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ROAD TO ROTR

North Queensland - Jump in the van, fill the esky, get there!

    Written by
  • Clinten Davison
    Photography by
  • Curtis Hay
    Videography by
  • Harry Pascoe

Competitions are more than cash grabs and glory for some, they’re a reason to bring our sprawling community together. With the exception of Mackay’s Rumble On The Reef, opportunities for skateboarders become exponentially sparse heading North in our Sunshine State.

Harry and I had been looking for an excuse to work on a project together and with the 4th ROTR on the calendar, we decided to fill a van and tap into some of the rarely documented spots on the way. Former cash grabber Jesse Brodbeck & Mackay ex-local Ronan Thomas are my housemates, so naturally they jumped in. Curty (Curtis Hay) was up for it and rounded out the media crew. We figured bringing everyones favourite/worst grom Reef Condon would help keep the mood light and be a good chance for a comp pun (the joke was mostly on us). My old homie Brad Wilson took the final seat in the van as we passed through Rockhampton. Tommy Fynn and Dennis Durrant were already on route and linked up on the way, then Nixen Osborne and Jorge Tichbone met us in Mackay.



On the cusp of Qld summer, it’s hotter and more humid by the Km heading up the Bruce Highway. But skating to the point of heatstroke is better than the 20 odd hours, next to sweaty mates with empty tins just looking at fresh spots through a window… The promise of a box of cold beers “next try” certainly helped too. I think Tommy likes a bet more than he likes a beer, he managed to clear a couple of close calls but I’m pretty sure there’s a box still outstanding (willing to collect on next session my G).

Beautiful beaches might seem like a good way to beat the heat up North but with a lil knowledge you don’t have to get mauled by a saltwater crocodile! Brenton Hawkins’ Red Lotus Tattoo/Skate Shop has frosty air-con, Finch Hatton Gorge offers pristine waterfalls to jump off and if you can get an invite, local legend Richie (Richard Norton) has a 10ft DIY tin ramp with a 4ft vert extension, lights and a bathtub full of ice for your drinks. There is also a place called the dirt room but seats are limited and so are clear memories of anyone who’s entered it.


“…skating to the point of heatstroke is better than the 20 odd hours, next to sweaty mates with empty tins just looking at fresh spots through a window…


 

 


The comp went well, someone won and between some of Brisbane’s best, Harry’s spot technician skills and some returning Northerner’s out for blood, I’m proud to say; we contributed a piece of skateboard culture beyond timed/judged runs to the city of Mackay.