26/08/2009 | Wheels of Fire Skate and BMX event
On the 1st August, Faltown in conjuction with other sponsors, the Police and Fire Brigade, hosted a local skate and bmx event at Falmouth skatepark which saw 40 local and none locals battle it out to be crowned the first 'Wheels of Fire' champ. An outdoor competition at the park was running along side a 'Show and Shine' event for local car enthusiasts along side an indoor skatepark provided by Revolve Skate Park.
The event was primarily put on to encourage community development and relations between the police, fire brigade and the local community. Sponsors from across South Cornwall such as Grip Skate Shop in Helston, Freeriders in Falmouth and by ourselves offered prizes for the top competitors and determined riders.
A jam format started the proceedings with everyone mixing it up on the street sections and miniramp, with competitors of all ages going head-to-head to make the next round. With the Grip lads and some quality out-of-towners out in force the locals were up against stiff competition and made for some high octaine riding with everyone pushing it and each other.
Big tricks from local Jamie (sorry we dont know his surname) pulling huge transfers into the mini and back out again, Elliiot aka 'Batfink' pulling hand plants on the quarter, Tom from Grip shredding the mini with technical prowess. Other Grip rider Darren going big on pretty much everything stepped it up for everyone going into the semi's.
Semi consisted of eight riders in two 4 man jams, with Batfink, Mike Insle, Chris from Grip, local Jamie, Darren (Grip) Kai, Joe Stevens and Tom Hudson from Grip/Faltown. Loads of big stuff thrown around, everyone going big to try and get into the final. The mini was neglected a little bit in the semi's but saw riders using the quarter as their launchpad for the majority of the Semi's.
Going through to the final was, Batfink, Jamie, Tom and Darren. With an eclectic mix of styles the final was set to go off and as it got under way the spectators were given a masterclass in skateboarding. Most noticably Jamie's kickflip to blunt on the spine, Elliots transfer into the mini, which he was hankering after for the whole comp, Tom Hudson went to town on the mini and the quarter and Darren consistently hitting big tricks on the rail down the middle of the park. It was a tricky one to call but the judges were looking for consistency, inventiveness, style, difficulty and use of the park and put the standings as follows.
- Jamie
- Elliot
- Tom Hudson
- Darren
The winners recieved some great prizes including DVD's, clothes and a deck from Faltown. Tom Hudson gave away his prizes to the crowds and a chuck out at the end drew the crowds onto the park for a mass, smash and grab session
A fantastic day with thanks to everyone who made it happen and special thanks to the Police and Fire Brigade for organising the event and showing their support.
Spokesperson for the Police said the following:
"We are looking at how it can be taken forward after that," added PCSO Martin. "If successful we are looking at mirroring it in other parts of Falmouth or Penryn." Course referrals can come from the community and the aim is to encourage people to "realise their potential".
Local Newspaper the West Briton covered the event with more info about the event here .
