2009 Wellington's Bowl-a-Rama Skateboard Contest

Skatepark designer Chad Ford, who organises the Wellington contest and its sister event in Sydney, says Bowl-a-Rama is a community event designed to appeal to skaters and non-skaters alike.

The centerpiece will be a bowl riding contest at Wellington’s Waitangi Park, featuring 40 riders, chasing a $20,000 prize pool.

The contest is part of the World Cup Skateboarding pro circuit with points earned in the Capital going toward international rankings.

However, Bowl-a-Rama also incorporates the Love & Guts art show at the Manky Chops gallery on Cuba Street, a video release at the Film Centre on Ghuznee Street on Friday evening and gig featuring a New York DJ at Sandwiches nightclub, also on Friday.

Ford says the aim to offer a broad spectrum of skateboard lifestyle events for all to enjoy.

“Through doing this we open up support for art, music, film and the actual physical act of skating.”

Ford says without the event friendly Wellington City Council Bowl-a-Rama would be hard to get off the ground.

He says with support from the council the festival has the chance to grow and support the local business community and the wider community.

“Without this it can be a real nightmare and you end just benefiting certain small interests and not the general public.”

The international economic crisis will have some impact on the final makeup of the field, however expected returnees from last year include winner Rune Glifberg, reigning World Cup bowl riding champion Benji Galloway, crowd favourites Omar Hassan and Sergi Ventura as well as Colin Provost, Chris Senn and Daniel Cardone.

Newcomers to Wellington include Corbin Harris, Nathan Perry, Nicky Guerrero and Jimmy “The Greek” Marcus.

The kiwi contingent includes Jason Parkes, Kristian Philipp and Mike Bancroft.

Hutt Valley’s skater James McGinness has been living in Sydney for the past nine months but has returned for the competition in fine form and Wellington-based Argentinean Diego Casal has been working the bowl hard in the weeks leading up to competition day.

Last year Casal was the highest placed local, finishing in 11th, just out of the money,

This year however he’s playing his cards close to his chest saying he’s only there to catch up with the boys and show them some lines.

Confirmed in the Masters division are Californian Pat Ngoho and kiwi pioneer Andrew “Morri” Morrison.