There was big air and smooth rides at the Kiwanis Sk8 Park yesterday. 

That's because the first ever Youth Skate Competition by the Center was on, seeing kids ages 12 to 18 competing. 

Manning the registration and organization of the assorted competitors was Lana Koethler, the programming assistant at the Center. 

Lana Koethler, proud to have had the parents backing for the event. Lana Koethler, proud to have had the parents backing for the event. 

"We're looking to make it a yearly event," said Koethler. "We have riders from Shaunavon, and we're supposed to get some from Medicine Hat."

With kids coming from near and far, the event did see some good competition. 

Riders were judged based on the complexity and skill of their rides, how they made use of the skate park, and the style and grace displayed. 

"If they hit every obstacle they get a five out of five," explained Koethler. "Everything's rated on a scale of one to five for the beginners. We're running two heats, and then that will place them in their first, second and third. For intermediate, we're doing two heats and then the top four will run in the finals. Advanced will run the same way."

There were also prizes available for the top trick at the end of the competition. 

In the beginner's category, 1st place went to Braxton Berg, 2nd place to Terry Lane, and 3rd being earned by Peydence Hartley.

For the intermediates, Jasper Toye won 1st place, Mickey Lane won 2nd, and Parker Latimer scored 3rd place, with Kuren Mosquito in 4th, and Déclin Stevenson in 5th. 

The goal of the competition was to promote community in skate. These kids, from across Swift Current and other communities, had the chance to interact, learn from each other, and push one another to be even better during the competition. 

"I think it's really good to get them out here," said Koethler. "We have riders that were part of the establishment of the park out riding right now during our practice trials, just kind of showing the kids what it's all about. It's building that positive community and showing them you can get a good community with the people that you'll ride boards with."

Koethler extends thanks to the sponsors who came on board for the first year, with a special mention of Optical Image who provided a pair of Pit Vipers for the top trick prize.