After getting rained out on June 22, Rayz Board Shop held a casual skateboarding competition at the Smithers skatepark on June 29, the last day of school. About 30 skaters came out to tear up the park.
Organizer Jason Krauskopf said he was impressed by the amount of younger athletes, and by how well the older skaters got along with the young ones, showing them skatepark etiquette and tips for learning tricks.
“What was really encouraging was the amount of 10 to 14 kids and 9 and unders,” he said. “The older guys totally encourage the little kids.”
Krauskopf said the shop will run one more informal contest in the coming weeks, then a bigger, more organized competition at the end of August. The competitions are helped out by the Town of Smithers and the Legion, as well as a number of parent volunteers.
At the June 29 contest, the 9 and Under group was won by Justin Terasoff, with Ethan Rolufs in second and Spencer Vennard in third. In the 10 to 14 group, Brady Davey came in first, followed by Austin Ryan in second and Cody Kent in third. The 15 and Over group was won by Tyler Turchinsky, with Trenton Bruhjell in second and Mike Corfe in third.