PO‘IPU — Contest organizer Donovan Claytor didn’t know what to expect from Kaua‘i’s first-ever skateboarding contest yesterday at Graceland Skate Park in Po‘ipu. However, the Meyvn Clothing Company co-owner was more than pleased with the outcome. “It blew my mind,”
PO‘IPU — Contest organizer Donovan Claytor didn’t know what to expect from Kaua‘i’s first-ever skateboarding contest yesterday at Graceland Skate Park in Po‘ipu.
However, the Meyvn Clothing Company co-owner was more than pleased with the outcome.
“It blew my mind,” Claytor said. “It’s awesome. The kids are surrounded by a positive environment, where they feel comfortable to skate.”
Over 300 individuals witnessed the competitions and the skating demonstration by pro skaters Willy Santos and Cato Williams.
“It was great,” Santos said. “There were a lot of participants and I enjoy coming out here. The crowd was into it and luckily no one booed during our demo.”
After the contest, Santos and Williams drove right down the street to Po‘ipu Beach to get in a snorkeling session.
Next week, the two California pros will head to O‘ahu with other pros to put on another exhibition.
“It’s great to see young kids skating,” Santos said. “It reminds me of when I first started skating. It’s an inspiration to keep on skating and having fun.”
Santos, who was on Kaua‘i last year for a demo, said to check out his Web site, www.willysantos.com, for more information about upcoming events.
Winners from the event included Noah Funaki in the 9-and-under division, Jesse Guglielmana (9-12 years), Kainoa Kuwabara (17-and-over), Kameron Mayo (13-16 years) and Kaua‘i High School class of 1998’s Jerin Shiba, who picked up the victory for “best trick.”
“He did a combination trick,” Claytor said. “His style is so unique, it’s like no one else — he rips.”
The “best trick” division was open to individuals of all ages.
“We had the little ones trying hard to win too,” Claytor said.
After his event, Mayo kept himself busy by taking on the role as videographer of the rest of the event.
“I had a great time, it was pretty fun,” Mayo said. “The pros did really well. I tried to skate the entire course during my competition and I guess it worked because I won. This is a cool event. I’d like to see it happening again.”
Claytor, a Kaua‘i High School alum, said the contest is going to be an annual event.
“We want to do a skateboarding series on the island,” Claytor said. “We’ll have four contests a year at different spots around the island.”
And with yesterday’s high turnout, the series should take flight.
“We’re stoked we’re able to do this,” Claytor said. “This is great for kids who don’t have anywhere else to go. We hope parents come to us to see more of these type of events.”
