Fellowship, fun keeps skateboarder coming back to Tampa Pro

In 1999, Jacksonville skateboarder Mike Peterson won the coveted Tampa AM skateboard contest, now known as one of, if the not the biggest, amateur skateboarding contest in the world.

It changed his life.

"If it wasn't for that contest, I wouldn't be where I am for sure," Peterson said.

He eventually turned pro and still competes. This weekend, Peterson, 34, will be one of dozens of pro skateboarders in Tampa for the 16th annual Tampa Pro contest at Skatepark of Tampa.

Pro skateboarders such as Paul Rodriguez, Brian Anderson and Ryan Sheckler are expected to compete.

This year's contest features a $75,000 purse, with $20,000 going to the first-place skater in the street course competition. The skater with the best trick is awarded $3,000.

Friday's amateur vertical ramp contest kicks off the weekend. The pro competition officially begins Saturday at noon with the street qualifying round, where the top 30 skaters advance to the semifinals to join former winners of the contest. The semifinals, finals and best trick competition are Sunday, beginning at noon. Each skater is given two runs and the best overall score counts. Admission is $5-$15.

Peterson finished third overall in 2008.

"It's the best skate contest in the world, by far," Peterson said. "It's so rad. It's run by skateboarders and I feel like I've grown with it. Every year, some crazy stuff goes down. You never cease to be amazed."

Last year, Greg Lutzka, a skater from Milwaukee, took home the $20,000 prize. Rodriguez finished second.

Although it is a competition, Peterson said most of the skaters come to Tampa for the camaraderie.

"Everyone wants to do well, but everyone is there to have fun," he said. "I know everybody. I have a bunch of friends coming" from California.

At 34, Peterson said he feels like a veteran.

"I feel like an old man in my mind," he joked. "I tell myself I should be cutting down a tree or something. I'm hoping to just make through the weekend."