Raglan’s rising skateboarding star, 13-year-old Devon Adams, made a strong impression at the recent National Skateboarding Championships, finishing 6th overall in the open men’s bowl/park category. Competing against older, more experienced skateboarders, Devon was stoked with the result and is now setting his sights on future challenges.
His success at the event is a testament to the support of his family, local skate community, and sponsorship from Wrong Skate, as he looks ahead to more competitions in 2025.
Can you tell us how you went at the recent Skateboarding Nationals?
Last weekend, I came 6th overall in the open men’s skateboarding bowl/park category, which I was stoked about, as I was up against older and more experienced skateboarders.
How did it all unfold on the day?
I trained at Mount Skatepark for two days before the comp, skating around six hours a day with the other competitors—my friends from different parts of the country. We were all having a blast helping each other with our lines and tricks.
The semi-final qualifier was on Friday and included three categories—street, park, and vert. I competed in park (bowl). We were given two 45-second runs to land our best tricks, use the entire bowl, and be as original as possible. The top three skaters in the heats went through to the final the following day.
How long have you been skating, and who supported you when you were younger?
I started when I was seven years old, and I’m 13 now, so about six years. During lockdown, my dad built my brother and me a half-pipe under our house.
I suffered a broken femur a couple of years ago (on a trampoline), which kept me off my board for a good year and a half. My family supported me by taking me to nearby skateparks and competitions whenever they were on.
I love Raglan Skatepark, but it needs a bit of work, so we try to skate at Melville, Nawton, Cambridge, or TA when we can. It would be great if the council renovated our local skatepark.
Also, my Uncle Silas taught me tricks like the kickflip and has been a big help in buying me skating equipment.
Who inspires you when it comes to skating?
Some of the skaters I love watching are Clay Kreiner, as well as other pro skaters and locals in Raglan, like Tom Mitchell and Noah Winningham (who used to live in Raglan but now lives in Hamilton). I’ve also met heaps of inspiring skateboarders at skateparks and competitions.
Tell us about the sponsorship from Wrong Skate and how they support you.
I really appreciate the gear that Jay hooks me up with and the discounts.
I go through shoes every 1-2 months, and he helps with boards, t-shirts, and other gear. I love that we have a local skate shop.
What is the plan for 2025 and competitions?
I want to do well, represent Wrong Skate and Raglan, and help get skateboarding more recognised in New Zealand.
I plan to enter the Mangawhai Bowl Jam next summer and push myself to drop back into the big vert ramp at the Mount. I also want to compete in as many comps as I can.
Where do you most enjoy skating—both locally and away?
I love skateboarding wherever I can, but my favourite skateparks are Mount Destination Skatepark, Melville Skatepark (Hamilton), and Auckland skateparks like Victoria Park, Valonia, Barry Curtis, and Birkenhead. Mangawhai has the best bowl!
I also love finding random skate spots and parks when we go on road trips.
