Published: 20 September 2023

It’s almost time to kickflip into the school holidays, hit up the park and win some prizes at the Spring Up Block Party event.

Eurobodalla Council is hosting the free youth event at Batemans Bay Skatepark on Friday 29 September, 1pm-5pm. Concrete Skate Supply from Bondi will visit to run demos and an all-wheels jam competition.

Chris Vaughan and the Concrete Skate Supply team are bringing $1000 worth of sponsor prizes and cash to giveaway during the all-wheels jam.

“We’ll have judges watching skill levels of each participant to reward them with prizes for landing their tricks,” Vaughan said.

“It’ll be awesome seeing everyone ride together. Whether you’re on a skateboard, scooter, BMX or rollerblades –anything with wheels you can use on the park.”

“Batemans Bay Skatepark is amazing and quite diverse. There are so many different obstacles for everyone to test their boundaries on.”

Book a place in one of the jam sessions - under 12, under 16 or opens – through Eventbrite. Vaughan said hi-fives will be necessary throughout the day, as the competition is going to be laid-back and fun.

“We’ll allow plenty of time during the jam, for people to land their tricks in certain areas of the park,” he said.

“It’s an easy transition for people looking to compete, hang out with their mates and push their boundaries.”

Professional skaters will also attend the event to show locals some street and ramp styles.

“We’ll bring some of the pros down for everyone to watch and also have the chance to skate with them,” Vaughan said.

Vaughan hopes the event will inspire young people to see careers within the skate industry. Vaughan got stuck into competitions as a teenager and was sponsored by a small skate shop. He started working for that same skate shop and retail became his career focus.

“I loved working in the shop and learned enough to open my own when the opportunity came up,” he said.

Vaughan said careers in skateboarding aren’t just competitions.

“There’s so many different outlets and opportunities for growth in the sport right now,” he said.

“From riding to retail or organising events, there are lots of pathways.”

Council’s youth development officer Ashley Darby said a lot of young people live around Catalina and Batemans Bay who stick around during the school holidays looking for things to do.

“We want to bring more events and activities to Hanging Rock - it’s such a great space with lots of sporting facilities as well as great open grass areas,” Darby said.

“It will be great for our youth development team to get to know the young people in the area and hear what activities they want to see here in the future.”

If skatepark action isn’t your thing, Darby said it’s an event for the whole community with stacks of other activities, food and music.

For more events during the school holidays, such as art sessions or sports and games, visit the Youth page on Council’s website.

The Spring Up Block Party event is funded by Eurobodalla Council and the NSW Government.

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