Smaller Skateboard Comps Give Beginners A Chance
[photo from desmoinesregister.com: Jacob Ranson, 13, of Urbandale gets ready to roll off the lip of a ramp]
It’s pretty nice to see the occassional smaller competition pop up in the news, giving skaters of all ability a chance to feel part of the sport. The bigger competitions have no opening for the learner, and for someone just starting out with tricks there can be noting more motivating then having the chance to show off what you know and compare yourself to others at the same level. It’s also a great chance to take part in the community and show your support for the sport - get seen and get out there to see other compete too.
The three communities of Urbandale, Clive, and West Des Moines set up just such a chance this month, encouraging all levels of skateboarders to try their hand in front of the crowd.
For Orfeas Ketchelos, much like everyone there, the focus was on taking part and having fun, not winning, “It’s fun to skate everything and learn new stuff. I don’t even care if I win or lose.”
Orfeas is also one of a several skaters trying to get a skate park built in Des Moines, with help from AMOS (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy). With the community supporting these local competitions, the chances are he’s going to be successful.
