Tom will receive a $400 Giant Method BMX.

Kelsyn MacDonald, 12, of Tapawera won the scooter championship and Reggie Mcdonald, 11, of Takaka won the skateboard championship.

Corey Muir, 12, of Nelson says he wasn’t too sure how he went after his scooter run, but was thankful of his supporters.

“When you fail a trick sometimes you fail a whole run.”

He says he was lucky to land his final trick. “I landed my last trick. I don’t usually land that pri/whip/air.”

Event organiser Paul McConachie says it was another successful year for the event and it was great to see the youth utilising the skateparks. “The Nelson Skatepark frater-nity is strong, with a bunch of older, more experienced riders showing great support.”