NELSON Mandela Bay adrenaline junkies tired of the city’s quiet streets can look forward to the inaugural Donkin Downhill Dash – a high-speed, downhill skateboarding event set to take the asphalt by storm.
The July 24 event is geared towards a community of skaters whom organisers have described as "some of our country’s most talented”.
Taking place from 10am to 4pm at the Donkin Reserve in Central, the race features prizes for the fastest skaters, while spectators will be entertained by musicians and poets.
Co-organiser Jacques Nel described the event as a collaboration between Bay long-boarding group Downhill Eastern Cape and local company Numb City Productions.
"It’s a first for the city. The idea stems from an interest by the youth for this sport to grow in Nelson Mandela Bay.
"Some of our country’s most talented skaters, long-boarders and BMX riders come from the Eastern Cape, even though this is not a well known fact. There is definitely a big enough interest in this sport in the region,” Nel said.
Long-board skateboarding events are, typically, downhill races featuring specialised skateboards and racing equipment designed for high- speed manoeuvring.
Much like in bobsled or luge events, riders tackle a downward-sloping road on their backs, steering their skateboards using their bodyweight.
The Donkin Downhill Dash will see riders competing for the best race time. The course will be the Donkin Reserve’s historically significant Voting Queue pathway.
Prizes include a downhill board and a helmet for the winner; wheels for a board, as well as a cap and toolkit for skaters placed second to fifth; and a toolkit and cap for those placed sixth to 10th.
Registration for the race is open to skaters from tomorrow at a cost of R50. Just 40 spots are available.
