The 2018 Skate Park League competition is “all about character,” said Jeremy Richardson from the NSW Skate Park League. That, and creativity and skill. The best skaters are the ones who are exploring, setting their own tempo, and the crowd is just spectating.

I’ve been a skater since my early teens and when I got an opportunity to cover the April 8 event, I leapt at it. These guys and girls deserve to be represented first-hand.

So what stood out for me on Sunday? These are not your stereotypical skateboarders or riders. International BMX rider and local role model Matt Bassingthwaighte, 18, although recovering from injury, was there and spent much of the afternoon either talking with riders or showcasing his amazing skill set.

“I’m starting to get back into riding after a year off,” he said. “I’m here today to do a bit of mentoring, so that other riders can see the top levels.”

Skateboarder Brody Moore, 19, was also there to support younger skaters. “It’s cool to see the younger riders coming up,” he said. “I’ve been riding since about 13 or 14, and now I juggle work as a carpenter and skating.” Most of his friends had been made through skateboarding, from Canberra through to Sydney.

Despite the fun vibe at the parks and tracks, skating, riding or scootering is not what most people think. There is more depth to it than the stereotypical view. Skaters and riders automatically take responsibility for younger kids. This is an encouraging and supportive environment.

There were three categories in the competition on Sunday. NSW Skate Park League representatives noted the inclusiveness of Goulburn’s skatepark. “Everyone here [scooters, BMX riders, skateboarders]  is using the skatepark,” Richardson said. “There’s a lot of equality going on here.”

That all three extreme sports share space comes down to invisible rules and mutual respect. There’s no ‘snaking’ or ‘dropping in’ in front of anyone (this is when you start your skate). I didn’t see anyone get in front of anyone on Sunday.

Most of all, skating is fun. There is freedom to express through tricks, and there were plenty of these on display. Michael Purcell, 18, competed in the open skateboarding category. “I thought it would be fun. That’s why I skate, for the fun,” he said. “It gets you out. My favourite move is probably the kickflip.”

Goulburn’s skate park is a much-used facility. There were competitors aged as young as five and six years.

A shout-out to NSW Skate Park League, who held the competition to give young skaters and riders a chance to showcase their skills. “We wanted to get everyone involved and to get out into rural areas,” said Claudia Stanger, an instructor.

“There are kids here who ride seven to eight hours a day and we wanted to give them a chance to shine. Today was all about creativity, skills, sportsmanship and community.”

The day inspired me to skate more. There’s no better feeling than the freedom on your board. Skating is more than just a sport. It impacts you personally. It’s a healthy form of character development.