Yamba’s Kick Flips and Tail Whips Skate comp returns for Youth Week

The Kick Flips and Tail Whips skateboard and scooter competition will be back in the coastal town of Yamba on Friday, April 19, as part of the Clarence Valley’s 2024 Youth Week celebrations.

The competition, popular with local skaters, has different age divisions and prizes to give away.

Getting It Together, a youth team with the not-for-profit organisation Social Futures, in collaboration with Clarence Valley Council organises the event. (Getting it Together supports young people aged 12-25 achieve positive change when using drugs and alcohol; and building self-esteem and healthy life skills.)

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Social Futures Children, Youth and Families Manager Kiara McBeath said coastal Yamba was the perfect place for the comp because skateboarding originated in the beach towns of California and Hawaii.

“Back in the 1950s, when there was no surf, some surfers came up with the idea of riding the street,” Ms McBeath said.

“They put metal wheels on short surfboards and called themselves ‘asphalt surfers’ then a toy designer saw them. In 1959 Roller Derby released the first manufactured skateboard and in 1963 the first skateboard competition was held at Hermosa Beach, California … as they say the rest is history.”

Registration opens for the Yamba Kick Flips and Tail Whips skateboard and scooter competition at 10.30am, for an 11am start, and a 3pm planned finish. (School students will be on term break.)

Ms McBeath said not only do competitors have fun, but the event is great to see.

“I still can’t believe how many tricks there are. There are flatland and flip tricks, slides and grinds, aerials and grab tricks, lip, inverts and event handplant tricks and then we have the freestyle and old school tricks.”

Clarence Valley Council’s Youth Officer, Allira Newton, describes the competition as a key event on Clarence Valley’s annual Youth Week Calendar.

“Yamba Kick Flips and Tail Whips never fails to disappoint participants and spectators alike,” Ms Newton said.

“This competition has been an ongoing partnership between Social Futures and the Clarence Valley Council since 2019, and we love seeing this event happen each year and the amazing young talent it showcases.”

Skaters and scooters can register ahead of the event here. In case of bad weather check the Clarence Valley Youth page for updates on the event.

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