Wellington To Be Bowled Over By Bowl-A-Rama

This weekend, the world’s best concrete riders will be tearing it up at what’s widely regarded as New Zealand’s best bowl.

The inaugural Bowl-A-Rama skateboarding competition – or ‘comp' – takes place at Waitangi Park on Saturday (16 February). The best local and international skating talent will be competing for US$10,000, the richest prize purse for a skateboarding competition in New Zealand.

Wellington City Council Economic Development and Recreation Portfolio Leader, Councillor John Morrison, says Bowl-A-Rama will be an amazing spectacle. "I thought Bowl-A-Rama might be right up my alley, being a bit of a bowler in my cricketing days, but it turns out this is going to be a major event for the sizeable community of skateboarding fans. However, I do know that there are going to be some huge names taking part and encourage Wellingtonians to admire the talent on display."

Bowl-A-Rama, which is organised with the support of Oakley, offers fans the chance to see, up close and for free, stars such as Rune Gilfberg, Omar Hassan and Lance Mountain — skaters they have probably only seen on video or in games. There will be a Professional competition and also a Masters division, offering the best from the past and the present.

Confirmed Pro riders include: Chris Senn, Renton Millar, Bengi Galloway, Daniel Cardone, Sergie Ventura, Corbin Harris, Chad Shetler, Keyle Bearard, Tyler Hendley, Tom Ryan, Josh Bordon, and New Zealand's own Justin Keeley, James McInnes, Matt Scarrot and Mike Bancroft.

In the Masters division, Pat Ngoho, Sasha Steinhorst and Jason Parkes and others will be wowing the crowds.

Bowl-A-Rama promises a day of the very best skating, right in the heart of Wellington. Tiered seating will provide optimum viewing — spectators are advised to get in early for a good seat and to bring sunscreen. In-store signings at Empire skate shop will allow fans to meet their heroes.

Bowl-A-Rama is a World Cup-sanctioned event. Many of the competitors will travel on to Bondi beach in Sydney for the well-established Australian leg of Bowl-A-Rama.

The comp runs from 11.00am to 6.00pm. If it rains on Saturday, Bowl-A-Rama will take place on Sunday (17 February).

Interested media are asked to pre-register for attendance at Bowl-A-Rama.


Related Links
Skate Parks
Bowl-A-Rama Wellington website