No longer does the Gold Coast just have a ‘Superbank’, it now has a ‘Superbowl’

No longer does the Gold Coast just have a ‘Superbank’, it now has a ‘Superbowl’. The recently completed skate park at Elanora was the venue for the Quiksilver Bowl Jam on the 24th may. An event giving local, and skaters from around Australia, a chance to win some of the $10,000 in cash and prizes. The prize most skaters had on thier sights on was an all expences paid trip to Sweden, and entry into the famous bowl jam at Malmo. Corbin Harris, Renton Millar, Saul Bell, Joel Webb, ‘RJ’, Todd Shirley, Andrew Currie, Trevor Ward, Jackson Pilz, Noah Philps, the list goes on, some of the Gold Coasts’ and Australias best skaters, entertained thousands of people, and one wandering canine who found himself in pat paradise.

Under blue skies, the sounds of ACDC, Iron Maiden, and The Clash blast out of huge speakers, and the smell of a good old ’sausage sizzle’ filled the air.

Heats ran all day with four skaters sharing the bowl at a time. Sadly after proving himself to the crowd to be the likely winner, Saul Bell couldn’t continue skating into the finals, limping all day, but riding higher in the full pipe than anyone, and skating fast and smooth, he finally succumbed to a nagging ankle injury.

‘RJ’ as he likes to be known, originally from Perth now living in Melbourne was definitely a standout for mine, skated hard all day and spent more time in the air than a Qantas pilot.

Trevor Ward amused spectators not only with his brilliance on a board, but with his zany personality. Lee Ralph wasn’t keeping quiet about who he wanted to win, Jaskson Pilz. “That young kid rips! I want to him to win!”. Then when Jackson would nail a move it was, “F@#$ YEAH! SEE!”. Eventually the judges had to narrow the field down to the top 10, it didn’t prove an easy task and after deliberation decided 12 skaters would contest the final, that makes for a crowded bowl, and that makes for an exciting final.

For 15 minutes,12 skaters showcased thier skills and tried to win the favour of the judges, all with that trip to Sweden on thier minds. The skating was amazing, everyone pushing themselves faster and higher, grinding the coping and trying to pull out that big trick. Sadly the final stopped temporarily when one of the biggest names in Australian skating, Renton Millar, went down hard. He was out of the running and later taken to hospital by pal Todd Shirley.

Corbin Harris blitzed the bowl nailing some killer moves, and Joel Webb skated as hard as he always does, and raised cheers from his bunch of fans.

Much to Lee Ralphs delight Jackson Pilz was on fire, a young guy with a heap of supporters behind him. It wasn’t to be Jacksons day though but he finished runner up, he was stoked and the crowd was right behind him.

Corbin Harris was the deserved winner, and only to happy to grab his pool of prizes, he’s made a habit of winning recently just coming off a big win in Melbourne. Now he’s off to the famed Quiksilver Malmo Bowl Jam, that’s what everyone was skating for, well that and for the love of it!

On completion of the day James Kennedy from Quiksilver was grinning from ear to ear. His work was done and now comes the after party. Everyone who attended left stoked and bedazzled, the skaters put on an awesome display of skill and courage and in Trevor Wards case, a little craziness.

The first Quiksilver Bowl Jam was run and one on the Gold Coast, but we’re assured they’ll be back next year, and no doubt everyone who attended this year will be to.

Congratulations must go to the Gold Coast City Council, in particular Daphny McDonald and all of her staff, for building such an incredible park, and for thier ongoing support and recognition of how important skateboarding is in this community. Skateboarding can be a lifestyle, or a sport, and possibly for those who work hard enough, a career. One thing’s for sure, even though it may hurt at times, it’s always fun!