Survival Of the Sickest, Campus Pool
Welcome to our thrilling blog that delves into the heart-pounding world of "Survival of the Sickest," a competition specifically designed for skateboarders aged under 12 (U12) and under 16 (U16). Prepare to witness the rise of the next generation of skateboarding.
In this blog, we dive into the captivating world of "Survival of the Sickest" and explore the incredible talent and passion that drives these young athletes. Whether you're a skateboarding enthusiast, a supportive parent, or a curious observer, we aim to provide an insider's perspective into the trials, triumphs, and transformative experiences that unfold within this fierce competition.
On Saturday 20th May 2023, Survival of the Sickest took place in Bristol's Campus Pool Skate park, this skate park was a derelict swimming pool that has been refurbished in the last few years, reminiscent of the iconic Dogtown Z-Boys era. Skaters from all corners of the UK, including Ayva-mae Whittenbury, Gabriel Martins Mendes, Dottie Morgan-Kleinberg, Corey Roper, and many more. For many of these skaters, it marked their first venture into the world of skateboarding competitions. Undoubtedly, this experience would have been truly exhilarating for them, as they had the opportunity to forge new friendships and spend an incredible day shredding around the skatepark.
The Survival of the Sickest event series unfolded over a span of six months, captivating skateboarding enthusiasts throughout its journey. It all commenced at Baysixty6 in London, where the first event ignited the thrill. The series then continued its momentum, making a stop at Flo Skatepark in Nottingham for the second event, followed by the third event held at Graystone Action Sports Center in Manchester. The most recent gathering took place at the iconic Campus Pool SkatePark in Bristol. The upcoming event of the Survival of the Sickest series is set to take place at the renowned Spit and Sawdust skatepark in Cardiff in September.
The event wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of esteemed sponsors. Tech Deck, Stance, Triple8, Shiner Dist, and Grizzly Griptape were among the notable brands that passionately backed this event series.
Special thanks to Rianne Evans for taking the mic. Her energetic and engaging presence added an extra level of excitement and kept the crowd entertained throughout the event. Rianna's charisma and passion for skateboarding made the experience even more enjoyable for participants and spectators alike.
The Survival of the Sickest featured four categories, namely U12 Street Boys, U12 Street Girls, U16 Street Boys, and U16 Street Girls, each showcasing the extraordinary talents of young skateboarders.
Due to the limited size of the skatepark, the event's format underwent a slight change. Instead of individual runs, the U12 portion of the competition adopted a jam format.
Jam formats can be quite hectic. To maintain safety and facilitate fair judging, the organisers implemented a system of heats. Additionally, the use of heats effectively reduced the potential for accidents, ensuring a more controlled and secure competition. Furthermore, the heats made the judging process more manageable, allowing for fair and accurate assessments of each participant's performance.
In the U12 Boys category, the top three winners were as follows: Ethan Birch claimed the first-place spot with his awe-inspiring skills, followed closely by Jowan Joyce-Richards in second place, and Corey Roper securing a commendable third-place finish.
The U12 Girls division witnessed a display of remarkable talent, with Lona Gordon taking home the first-place trophy for her exceptional performance. Yuki Takahashi-McGilvray secured an impressive second-place position, while Dottie Morgan-Kleinberg showcased her skills and claimed a well-deserved third-place finish.
In the U16 Girls category, the talented skateboarder Ayva-mae Whittenbury emerged victorious, leaving an indelible mark with her first-place win. Megan Stokes displayed her prowess and landed a remarkable second-place finish, closely followed by Ilka Rogers, who skillfully clinched the third-place position.
Lastly, in the U16 Boys category, the competition reached new heights as Ollie Parker claimed the coveted first-place title, leaving a lasting impression with his mastery of the park. Gabriel Martins Mendes showcased his skills and secured a commendable second-place finish, while Conrad Rowe impressed the judges and achieved a noteworthy third-place ranking.
Who are Skateboard GB?
Skateboard GB is the national governing body for skateboarding in Great Britain. It serves as the official organisation responsible for overseeing and promoting the development of skateboarding as a sport in the country. Skateboard GB works to support skateboarders at all levels, from grassroots participation to elite competition.
The organisation focuses on various aspects of skateboarding, including organising events, competitions, and coaching programs. Skateboard GB is committed
If there's an upcoming skateboarding event organised by Skateboard GB, we strongly encourage you to participate. To get involved, all you'll need is a skateboard and a pair of skate shoes. Lakai is a recommended brand known for its durability and performance on the skateboard. However, it's essential to prioritise safety while skateboarding. We highly advise wearing a helmet and knee pads to protect yourself, as falling is a natural part of the skateboarding experience. By taking these precautions, you can fully enjoy the event while ensuring your well-being on the board.
