Skateboarders from all over the island converged on Braddan last weekend for an annual competition.

The Summerslam 93 Skateboard Competition took place on Saturday at Braddan Skatepark, giving the islands boarders a chance to show off their skills on four small wheels.

There were entries of all levels, from the kids standing on a skateboard for the first time to the more daring skaters hurtling up the ramps and taking to the air. This is the third time the event has taken place, and year on year the number of entries have grown.

There were five main events, the Royal Rumble full park jam, the Ultimate Quarter mini ramp jump competition, the Hannah Martin hippy jump, the flat bar and the grandpool party, and all who turned up were encouraged to take part and have a go.

The main prize winners of this year’s event were Alex Hollingsworth, Stephen Brown, Mikey Westcroft and Alex Egan who won the under 16’s Royal Rumble event.

Eventual first prize winner of the ’royal rumble’ and local skate Adam Maguire summed up the event as ’Rad’.

’This has been a fantastic success again this year,’ said event organiser Chris Buttery.

’It is especially great to see so many young boys and girls trying our sport.’

The Summerslam event was held at the Cronk Grianagh Skatepark, in Braddan.

Kristian Edwards, the main organiser of the competition, said that the numbers who turned up for the day show the popularity of skateboarding, and that it is a sport that can have a lot of benefits across the local community.

’The skatepark scene on the island is growing,’ he said.

’Other areas beyond Braddan are seriously thinking about building skateparks in their communities and it’s fantastic to watch it grow.

’If anyone wants to get involved or has genius ideas about raising money for future projects don’t hesitate to get in touch with ISBskateboarding.

’It’s time to reinvest in old parks and to build new ones. I really think we can make the island a much more exciting place for young people.

’Thanks again to Braddan Commissioners for their forward thinking and support for our beloved Cronk Grianagh Skate Park.’

by Mike Wade

twitter:@mwislandlife