In collaboration with Cheapskate Skate Skool, School Sport Canterbury hosted the first ever Canterbury Secondary Schools Skate Championship event.
This event was held on Saturday 16th September at Washington Way Skate Park.
The purpose of this event was to give those young & enthusiastic secondary school skaters an opportunity to represent their school at their chosen sport and breakdown as many barriers as possible to encourage participation from our rangatahi. Students came from all over the Canterbury region to participate in the first ever Skate Championship event, filling Washington Way Park with not only eager young people but also their whanau as well.
The day kicked off at midday with some young local talented DJs setting the vibe for the afternoon. The young skaters got the opportunity to free skate around the park practising their skills and competing in mini competitions before the main event kicked off. There were 3x different grades; Open Girls, Junior Boys & Senior Boys. Young people were encouraged to pre-enter for the event in order for them to be recognised in the final rankings of the competition.
One of the many talented young people at the event was Phoebe Chatterton of Rangiora High School who took out the Open Girls grade. We caught up with Phoebe after the event to capture her story and how her journey started and where she hopes her journey will go next.
How & why did you get into skateboarding?
I got into skating when my mum used to take me and my brothers to Rangiora skatepark with our bikes and scooters. I have always been drawn to action sports and I love challenging myself to do something that seems scary or real hard. I took my brother’s board to the skatepark and I remember other skaters being super encouraging and giving me tips. My dad built my brothers and I a couple ramps in our garden and I went from there.
What does skateboarding mean to you as a young girl competing in this sport?
Skating means a lot to me, it has taught me so much about myself. The creativity and tricks are unlimited and I love how it’s self driven. Skating is a lifestyle and a community, and I love competing with my friends and just being in that supportive environment.
What have been some of your challenges as a skateboarder?
Challenges as a skater include stuff like mental blocks. You have to be determined because sometimes it takes hundreds of tries to land a trick. Injuries are a big part of skating. I haven’t broken any bones yet – touch wood, but I did get knocked out and concussed last year in the bowl, but that’s just a factor that comes with the sport. Skating really teaches you how to trust yourself, push through fear and challenges and think of new ways to improve.
What are you hoping to achieve next with skateboarding?
I’m hoping to meet new people, travel to the north island for bigger competitions and get some national recognition, maybe even travel internationally for comps. I would also love to coach skating one day
How did it feel getting to represent your school and sport at the first ever Canterbury Secondary Schools Skate champs and winning it for the first time?
I’m super grateful that School Sport Canterbury held a competition this year. It’s so cool that skating is starting to be recognized more and it’s cool to be the first name on the open women’s trophy 🙂
Congratulations to the winners of:
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Junior Boys Winner
Chahaia Till-Tiwa – Catholic Cathedral College -
Senior Boys WinnerDeclan Frankland – Rolleston College Sport
Massive shout out to George from Cheapskate Skate Skool for organising such an epic first Canterbury Secondary School Skate Champs. Stay tuned to hear when the next Canterbury Skate Champs is being held in 2024.