UK BMX Halfpipe series Round 1 Skaterham. Report by Paul Meacher

Mar 30, 2023

Written by Bart de Jong

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Round one of the UK BMX Halfpipe series went down at Skaterham, Skatepark in Caterham Surrey on Sunday 12 th March. Riders from all over the UK came to kick things off, including some international riders! The idea is a simple, one series, four rounds – come along, ride and have fun.

The day kicked off with an open jam, where riders of all ages and ability could ride and session the ramp together, all receiving a prize for taking part. Next up was the amateur group, the same format was used for both Pro and Am groups. Two runs of 45 seconds, with judges scores given on a best run counts basis. The judges were made up of a group of bmx loving, experienced riders, all of them grass roots core bmxer’s, whose love for the sport keeps them involved.

The AM group was filled with up-and-coming riders, all of which showed how much they have improved over the past few years but securing 3rd place was Felipe Gomez. Felipe had some nice airs with tricks to match, throwing down some flair attempts, the last one just being pulled, which enabled him to walk away with best trick in the AM category. 2nd place was Joe Rendle, Joe had some nice airs, a 540, sweet tailwhips and some awesome topside handplants. The top spot went to Harry Gorman largely thanks to his overhead height airs and smooth style, although he went down heavy on his flair

at the end of his last run, he’d already done enough to secure 1 st place.

Keeping the spectators in anticipation, the pro group was last to compete, riders young and old, a real mixture of newbies and veterans all taking part in throwing down. 5th place went to Tom Leaver, Tom’s riding has hugely improved over the last few years especially on vert. Tom has a big bag of tricks, consisting of huge airs, amazing flairs, downwhips, no-handers and lookbacks. A few mistakes kept Tom from nailing the run he wanted but he’ll be back at the next stop for redemption! 4th went to Oakley Way, Oakley’s not been on the bike much this year due to recently starting a family but was still throwing down flairs, 540’s and barspin combos like they were nothing.

Taking the podiums 3 rd place was Reef Way (Oakley’s brother), this youngster impressed everyone with his big airs, multiple tailwhips and 540 combos, including truck drivers! Reef finished off his run with a 540 tailwhip and that stunt also bagged him the best trick award for the day. 2nd place was Josh Bates, now considering Josh doesn’t have a local vert ramp to ride on a regular basis, he killed it. Big stylish airs, huge tailwhips, opposite airs, no foot can-cans and the best-looking tables at height! Someone, build this guy a local vert ramp to ride! Paul Meacher, last year’s series winner managed to secure 1 st place in pro group with his classic style and tricks at maximum height. Runs consisting of can-cans, no-hander to no- footers, turndowns, tailwhips and big alley-oop airs helped to keep him at the top but finishing his second run on a 540 was enough to secure him the win at this first round stop.

All in all, an awesome day was had by everyone, and the vert ramp was sessioned hard. The next stop will be held at Mount Hawk Skatepark in Cornwall on June 10 th , looking forward to seeing you all there!