New Zealand brought the warriors out in full force for Vans BOWL-A-RAMA Wellington 2013

(images thanks to David Read at Manual Magazine)

With the sun setting on this year’s competition, today’s judges couldn’t deny the raw talent of Josh Rodriguez who took the title of Pro winner of Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington 2013, while the fans saw Steve Caballero and his lifetime of skill take out this year’s Masters title.

As crowds of over 5,000 people walked through the buzzing arena, 30,000 international fans joined the action via the competition’s first-ever live webcast. Today’s talent smashed expectations with Kevin Kowalski winning the Red Bull Best Trick and Sergie Ventura alongside Josh Rodriquez who have won the Red Bull Sk8 Generation competition held in Florianopolis Brazil on13th of April 2013.

Taking home traditional Maori carving trophy like true chiefs, Pat Ngoho coming in at 3^rd, Sergie Ventura in 2^nd and our Master Champion Steve Caballero. In the PRO division Alex Sorgente took out 3^rd place, Pedro Barros in 2^nd and the new Vans BOWL-A-RAMA Wellington Josh Rodriguez taking their piece of the whopping $30,000 NZD prize pool. 

2013 celebrates the sixth year of Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington which charmed crowds with its week of skateboard inspired festivities know as ‘Festival of the Skateboard’ and thrilling competition. 

“Every single person whether they were skating in the comp, organizing behind the scenes or screaming in the stands went above and beyond today and made it the best Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington ever! There were a lot of firsts at this years comp and they will take a lot to beat next year. Just want to SHOUT OUT a huge thanks to everyone for making this happen. Can’t wait for next year.” Comments Chad Ford, Frontside Events Director.

"Vans are proud to bring BOWL-A-RAMA to Wellington this year. We have been involved in this event from its inception and decided to become the presenting sponsor in 2013 because we love how passionately the Wellington community support the event." Deena Colman, Vans Australia / NZ Marketing Manager.

"We also want to congratulate our Vans Master Steve Caballero for his win today, he is truly the best of the best."

Known as the premier skate series in the Southern Hemisphere, and officially sanctioned by World Cup Skateboarding, Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington has burst into international limelight with the 2013 event strengthening its reputation as the hottest core skateboarding event in New Zealand.

After a highly successful 2013 event, the organisers congratulate Josh Rodriguez Pro winner, Steve Caballero Masters winner, all the talented competitors, sponsors and the event team for another amazing year and for making Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington 2013 the wicked week that it was. Although the Wellington event has come to a close, it’s not over yet; now its Australia’s turn!

Next week, Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ Bondi kicks off at Australia’s famous Bondi Beach, Sydney. The week boasts a stellar line-up of parties, art shows and competition from the hottest skateboarding talent from February 19 - 24. Join us in Sydney or via the webcast to enjoy the biggest Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ Bondi yet!

Fearless international skateboarders will go head to head with the Kiwi warriors for Vans BOWL-A-RAMA Wellington, Saturday 16^th February from 11am at Wellington’s Waitangi Park.

The hugely popular week of skateboarding infused culture known as ‘Festival of the Skateboard’, celebrated on Thursday night (14^th Feb) the 15 Years of Manual Magazine Presents: 2012 New Zealand Skater of the Year Awards Party.

Friday night the LOVE+GUTS art show will attempt to pay homage to the attitude and style of “The Badlands” which has been a major influence on skateboard culture for more than 35 years. It is this influence you can see on the skaters in this exhibition both on and off their boards.

ROLL IN 1 is a sneak peak of ‘Festival of the Skateboard’ and what Wellington has to offer, featuring the new Australian Champion Jack Fardell and Pat Ngoho Masters Champion for 3 years at Vans BOWL-A-RAMA Wellington -  http://vimeo.com/59680055

The week will exhibit some of the world’s best skaters, including Pedro Barros, Jack Fardell (new Australian Champion), Josh Rodriguez, Mike Owen, Kalani David, Charlie Blair, Lizzie Amanto, Otavio Neto, Josh Stafford, Alex Sorgente, Nilo Pecanha, Kevin Kowalski, Nolan Monroe, Jackson Pilz and Jesse Noonan. 

In the Masters we have a killer line up including Sergie Ventura, Pat Ngoho, Lester Kasai, Sasha Steinhorst, Mike Spittlehouse, Steve Caballero and Mike Rogers.

This is also the first year that Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington will be live streaming from 11am on the BOWL-A-RAMA website - http://www.bowlarama.com.au/live.

BOWL-A-RAMA™ was born on Bondi Beach – Sydney, Australia in 2005 and is the biggest professional concrete series in the World. With the addition of NYC, BOWL-A-RAMA™ can now call some of the most iconic destinations in the world home.

Wellington’s Waitangi Park once again transforms into an insanely impressive world skateboarding stage from February 13 - 16 for Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington. Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest professional skateboarding event, makes its annual stopover in New Zealand next month and brings with it the hugely popular week of skateboarding infused culture known as ‘Festival of the Skateboard’.

Fearless international legends such as Steve Caballero - who will be carving the bowl up for the first time, Pat Ngoho and Pedro Barros will join a local parade of New Zealand’s equally daring talent, including Mike Bancroft and Justin Keeley as they hit the bowl to compete for prestigious skateboarding titles.

Wellington’s killer line up will include PROs Pedro Barros, Josh Rodriguez, Mike Owen, Kalani David, Rion Linderman, Otavio Neto, Josh Stafford. Alex Sorgente, Nilo Pecanha, Kevin Kowalski, Jack Fardell, Alain Goikoetxea, Rob Lorifice and Nolan Monroe. In the MASTERs we have Sergie Ventura, Pat Ngoho, Lester Kasai, Sasha Steinhorst, George Orton, Mike Rogers, Mike Spittlehouse and Steve Caballero.

As Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington moves into its sixth year of supercharged skateboarding, 2013 promises a week of skateboarding inspired cultural activities leading the crowds into the highly anticipated competition on Saturday, February 16. With the competition drawing some of the biggest names in skateboarding, fans are looking forward to a tough, thrilling battle for an overall prize pool of an impressive $30,000 NZD.

“Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington not only tenders some of the best skater in the industry, but also breaks ground for local talent to take on the international professional competition circuit”. Director, Chad Ford.

“We are excited for Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington in 2013. We increased the prize purse significantly for this event and with more local talent competing the competition will be fierce. Its always a great day down at Waitangi Park with a huge amount of local support and great atmosphere.” Deena Colman, Vans Australia / NZ Marketing Manager.

The action packed week of events ‘Festival of the Skateboard’ boasts parties, art shows, music and entertainment. Save the date for this year’s hottest Vans BOWL-A-RAMA™ and join us for a week of wicked events! 

Spectators at Waitangi Park today witnessed Pedro Barros (Pro’s) and Pat Ngoho (Master’s) take the title as winners of BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington for the third year in a row for both of them, in what event organisers are calling the biggest line up of talent to grace the park since the inception of the event in 2008.

A total prize pool of over $20,000 had both local and international riders pulling out the big moves, on the 2nd stop of the officially sanctioned World Cup Skateboarding  (WCS) event. “I’ve had to judge a few events in my time, this one was definitely one of the most difficult,” states Sasha Steinhorst Head Judge from WCS. “Not many people doubt that Pedro is the King of Concrete and he showed us why, he casually toyed with the pool and he rifled off the big level tricks that gave him his 3rd straight Wellington win.” He Comments.

Steinhorst was also taken a back with the talent of new comer to the BOWL-A-RAMA™ series, Kevin Kowalski.

“To the delight of the crowds and every concrete skateboarder we witnessed the absolute genius of Kevin Kowalski, he deservedly earned a first place spot into the final and in the final he unleashed a barage of little seen or never seen tricks. Finesse, style and spontaneous trick selection kept the crowd begging for more. “

“We are stoked to have been able to bring BOWL-A-RAMA™ back to Wellington. The skate culture here is only growing and we hope to be an instrumental part of that for many years to come,” comments Chad Ford, professional skateboarder and Founding Partner of Frontside Events.

“Pat Ngoho showcases skateboarding in its most refined form and because of that he deservedly won his third BOWL-A-RAMA™ Wellington Masters title in a row. There are very few skaters in the world that understand the best skating is a mixture of form and function and when you see that live you become a fan for life.”

Competition day, Saturday the 11th of February, wraps up the week of official festivities that BOWL-A-RAMA™ brings to Wellington including music & art shows, but both crowds and competitors are anticipating it’s return next year.

“BOWL-A-RAMA™ is one of my favourite times of the year… I’m always ready for it to roll around.” Mike Bancroft, professional local skateboarder.

BOWL-A-RAMA™ 2012

Waitangi Bowl, Wellington, New Zealand

Final Results

Pro's  Master's

1. Pedro Barros $4,200  1. Pat Ngoho $1,750  

2. Kevin Kowalski $2,500 2. Sergie Ventura $1,100

3. Kalani David $1,600 3. Lester Kasai $800

4. Sky Siljeg $1,100 4. Sean Goff $600

5. RJ Barbaro $900 5. Sasha Steinhorst $500

6. Murilo Peres $800 * 6. Grant Hutchinson  $350

7. Josh Stafford  $700

8. Rion Linderman* $600

9. Nolan Munroe $500

10. Otavio Neto* $400

 11. Matt Kitai $200

12. Josh Rodriguez $200

13. Steve Reeves $150

14. Nilo Pecanha* $150

15. Mike Bancroft $150    

*Wild Card entry into Vans Bowl-A-Rama™ Bondi

Some serious shredding at Oakley BOWL-A-RAMA 2011 (via Stikman Films)

Check out the 2011 Bowl-A-Rama Wellington Prelim Runs (via Manual Magazine)

After a long day of battle at Wellington’s Waitangi Park, Pedro Barros and Pat Ngoho skate away as winners of OAKLEY BOWL-A-RAMA™.

The crowds of over 6000 on Saturday 12th of February witnessed Pat walk away with the Masters 1st place prize of A$2000 and youngster Pedro Barros with the Pros 1st place prize of A$4800, a prize purse which gave each skater a huge incentive to get amongst the competition in this years OAKLEY BOWL-A-RAMA™.

The event series, including the sister event VANS BOWL-A-RAMA™ held at Bondi Beach in Sydney, has recently gone through some exciting developments including the World Cup of Skate signing a five year deal, major growth in prize purses and major sponsor alignments. “We are stoked to be able to work with the best in the industry to deliver a strong event every year,” comments Chad Ford, BOWL-A-RAMA™ Director. “The event keeps growing every year and brings with it the biggest skaters in the world. With the support of partners such as OAKLEY and World Cup of Skate, we are definitely on our way to becoming one of the most iconic skate events in history,” he adds.

The prize winners were as follows:

PRO FINALS

1^st Place            Prize money = $4800                 Pedro Barros

2^nd Place           Prize money = $2500                 Sky Siljeg

3^rd Place            Prize money = $2000                 Rune Glifberg

4^th Place            Prize money = $1800                 Benji Galloway

5^th Place            Prize money = $1500                 RJ Barbaro

6^th Place           Prize money = $1400                 Nolan Monroe

7^th Place           Prize money = $1300                 Otavio Neto

8^th Place           Prize money = $1200                 Steve Reeves

MASTERS FINALS

1^st Place           Prize money = $2000                  Pat Ngoho

2^nd Place          Prize money = $1600                 Lester Kasai

3^rd Place          Prize money = $1400                  Sergie Ventura

4^th Place          Prize money = $1200                  Steve Alba

5^th Place          Prize money = $1000                  Lee Ralph

6^th Place          Prize money = $800                    Mik Mulhall

The stand has been taken away for another year, after thousands of screaming fans saw 60 of the world’s best local and international skaters battle it out for top honors. These riders will now go on to compete in the WCSK8 Pro Bowl series 2011with the next event on the bill being VANS BOWL-A-RAMA™, Saturday 19^th of February at Bondi Beach.

Mike Bancroft is a 22 year old from Albany, New Zealand who has been ripping it up from the skate scene. He took some time out to answer a few questions for us – check it out.

How long have you been skating?

Since I was 10 or 11 so ‘bout 11 years now.

What have you been up to this year, in the world of skate?

I’ve been trying to skate as much as I can. I’ve been riding the new park in Botany, which is amazing. Also been in Melbourne recently too - went on alittle trip with the Element team; was good to get away for a little bit.

The prize purse for BOWL-A-RAMA has increased significantly for
Wellington and Bondi. Are you pumped to get amongst it this year?

Yeah man for sure. I’m always amped to skate Bowl-A-Rama but not for the money side of things (although it would be nice). But just having the opportunity to skate with all the guys I looked up to as a kid is unreal!

Are you competing in both Wellington and Bondi?

Just Wellington at this stage. I wouldn’t mind going to Bondi now you mention it – haven’t been to Sydney yet.

What is your favourite thing about BOWL-A-RAMA?

I’d say the gathering of people from all round the world is what makes it an epic event for me!

Who is your protégé?

All the kids of MSP (Marlbrough Skate Park)

What is your greatest BOWL-A-RAMA moment?

Um probably last year, when I was hit by a car and the MC announced I wouldn’t be skating this year due to injuries from being hit, but I came out from the crowd and skated anyway. Was a good feeling to keep on pushing even after the injuries. What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

That’s a hard one. I’d love to see myself in Obama’s, shoes steering the world in the right direction but dunno if that will happen. Most likely be getting older somewhere in the world with a skateboard in hand and a smile on my face.



Images courtesy of Manual Magazine and Andy Brown Photography

BOWL-A-RAMA™ 2011 Dates Announced

Get your diaries out – we can finally announce the dates for BOWL-A-RAMA™ 2011. Pencil in Sat 12 February for Wellington and Sat 19 February for Bondi! We’ve got a huge amount of things happening, including gallery exhibitions, music, parties, giveaways, and of course, lots of S-K-A-T-E. See you there!