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Skateboarders In Town For Big Event

By SARAH HOYE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 21, 2009

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Professional skateboarders from around the country rolled into Tampa this weekend to compete in the Skatepark of Tampa's annual Tampa Pro.

Skateboarders compete in best trick, vert ramp (half-pipe) and street course categories. The jackpot of the competition is $100,000, with first-place finishers taking home as much as $30,000.

The event is one of few competitions still held in an actual skatepark plus hosted by skaters, said Ryan Clements, general manager, 35, who started skateboarding at age 12.

"Its the highlight of the year. It brings in the pros, so the public can see them," said Clements. "A lot of the pros here you won't see them in contests."

Pro skaters Paul Rodriquez and Stefan Janoski were on-site, and attracts the likes of Ryan Sheckler, of MTV's "Life with Ryan," Tim O'Connor and Clearwater native Jeff Lenoce, who are expected to participate. The skating continues through Sunday's sold-out finals which will air live online at skateparkoftampa.com beginning at noon.

"I think sometimes people don't realize that skateboarding is a lifestyle," said Clements, "This [event] is a big deal."

EVENT PREVIEW

Tampa Pro

WHAT: Professional skateboarding competition

WHEN: Semifinals, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today; finals, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday (sold out)

WHERE: Skatepark of Tampa, 4215 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa; (813) 621-6793

HOW MUCH: $15 per day at the door

Reporter Sarah Hoye can be reached at (813) 259-7832.

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