Torquay skaters triumph at King of Concrete

TORQUAY skaters dominated the King of Concrete skateboarding event held last weekend in Newcastle, showcasing their prowess at the famous Bar Beach Skatepark.

Torquay’s skate scene, known for its strength, made a clean sweep in the 12 and under category.

Eleven-year-old Addis O’Loughlin secured first place, leading the pack ahead of fellow 12-year-olds Penly Place and Josh Coughlin.

Event organiser and former World Cup Vert Champion Renton Millar praised the Torquay group for their great style and trick choices.

“It’s great to see the Torquay kids doing so well,” Mr Millar said.

“You see a pattern between getting a great skatepark, like the bowl at Torquay, and getting ripping kids.

“It’s so good to see them ripping, they have great styles and a good trick choice.”

The event, a highlight in the Australian skateboarding circuit, featured vert, park, and bowl disciplines and attracted the nation’s top talent.

Penly Place said Bar Beach had a similar bowl to Torquay.

“It’s a big advantage being able to practice in such a good bowl regularly as it means you can take those skills to other bowls easily.”

The Torquay trio also made a strong showing at the King of Concrete event in Adelaide last November, with Addis taking first place there as well.

Coughlin said the mentorship made it all possible.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunities these competitions present and getting to learn from experienced skateboarders like Renton,”

Addis said it was good to see Torquay being represented at the National level and credited the world-class DjilaTjarri Skate Park in North Torquay.

“All of the skaters around Australia know how good the bowl at Torquay is and would all travel to come and skate it in a competition,” said Addis.

“Hopefully the Surf Coast Shire works on maintaining it and supporting skateboarding in this region by hosting future events.”