Australian World Vert Champion Renton Millar crowned the first ever Hurley Australian Bowl-riding champion, 2012!

29th of January 2012 -- After a triumphant day of battle at one of the country’s most progressive skateparks, Bar Beach-Empire Park Skate Park in Newcastle, Victoria’s Renton Millar skates away as the first ever Pro winner of The inaugural Hurley Australian Bowl-Riding Championships (ABC™), whilst Mik Mulhall took out the Masters title.

A strong lineup of competitors made it hard for the World Cup Skateboarding judges to rank each of the heats and identify the lucky winner of each division, their share of the prize pool of $20,000 in cash and prizes.

The competition offered four divisions; Mtn Dew Am Jam U18’s, Pro/Am, Masters (over 40’s) and the Female Open Division in the first ever of its kind, a true ‘nationals’ skateboarding competition.

A truly spectacular moment of the competition included watching 11-year old Poppy Olsen take out the females division.

One of the main features of the Hurley ABC™ is that it offered the opportunity for Australian rippers to compete at Vans Bowl-A-Rama™ Bondi, the biggest professional skateboarding competition in the Southern Hemisphere, by giving away a series of wild cards.

Mik Mulhall, Adam Luxford, Luke Foster, Tony Hallam and John Gray who skated in the Masters & Renton Millar, Jack Fardell, Jackson Pilz, Matt Kitai and Zeke Mathews from the Pro division are now guaranteed a spot at Vans Bowl-A-Rama™ Bondi to skate amongst the biggest professional bowl-riders in the world, including international heavyweights such as Steve Caballero.

“We’re very stoked to have been able to finally establish a competition with a clear pathway for Australian riders to launch their career on an international stage, and we look forward to watching and supporting them for a long time to come. “Comments professional skateboarder & Co-Founder of Hurley ABC™ and the infamous Bowl-A-Rama™ series.

The Mtn Dew Am Jam for skaters 18 and under, showcased the best 18 young skate rippers from across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland as well as Newcastle locals, with Jakob Robinson, 8 year old Keegan Palmer, Ben Key, Lachlan Abbot, Luke Russel and Ryan Helm taking the crowds by storm, and displaying just how much talent is developing here on Australian shores.

“It’s really not going to be long until these guys take away the pro scene. They are definitely coming up really fast and these grass roots events are the perfect platform to show off their talent.” Comments World Vert Champ, Renton Millar.

These 6 skaters have qualified to show off their talent at the Dew Am Jam at Vans Bowl-A-Rama™ Bondi and another top 20 under 18’s have been plucked from the am jam to take front stage at the Hurley Billabong Beach Bowl comp taking place Saturday the 18th of February at the Australian Open in Manly.

Hurley are very proud to be able to support the Australian Bowl-riding Championships, Hurley has its roots in surfing, skateboarding, art and music. Hurley are committed in supporting the Australian Skateboarding culture and this event is another step in continuing our support. “ Jason Haynes General Manager of Hurley.

For more info check www.abcskate.com.au/.

Photo Credit: Dave Pang