We’ve been at this contest business for three decades now. A little over 15 years ago, we noticed a wild increase in the younger divisions when we worked at Skatepark of Tampa: 8 and Under, 9 to 12, and especially 13 to 15.
Everyone knows Tampa Am and Tampa Pro as the longest running contests ever, but the SPoT All Ages contests are also the longest running all ages contests ever.
At one point back then, we had to limit the 13 to 15 division entries to 60 maximum because contests would go until well past 7pm.
On the most recent two Skatepark of Tampa All Ages contests, we noticed that both have hit an all time low in total entries.
Only 17 total kids under the age of 16 skated in Harvest Jam last month.
- 3 kids in 8 and Under.
- 6 kids in 9 to 12.
- 8 kids in 13 to 15.
Just a few young kids and barely any pre-teen and teens. It was just as bad for the contest prior to that. The last 10 years has been a slow decline to this point, so this isn’t really coming out of nowhere.
Why?
Some possible reasons:
- The way we’re doing contests is just not what kids want or…
- There isn’t an organized program that’s simple to understand for parents, similar to what traditional sports have or…
- Kids just aren’t starting and/or sticking with skateboarding as much as they used to.
Over here at The Boardr, we think contests get like-minded kids together, start lifelong friendships, and keep kids skating, regardless of performance or skill level in the contest itself.
When Ryan and I met at a contest in the early 90’s, we weren’t even in the contest. We just went to be around other kids like us. 30+ years later we still sit across the table from each other working on giving kids that same experience.
It’s not an easy business. It needs to be subsidized by other business activities and run very efficiently. If not, you quickly will find you’re losing money and/or time, which makes it unsustainable. Is that why so many series and events have come and gone? Who knows. Here’s a few that come to mind:
Hometown Heroes, Kimberley Diamond Cup, Vans Warped Tour, Maloof Money Cup, Van Doren Invitational, Empire Backyard Party, Am Getting Paid, adidas Skate Copa, Texas Skate Jam, Zappos Ride Shop, Transworld Come Up Tour, Hot Wheels Superchargers, eS Game of SKATE, Goofy vs Regular, Miami Open, Vans Pool Party, DC King Of, Zumiez Best Foot Forward, Dew Tour, The Sound and the Fury, Simple Session, and more.
Into the Unknown
So rather than pull back over here, we’re pushing forward and going for it in 2026. We will be focusing on younger skaters at the beginner and intermediate levels. The older, more advanced skaters have Damn Am Series, run by SPoT, they can graduate to.
The Boardr Series has 10 stops next year across the United States, up from five this year. Watch for more information on those soon.
What if It Doesn't Work?
We’ll see what happens after 2026. Skateboarding will stay small, or will change a bit. Either way, you’ll be fine and we’ll be fine. See you around out there on the wood and wheels.
The Last Stop of The Boardr Series for This Year
Join us on December 5th and 6th for The Boardr Series Championships right here at our home base in Tampa. Friday is practice and Saturday is the contest. Hope to see you here.
