As usual it was a beautiful day in the winterless north the contest coincided with the Kerikeri ½ marathon the final event in the Sport Northland Run/Walk Series and the annual Street party there was a great atmosphere in the town. With a lot of the public stopping to watch the vert comp.

Skaters travelled from throughout the country with Christchurch Wellington and Auckland all well represented as well as a good turn out from the locals.

The highlight of the day would’ve been the passing of the torch with Billie Morrison daughter of Andrew Morrison taking first place in the Women’s division in her first contest.

Like all good contests – there was an afterparty, at the infamous Crabb Cove, where there’s no shortage of skate-able obstacles from a custom built backyard pool (the work of Premium Skateparks) along with a mini ramp, with lights, which was skated till the early hours of the morning.

It was a great excuse to catch up with our friends from around the country and skate together. New Zealand still has a strong vert scene with the next contest, taking place at Wellington’s Kaori Vert ramp on the December 1st.
| Nicholas Bennett

Photography by Adam Creighton
Video by Nicholas Bennett