Kumba Skatepark in Kimberley will host Midway Mayhem, one of South Africa’s largest skateboarding events, on Saturday 18 April.

According to John Block, Northern Cape MEC for the Department of Economic Affairs and Tourism, Midway Mayhem sports a unique character. “Now only in its second year, the event has become legendary in skateboarding circles and is completely different from any other skateboarding event hosted in the country. 

“It is not only a really tough contest, but it also allows participants to enjoy the community of skateboarding. It sends a message that the world championships are on the way and renews interest in our world-class skate park, which has become a global phenomenon.”

According to a press release issued by the Kimberley Diamond Cup, this year’s Midway Mayhem is billed as a “Grand Slam event” during which top skateboarders will be able to qualify for the Kimberley Diamond Cup Skateboarding World Championships in October. “At the same time, it [the Midway Mayhem] will also feature a Skateboarding for Hope tour stop with skateboarding clinics for underprivileged youth from the region. The top street skater will walk away with one of the top prize purses available in South Africa.”

Midway Mayhem will feature five different categories, including contests for skaters aged 13 and under, TopGrom skaters, riders aged 14 and over, women street skaters, vert skaters and the Rider Cup team contest.

Registration starts at 9am, followed by Skateboarding for Hope clinics, qualifiers and finals in each category. Live entertainment will be provided during the lunch break and the prize-giving is scheduled for 6.15pm.