Written by Effraim Catlow
It’s time to reflect on what’s been an amazing spring and summer for us here at Southsea Skatepark…
Resi Opening
We kicked things off with the opening of our new resi ramp with Olympic bronze medallist Declan Brooks, and a few months later adding a run up ramp (the Elvis) for the kids to get more speed on to perform whatever stunts they wish on the resi. Declan’s opening day was a fantastic day here with kids from all sorts trying new stunts and many visitors from all across the UK here for the day, Declan of course topped the day with a huge clean double backflip!
Photos: oldskoolpaul
CIB Portsmouth
One of the biggest developments at the Skatepark has been the growth of the women/mens rollerskating/inline scene, with Thursday nights now being our most popular night of the week.
This upsurge in users, prompted some of the locals Kira & Nicole @Witchy Wheels to get together and start CIB Portsmouth Jam on the 24th July, which had a huge turnout with skaters, bladers from all over the UK in attendance and ticking off all the challenges the CIB organisers had set up for them, the Southsea sunshine didn’t let us down (in fact that was common amongst almost all events!). What a day that was, good vibes with the CIB crew!!
Photos: Ben Bednall Photography / Lucy Leo Creative / CIB Portsmouth
Shut up and Skate
The legendary Shut up and Skate on the 31st July didn’t disappoint, amazing turnout from all level of skateboarders on the big ramp with the whole vert community supporting each other. Even a little appearance at the skatepark from Don Brider, Barry Abrook, and Gary Lee! Not to mention another legend, Sean Goff on the mic to pump up the skaters, Sean’s voice could be heard echo’ing across Southsea throughout the day. The weather did threaten to spoil things, but luckily the Southsea bubble held strong,and the likes of Jack Woolbridge, Greg Nowik ripped to first place finishes respectively.
Photos: Stu Bennett
Chilli Scooter Competition
The Chilli Scooter competition on the 13th August went down during the heatwave and train strike, so a lower turnout than expected. However, the level of riding was absolutely off the chart with World number 1 Jordan Clark putting on a masterclass, throwing down an amazing double flair from the 6 to 9ft and a massive 540n flair from the 6ft to 6ft, anyone who knows the park knows that is no joke. Our team rider, Harvey Perkins pushed the world number one to the brink, taking a well deserved second place!!! Archie Cole is throwing down a Chilli scooter event next summer, stay tuned for dates on this event.
Photos: Chilli Scooters
Roller Discos
In between all the contests/jams, every two weeks we hosted Roller Discos from 7-10pm, and these disco’s really encapsulate the community spirit we saw grow this summer season at Southsea Skatepark, and helped introduce more people to the skate nights and the coaching lessons we provide every Friday.
Word of Mouth
In between specific sports events at the park, we also had one of the local hip hop crew, Word of Mouth host two events. Local artists such as RockfellatheSkank, peecggeez, and many more performed live sets and hosted little jams for the scooter, bmx and skateboarders in attendance. Good vibes in the sunshine from the WOM crew.
King of Concrete
The annual King of Concrete BMX jam weekend is always one of the highlights of the year at the park with riders visiting from all over the country. It’s always a good sign for us, when riders are arriving from the Wednesday onwards ready for the weekend shenanigans.
Jordan Clark came back this time on a BMX, to destroy the Pro park contest with 1080’s, Inwards on the resi, double down whips, and much more. So impressive, Jordan can do it all!
Southsea local Ben Hammond took the overall King of Concrete title, Harvey Shorey winning the street contest with gap icepick grind on the fresh a-frame rail.
Photos: Ride UK
Victorious Festival
The annual Victorious Festival followed just a week after the King of Concrete competition. And the weather was absolutely amazing, the Southsea Skatepark demo team performed shows on the Saturday and Saturday with large crowds both days and Solskate hosting fun roller discos in between. The highlight of the skatepark shows was Noah Tillers huge double backflip on the resi.
Photos: Nicky Kingston
The 2022 summer season will go down as one of the best we have ever had. Now it’s time to brave the winter, and plan for next year!
Next summer we will be celebrating 45 years of Southsea Skatepark. Stay tuned for further details.
Thanks everyone that supported us on our journey so far!