It’s action-packed, acrobatic and features plenty of air time.

And it’s coming to a skate park near you.

The Tasman Skatepark Tour is back for another blast in the new year when the public can watch the region’s skateboarders, BMX riders and scooterists battle it out over eight rounds for bragging rights and $5000 worth of prizes.

The tour begins at Murchison on January 6 followed by rounds at Mapua, Tapawera, Motueka, Takaka, Brightwater and Richmond before ending with a finale in Nelson on January 21.

A tour organiser, Seth Watson of Sport Tasman, says it’s a chance for young people to show off their skills in a family-friendly setting.

``It’s going to be exciting and some of the performances are sure to be a real eye-opener.’’

Watson says the tour is also an opportunity for the public to see their local skate park with new eyes and to bury some bad old stereotypes.

He expects scootering to again be the most popular discipline as it appeals to all age categories, with even the youngest capable of some slick tricks, and is hoping each round will attract up to 60 competitors and crowds of 200.

Tasman District Council has been running skate lessons at several local parks to help prepare those keen to take part.

The competition will be divided into three age group categories: junior (11 years and under), senior (12 to 17) and open (18 and over).

Each competition will consist of a 10-minute open jam followed by 1-2 minutes rounds of individual runs, with competitors judged for their consistency, style, routine flow, trick difficulty, park utilisation, crowd appreciation and sportsmanship. Helmets are compulsory and other protective equipment recommended.

Entries are taken on the day and are free.

The tour is run by Sport Tasman for the district council and sponsors include Cheapskates, Village Cycles, The Edge and Rata Foundation.

For more information go to the Nelson Tasman Youth Jam page at www.tyc.co.nz or contact  Lani Evans at lani.evans@tasman.govt.nz or ring 03 543 8980 or contact Seth Watson at seth.w@sporttasman.org.nz.

Photo credit: Nelson Live