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NZ Park Skate Champion Shaun Boucher was in top form when he competed in the Mangawhai Bowl Bash on Waitangi Weekend.
Boucher, 29, won the open men’s event. Originally from Mount Maunganui, he now skates semi-professionally in Australia.
Other winners on the day were Billie Morrison, from Auckland, in the women’s; Ramon Whackwell, from Auckland, in the masters; and Felix Griffin, from Palmerston North, in the under 16s.
About 50 skaters, ranging from seven to 54 years old, competed in the four divisions. The total prize pool was $5000.
This is the first year the Bowl Bash has been held, replacing the Bowl Jam which was organised by Jesse Peters for a decade.
This year’s event was organised by Andrew (Morri) and Shiree Morrison, and Evan and Nicole, from No Limits Surf & Skate Mangawhai.
“Mangawhai has the best bowl in the country and this is the best event,” Morri says.
“We changed the way we judged the event this year. Instead of judging skaters on their best one run, they were judged on their total heat score, which is the jam format.
“It brought out better skateboarding overall and we’ll stick with it for future events.
“It’s harder to judge, but rewards those who rip the session the hardest.”
Morri says the event will definitely be held again next year, again on Waitangi Weekend.
He thanked major sponsors Vans, Backdoor Surf Shop and Pacific Coast Brewing, as well as the Northland Events fund.
