SHAH ALAM - Malaysia’s first skateboarding festival, GrindBaru 8 drew to a close with an overwhelming turnout from skaters and local and foreign visitors at Shah Alam Extreme Park last night.
The event saw various categories won by skaters ranging from professionals to amateurs impressing judges and visitors with their daredevil and jaw-dropping moves, leaving spectators in awe.
An Indonesian participant who wanted to be known as Panji bagged the first prize of RM3,000 along with free gifts from the organiser.
"I never thought of winning the competition but I guess I got lucky tonight," he told Sinar Daily.
The 22-year-old further said he entered the competition just for fun and winning was not on his list.
"It's a tough contest as there were another 48 contestants so, I'm happy to win," he said, adding that skateboarding is a hobby and a source of his happiness.
Second runner-up Zainul Marzuki said he was ready to head out when they announced the winners. "While I was on my way to the car, I heard my name and my friends keep chanting my name but I still couldn't believe it," he said when approached.
The 31-year-old said the tricks that he was planning to do did not land as he had expected.
"I was not expecting anything from the event today, I thought this is just a huge event for everyone to gather.
"I was here to have fun," he said.
The third place was won by Syafiq 'Stu' Rosly, 28. He impressed the judges with his "unique" skills.
"I was just doing it for fun. Chilling. Of course, I am super stoked but the best part was just having fun," he said.
Describing skateboarding as a lifestyle., he said it started as a hobby but now, it has evolved into a lifestyle.
"A sort of a daily thing to me," he said.
Stu won a cash prize worth RM300 for the third place and Zainul won RM800 for the second place.