Australia’s top skateboarders are set to converge on Lismore next month for Rumble on the River, a four-day competition that will showcase elite talent at the city’s newly opened skate park.
Rumble General Manager Matt Wilson said he was thrilled to bring the event to the facility, widely regarded as one of the premier skate parks in the country.
“The brand-new, state-of-the-art Lismore skate park is perfect for our inaugural North Coast event,” Mr Wilson said.
“The event will feature some of the best skateboarders in Australia, with Rumble forming an important partnership with Skate Australia to use rankings points from Rumble events for national team selection and, ultimately, Olympic selection.
“We hope this is the beginning of a long-term relationship with the local community and council.”
Mr Wilson said up to 150 skateboarders are expected to compete in the event across multiple divisions.
“There are two main disciplines for Rumble on the River, Street and Park skateboarding,” he said.
“Street skateboarding will see competitors performing rail slides and tricks over obstacles such as stairs and jumps, while those competing in the Park category will demonstrate flips, aerial manoeuvres and other exciting high-flying tricks.”
Competitors from across the nation are expected to take part in divisions including Under-9, Under-12, Under-16 and Open categories for both men and women.
The event will also feature a significant $20,000 prize pool, split equally between Street and Park competitions, with equal prizemoney awarded to male and female competitors.
High-profile skaters are expected to headline the four-day event, showcasing elite talent while also inspiring emerging athletes from across the country.
Mr Wilson said the competition promises to be an exciting spectacle for locals and visitors alike.
“The best skateboarders in the country will be vying not only for prize money in their divisions but also for Australian team selection and potentially Olympic opportunities, so the competition will be fierce,” he said.
“Whether you understand the technical side of skateboarding or not, the competition will be amazing to watch.”
“It’s a dynamic and exciting sport, and there will also be some excellent local riders competing, including Hudson Walker from Byron Bay and Kai Dawson from Lismore.”
Spectators will also be able to enjoy live music, food trucks and a vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the weekend.
The Rumble Roadshow will run alongside the competition, offering learn-to-skate clinics and professional demonstrations designed to inspire skaters of all ages and abilities.
Mr Wilson said the partnership with Skate Australia, supported by the Australian Sports Commission, is helping establish a clearer pathway for skateboarders in Australia.
“While the Rumble Tour has been running for a few years, it has previously been a little inconsistent in terms of where events were held,” he said.
“Our partnership with Skate Australia now provides a great opportunity to create a more structured and established pathway for the sport in Australia.
“As part of Skate Australia’s recognised Olympic pathway, competitors at Rumble on the River will earn points towards national team selection, which is an important stepping stone for athletes aiming to compete at future Olympic Games.”
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said securing an Olympic pathway event highlights the city’s growing reputation as a destination for high-quality sporting events.
“Our skatepark is one of the best in Australia and now sits alongside Lismore’s growing suite of world-class sporting facilities,” Cr Krieg said.
“Hosting an Olympic pathway event is a proud achievement for our city and reflects the success of our investment in Lismore’s future.
“Events like Rumble on the River also showcase a city that has turned challenge into opportunity.
“Lismore is demonstrating a national model for how resilient cities are built, through community strength, clear vision and smart investment.
“We are looking forward to delivering a fantastic event for the city.”
The competition will also form part of Council’s upcoming Youth Week program, with a range of youth-focused activities planned across local facilities.
Rumble on the River will place Lismore firmly on the national stage, with the competition to be livestreamed and expected to draw visitors to the region while celebrating the city’s strong sporting culture and community spirit.
Skate Australia Chief Executive Officer Alex Anasson said the opening of the Lismore skate park last year has been a welcome addition to the national skateboarding landscape.
“Skate Australia is excited to be working with Rumble and Lismore City to provide skaters of all ages the opportunity to compete alongside some of our nation’s best,” she said.
“We can’t wait to see our athletes showcase their skills during Rumble on the River.”
Competitor registrations are now open, with skaters of all ages encouraged to enter.
Rumble on the River will be held from 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday 16 April to Sunday 19 April, at the Lismore Skate Park.
For more information visit https://therumble.com.au/roadshow-registration
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