Fifteen-year-old Devon Adams, a student at Hamilton Boys’ High School, has plenty to celebrate after taking out his division at this year’s Secondary Schools Skate Competitions.
Held each September at Son Sk8 Indoor Skatepark in Glen Innes, Auckland, the competition brings together young skaters from across the country.
Devon competed in the event last year but didn’t make it through to the finals. This year, he came back determined and went one step further, winning his division. Alongside the excitement of competing, Devon says one of the best parts was simply having fun and skating with his friends.
We caught up with Devon to find out more about his skating journey, the competition, and what it was like to take home the win.
When did you start skating and when did you start competing?
I started skating when I was six years old, when my uncle gave me my first skateboard. I’ve been skating ever since. I think my first competition was at Katikati when I was around 9 or 10 years old. I remember I was versing guys who were a lot older than me but I didn’t care, I just wanted to skate.
What do you enjoy about the sport?
I think what I love most about skateboarding is that you can be really creative, and there’s almost no rules. Also I love the challenge of learning new tricks and the feeling when you finally land it. I also love how I get to make heaps of new friends from different places across New Zealand because of skateboarding.
Who has supported you through the training process?
I’m also lucky to have great support from my Mum and Dad, who are always happy to drive me to skateparks and competitions. My sponsors Wrong Skate Shop & Go Green Solar NZ have been supporting me with gear and getting me ready before my comps which I’m really grateful for.
Has it been a benefit growing up in Whaingaroa and having access to the skatepark?
Growing up in Whaingaroa has been great. The skate bowl is getting pretty old and tired now, though, so hopefully one day we will get a new one — hint, hint!
Where to from here for your skateboarding journey?
My main goal for my future is to become a professional skateboarder. I’d love to be travelling the world with friends, and being free skateboarding.
