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2025 Washington Way Bowl Jam — Wrap Up

Exclusive / Event Coverage

2025 Washington Way Bowl Jam — Wrap Up

Interview and photography by David Read

Posted 15 Dec 2025

Photos and results from the first annual Progression Session Bowl Jam at Washington Way in Ōtautahi. Along with an interview with event organiser, Adam Wheeldon.

Interview with Adam Wheeldon of Christchurchʻs Progression Sessions.

You’ve just run the first Washington Way Bowl Jam. How does it feel now that the event is behind you?

We are stoked by how well the first WWBJ came together, with skaters travelling across New Zealand and even one from Australia. This made the many months of planning and preparation truly worthwhile. We are looking forward to a break for a few months, then we’ll begin planning the second WWBJ that will be in November 2026.

When did the idea for this event first come about? And what’s the journey been like getting to event day?

In November 2024, we ran a small-scale event for the Progression Sessions skaters as competition practice since there are no major events on the South Island. The feedback from that test run was incredible, and it quickly became clear people wanted a proper South Island skateboard competition.

So Goobz (Simon Blackburn) and I thought – why not host a bowl jam here at Washington Way, one of New Zealand’s best and gnarliest bowls. How hard could it really be?!

The journey has been a steep learning curve, but with the support of so many people and sponsors, we pulled it off. We learned plenty of lessons along the way, and hopefully (fingers crossed) next year will feel a little less daunting.

Yeva Butler, invert.

You had some unusual sponsors from outside the skateboard community, like Firth Industries. It’s great to see that support. How did those relationships come about?

Securing sponsors grew organically by identifying businesses that actively support community events. We also looked at other competitions to see the type of sponsors and who was already engaged in the skateboard community, for example, Hunter Civil, who built the Washington Way Bowl.

Additional support came through personal connections, and Jonette at Skateboarding New Zealand reached out to many companies, including Firth Industries.

There is a thriving crew of skaters, young and old, at the bowl. Could you tell us a bit about the scene and skaters that frequent Washington Way?

The scene at Washington Way is thriving, with the bowl crew steadily growing to include skaters as young as nine and others well into their 50s. It’s especially exciting to see more young skaters jumping into the bowl—the speed at which they progress is incredible.

That’s one of the key reasons Goobz and I started Progression Sessions: to support and nurture younger skaters while helping grow the bowl skating community here in Christchurch. We are also working with Christchurch City Council on plans for a vert ramp at Washington Way, so we can continue to strengthen the larger transition skating scene and provide top‑tier facilities to help local skaters compete nationally in vert ramp contests.

James Mulder, backside Smith grind.

There were a bunch of skaters from Auckland, Hawkes Bay, etc. What message would you like to send to skaters considering coming to next year’s event?

We were stoked to have so many skaters from across the country—and even across the ditch—come, support, and help make the WWBJ such an epic event this year. We can’t wait to host everyone again next year.

For skaters thinking about joining us at WWBJ2026, we’d be stoked to welcome you! Come support this thriving scene, connect with skaters from around New Zealand and across the ditch, and experience one of the gnarliest and best bowls in the country.

The atmosphere this year was incredible – come be part of it and help us take the event to the next level.

It takes a lot to make these events run smoothly. Tell us a bit about the people behind the scenes who made it happen.

One of our key goals was to ensure the event ran smoothly and on time—and we achieved it. This was truly a team effort, and without the support we received, it wouldn’t have come together as well as it did.

There are too many people to thank individually, but special recognition goes to Shaka Wereta, our head judge, who worked closely with the judges over the months to maximise consistency and keep the time between skaters’ runs to a minimum. Their efforts were crucial in keeping the event on schedule.

Many parents of the Progression Sessions skaters, such as Michael Baker, played a huge role in collecting equipment, setting up in the morning, and helping with disassembly and clean‑up at the end of the day. In the days leading up to the event, skaters and parents at the park pitched in—carrying equipment, gear, sponsor flags, and more—creating a genuine sense of community spirit.

So, a big thank you to all who helped, including our own families.

Isaiah Godfrey, fakie Smith stall.

Sponsors are the make-or-break of these events. Could you let me know who you had on board?

We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have such a fantastic group of sponsors supporting us in delivering this event.

Our thanks go to Christchurch City Council, Skateboarding.NZ, Hunter Civil Ltd, Mitre10Mega, Firth Industries, Southern Ice, Cheapskates Christchurch, Cheapskates Skate Skool, Boardertown, Outsiders, Duckewe, ONE37VIDEO, McDonald’s, Karma Drinks, Red Bull, New World, and of course, Manual Magazine.

A massive thank you once again to all our amazing sponsors—we’d be stoked to collaborate with you again for WWBJ2026.

What are your hopes and plans for next year’s event?

We’re planning to host the second WWBJ on the last weekend of November 2026. Our goal is to see the event grow, attract skaters from across New Zealand, and welcome even more friends from across the ditch to compete.

Above all, we want to deliver another successful event that truly showcases what skateboarding is all about—the strength of the community, the friendships it fosters, and the incredible progression of skaters at every level.