Longboarders from around the world travelled to Pender Harbour for the May long weekend to take part in the 10th annual Attack of Danger Bay, which has become the biggest longboarding race in the world.
"What's exciting is the village of Pender Harbour has the biggest race in the world, still," said race organizer Bricin Lyons. "We have the most racer entries and we have the most prize money for all the events. There's no race that gives out more prize money to the groms (14 and under), masters, open class, the women's. We give out the most money in the world for everyone. We're the best. We're setting the bar."
In honour of the race reaching its 10th year in Pender Harbour, Lyons gave out a total of $10,000 in prize money to the winners in each category.
While most of the top finishers were from off Coast, locals took the two top spots in the 14 and under age category with Curtis Watts from Pender Harbour taking first place and $1,000 in prize money. Local Paul Wicks took second place.
Lyons said the local youth talent is "awesome" and notes the number of young longboarders getting involved in the sport is steadily climbing.
"So many kids are doing it. It's crazy," he said.
Some of those local young boarders attended another race as part of the Attack of Danger Bay line-up on Wednesday, May 25. The race dubbed Jake's Rash ran on Stephens Way in Secret Cove. At that event some kids followed idols like Scott 'Scoot' Smith, asking for autographs and getting advice.
Smith is a former Pender Harbour racer who's made it big. He took home the world cup for longboarding in 2009 and placed fifth overall in 2010. He plans to make a run for the cup again this year on a new longboard he created and will be selling through his board sponsor, Sector 9.
Smith said he's also seen the interest in longboarding by youth in Pender Harbour spike over the past few years.
"It's ridiculous. It's blowing up like crazy. Everyone in Pender Harbour does it, or at least they all have a friend or a couple of friends that do, so they all eventually will. There's eight kids from Pender Harbour competing today," Smith said.
Smith said he would encourage anyone to get into the sport, but cautioned that proper safety equipment is paramount.
"You should always ride on the side of caution," he said.
About 220 racers registered for the Attack of Danger Bay race last Sunday in the Harbour, and about 65 registered for Jake's Rash Wednesday.
The 10th annual event kicks off the season of world cup races for professional longboarders like Smith who will travel to Washington state on June 29 for the first qualifying race.
Although Attack of Danger Bay doesn't count toward his standings for the season, Smith said he always likes to come back and take part in the local race that has become a worldwide attraction.
This year longboarders from Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Australia, Canada, the U.S. and Mexico came to race.
