Extreme sport comp drops into Torquay

YOUNG action sports stars will converge at Torquay this weekend for a Surf Coast leg of a state skate competition.

The 2023 Victorian Skate Park Leagues tour will come to Torquay this weekend in a free event for participants of all ages, genders and abilities.

The event will include scoot, BMX and skate competitions throughout the day.

Torquay skate star River Lawson is presently ranked third in the western region for his 13 and under category, and will be aiming to climb the ladder with a strong performance at his own park.

River says the local competition has provided him with a springboard to more competitive skating in recent years.

“I’ve been doing SBL comps around Australia for around like three years now. They’re a great foundation and they’re good for beginners to step up into a more interstate comps.

“There’s a few every year and they’re really fun. All my friends get this park and we push each other to do hard tricks on our runs.”

Surf Coast Shire has backed the event alongside the state government’s FReeZA youth program.

YMCA will raffle off prize packs to participants, which will include goodies such as decks, trucks, wheels, grip tape, scoot grips, scoot wheels, helmets, hardware and apparel.

Medals are also on offer for place getters.

The event will run from 11am to 4pm at Torquay’s Merrijig Drive skate park tomorrow (Saturday, September 16). Competition signups are available on the day.