Another Day to Remember!
Yesterday, May 27, 2023, Weiden’s skateboarding community lit up with the 2nd Annual Skate Contest at JUZ Weiden, held at the vibrant skatepark on Frühlingstraße 1, 92637 Weiden in der Oberpfalz. Skitch Skate Shop (Grafenwöhr) and JUZ Weiden, with the dedicated efforts of organizers Christopher Leach, Florian Graf, Christof Meier, Michael Ringer, and Christian Neidhardt, welcomed skaters from across Germany—Nuremberg, Regensburg, Cologne, and beyond—to compete for over €3,000 in cash and prizes. This electrifying event brought together athletes of all ages and skill levels, cementing Weiden’s reputation as a cornerstone of the Bavarian skate scene.
The day kicked off at 10:00 AM under clear skies, with the skatepark buzzing with anticipation. Skaters paid a €10 entry fee and signed up in person at the SKITCH Pavilion next to the DJ booth, with registration for each group closing 30 minutes before their start time. Athletes under 18 needed a parent or guardian’s signature on the registration form, ensuring a smooth and organized process. The competition featured four groups, each showcasing incredible talent. Group D (14 years and younger) started the day, with sign-ups ending at 10:30 AM, a warm-up at 10:35 AM, and runs beginning at 11:00 AM. Prizes for Group D fueled young talent, with 1st place winning three T-shirts, one deck, one grip, one set of trucks, one skate tool, and wax; 2nd place earning two T-shirts, one deck, one grip, one set of wheels, one skate tool, and wax; and 3rd place receiving one T-shirt, one set of bearings, one skate tool, and wax.
Group C (15–18 years old) followed, with sign-ups closing at 12:00 PM, a warm-up at 12:05 PM, and runs starting at 12:30 PM. Their prizes rewarded skill and style, with 1st place securing three T-shirts, two decks, two grips, one skate tool, and wax; 2nd place earning three T-shirts, one deck, one grip, one skate tool, and wax; 3rd place receiving three T-shirts, one set of trucks, one skate tool, and wax; 4th place taking home three T-shirts, one set of wheels, one skate tool, and wax; and 5th place awarded two T-shirts, one set of bearings, one skate tool, and wax. Group B (18 years and older) brought seasoned skaters to the park, with sign-ups ending at 1:45 PM, a warm-up at 2:00 PM, and runs beginning at 2:15 PM. Their prizes mirrored Group C, with 1st place winning three T-shirts, two decks, two grips, one skate tool, and wax; 2nd place earning three T-shirts, one deck, one grip, one skate tool, and wax; 3rd place receiving three T-shirts, one set of trucks, one skate tool, and wax; 4th place getting three T-shirts, one set of wheels, one skate tool, and wax; and 5th place awarded two T-shirts, one set of bearings, one skate tool, and wax.
Group A (Open Registration & Sponsored) capped the competition, with sign-ups closing at 3:30 PM, a warm-up at 4:00 PM, and runs starting at 4:15 PM. This group competed for cash prizes, with 1st place taking home €500, 2nd place earning €300, 3rd place receiving €200, 4th place getting €100, and 5th place awarded €50. The day culminated in a thrilling Best Trick session at 5:30 PM, where skaters unleashed jaw-dropping flips, grinds, and slides, electrifying the crowd. Those who landed the most impressive tricks earned cash rewards and bragging rights, followed by an awards ceremony at 6:00 PM that celebrated everyone’s efforts.
Beyond the competition, the event was a vibrant celebration of community. Live music from the DJ booth filled the air, food trucks served up delicious bites, and the supportive atmosphere captured the essence of skateboarding culture. Skaters and spectators alike felt the camaraderie, whether cheering from the sidelines or competing on the park’s diverse obstacles. The success of this event, building on the inaugural 2022 contest, highlighted the explosive growth of Weiden’s skate scene, driven by Skitch Skate Shop, JUZ Weiden, and local skaters. The skatepark has become a hub for creativity and skill, reinforcing Weiden’s place on Germany’s skateboarding map.
We’re thrilled to share a video recap of the event, crafted by talented videographers who volunteered their time. Watch it to relive the energy and excitement! The 2nd Annual Skate Contest was a triumph, and we invite everyone to join us next year to compete, connect, and celebrate Weiden’s thriving skateboarding culture.
