Sechelt's Nick Muryn hopes hours spent in the Sechelt skatepark pay off in Toronto next month.
The Grade 12 Chat student is off to Ontario for a national BMX competition March 3 to 5. The event is easily the biggest competition in Canada.
"I want to try to land a few back flips and finish in the top 10. That's my personal goal," Nick said. "But most of all, I want to have a good time. To be part of a major competition like this is an honour. I want to meet the other riders and learn from them."
Nick said he started out as a skater when he was younger, but was soon turned on to BMX.
He's been riding 20 hours a week both at the local skatepark and skateparks in Vancouver.
"If I'm not working, you'll see me here," he said.
Two of his biggest influences have been Ben McPherson and Dustin Gunther - two pro riders and former Coasters.
"I just hooked up with them and they've really helped me. In fact, they encouraged me to sign up for this competition," Nick said. "When you ride with people who are as good as these guys are, it pushes you to work harder and strive for more. They're just great guys. They take the time to give me tips and help me to improve."
Nick's received sponsorship support from Trail Bay Source for Sports and Rob Wood at On The Edge Bike Shop. He's still fundraising to help pay for his trip. He's planning a car wash on Saturday at the Gilligan's Pub parking lot.
Anyone who would like to help with his fundraising efforts can contact him at 604-885-7484.
