Welcome to our exhilarating blog where we explore the thrilling world of "Survival of the Sickest," a competition crafted specifically for skateboarders under the ages of 12 (U12) and 16 (U16). Get ready to witness the emergence of the next wave of skateboarding talent.
In this blog, we delve into the fascinating realm of "Survival of the Sickest" and highlight the remarkable talent and passion fueling these young athletes. Whether you're a skateboarding fan, a supportive parent, or simply curious, we aim to offer an insider's view into the challenges, successes, and transformative experiences that take place in this intense competition.
On Saturday, May 20th, 2023, the Survival of the Sickest event was held at Bristol's Campus Pool Skatepark. This location was once an abandoned swimming pool, which has been renovated over the past few years and evokes the legendary Dogtown Z-Boys era. Skaters from all across the UK, including Ayva-mae Whittenbury, Gabriel Martins Mendes, Dottie Morgan-Kleinberg, Corey Roper, and many others, participated. For many of these skaters, it was their first step into the competitive skateboarding scene. This experience was undoubtedly exhilarating for them as they formed new friendships and enjoyed an incredible day riding around the skatepark.
The Survival of the Sickest series unfolded over six months, captivating skateboarding fans throughout its progression. It began at Baysixty6 in London, sparking excitement with its first event. The series then continued with a stop at Flo Skatepark in Nottingham for the second event, followed by the third event at Graystone Action Sports Center in Manchester. The most recent event took place at the iconic Campus Pool Skatepark in Bristol. The next event in the Survival of the Sickest series is scheduled to be held at the renowned Spit and Sawdust skatepark in Cardiff in September.
The event was made possible thanks to the generous backing of esteemed sponsors. Tech Deck, Stance, Triple8, Shiner Dist, and Grizzly Griptape were among the notable brands fervently supporting this series of events.
A special shoutout to Rianne Evans for hosting the event. Her lively and engaging presence added another layer of excitement and kept the audience entertained throughout. Rianne's charisma and passion for skateboarding made the experience even more enjoyable for both participants and spectators.
The Survival of the Sickest featured four categories: U12 Street Boys, U12 Street Girls, U16 Street Boys, and U16 Street Girls, each demonstrating the exceptional skills of young skateboarders.
Because of the limited space at the skatepark, the event's format was slightly adjusted. Rather than individual runs, the U12 segment of the competition was conducted in a jam format.
Jam formats can be quite chaotic. To ensure safety and facilitate fair judging, organizers implemented a system of heats. Moreover, using heats effectively minimized the risk of accidents, ensuring a more controlled and safe competition. Additionally, the heats simplified the judging process, allowing for fair and accurate assessments of each participant's performance.
In the U12 Boys category, the top three winners were: Ethan Birch, who took first place with his remarkable skills, followed closely by Jowan Joyce-Richards in second place, and Corey Roper, who earned an admirable third-place finish.
The U12 Girls division featured incredible talent, with Lona Gordon winning the first-place trophy for her outstanding performance. Yuki Takahashi-McGilvray achieved an impressive second-place position, while Dottie Morgan-Kleinberg demonstrated her skills, securing a well-deserved third-place finish.
In the U16 Girls category, the skilled skateboarder Ayva-mae Whittenbury emerged as the winner, leaving a significant mark with her first-place victory. Megan Stokes exhibited her abilities and achieved a remarkable second-place finish, closely followed by Ilka Rogers, who skillfully secured the third-place position.
Finally, in the U16 Boys category, the competition reached new heights as Ollie Parker claimed the highly sought-after first-place title, leaving a lasting impression with his mastery of the park. Gabriel Martins Mendes demonstrated his skills and achieved a commendable second-place finish, while Conrad Rowe impressed the judges and ranked third notably.
What is Skateboard GB?
Skateboard GB is the national governing body for skateboarding within Great Britain. It serves as the official entity responsible for overseeing and promoting the development of skateboarding as a sport in the region. Skateboard GB aims to support skateboarders at all levels, from grassroots participation to elite competition.
The organization focuses on various aspects of skateboarding, including organizing events, competitions, and coaching programs. Skateboard GB is dedicated
Should there be an upcoming skateboarding event organized by Skateboard GB, we strongly encourage you to participate. To get involved, all you 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 important to prioritize safety while skateboarding. We highly recommend wearing a helmet and knee pads to protect yourself, as falling is a natural part of skateboarding. By taking these precautions, you can fully enjoy the event while ensuring your well-being on the board.
