Children and teens of all ages come out to skate spring break away
By Ryan O’Quinn/Special to The Malibu Times
What better way to end spring break than to kick flip, tail grind and ollie? The City of Malibu Parks and Recreation Department held the first annual Spring Break Skateboarding Competition at Papa Jack’s Skate Park last weekend.
“We’ve been trying to emphasize the park and get people interested for summer,” said Arlene Carungcong of the Malibu Parks and Recreation Department. “The community, parents, and sponsors are so supportive.”
An estimated 100 people were in attendance as skaters enjoyed the rails, half-pipe and ramps during the open skate sessions between three skate competitions that were divided by age. The competitions were open to amateur skaters under age 17 and were judged based on two, 3-minute rounds of freestyle skateboarding. The special guest judges in attendance were Mike Kelly, founder of Emotion Sports, Inc., Levi Powell of Malibu Built Skate Camp, and Paul Constantineau of Santa Monica, currently sponsored by Bulldog Skate Company.
Ten year-old Matt Chrans, who was preparing for his first competition, said he comes to Papa Jack’s at least twice a week. “We’re supporting him full force,” said his father, Mark, who nabbed a front row seat for the event.
“It doesn’t matter if he wins or loses, as long as he has fun,” added his mother, Daya.
Another fan in attendance was Regan Schaar whose son, Kenny competed in the 6-year-old division. “He’s here almost every day. All the instructors that are here are so nice and help him out,” Schaar said.
“His little brother is here for support,” she said as she pointed out a fearless 3-year-old, Tom Schaar, who cruised by while kneeling on a skateboard.
Skating seems to be a communal sport for people of all ages. Three year olds shared the park with 43 year olds, skateboarders and rollerbladers shared the ramps, and little sisters were even seen sharing cotton candy with older brothers.
“Skating is now a positive outlook for these kids,” said Ryan Power of the Malibu Parks and Recreation Department. Power primarily works at the skate park and teaches several classes that are available.
“We work on the basics with them, but some of the little ones come up with [tricks] the older kids would never think of,” Power said.
One of the highlights of the event was watching the brave skaters who were barely bigger than their boards. Daring feats were accomplished with ease and there were parents and friends on hand to capture it for posterity. Nine-year-old C.J. Keossaian of Point Dume introduced his personal cameraman.
“Will and I make home movies of biking, in-line skating and stuff,” Keossaian said, referring to his friend Will Orselas, age 10. “I usually come on weekends, but now I’m coming back more often.”
Todd Burrows of Malibu showed up with Chet, 6, and Violet, 7.
“He’s got the pads and helmet so I’m not worried,” Burrows said. “We’ve done the skate camp before and he learned a lot.”
Schaar also seemed comfortable with the safety of the park. “[John’s] pretty cautious. He won’t do something unless he thinks he can,” she said.
“It’s not really as haphazard as it looks,” said John Jacobs, manager of Clout Rideshop in Zuma Beach. “It’s not really about contests, it’s about having fun.” Jacobs has been skating for more than 30 years and carried his 2-year-old, Hailey, on his skateboard as they rode around the park.
In addition to the skate competitions, there were pro-skater demonstrations and exhibitions from local sponsors including Bulldog Skate Company, Emotion Sports, Inc., Clout Rideshop, and To The Edge Skateshop. The local companies also donated raffle prizes and awards. Paradise Cove Outrigger provided shaved ice and cotton candy.
Three local bands were also on the scene to perform. The Turd Fergusons from Tarzana, 5 Under Par from Encino, and Spank from Hollywood livened up the crowd.
Carungcong says they plan to have a lot more participation this summer as word spreads about the park.
Papa Jack’s Skate Park is located at 23415 Civic Center Way and is open to the public Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 5 pm; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 12:45 p.m. – 5 p.m., and will be open daily during the summer. Admission is $2 and pads and helmets are available for $1. For more information call 310.456.1441.
See page B12 for more photos.