Two Central Coast teens are set to compete in the 2025 World Skate Oceania Scootering Championships to be held at Morayfield Skatepark in Queensland from August 9–13.
Co-hosted by Skate Australia and World Skate Oceania, the event will combine national titles with world championship qualifiers and is being held in Australia for the first time.
The two Central Coast riders will compete in the junior division, aiming for a top-four finish to qualify for the World Championships in Japan later this year.
Gosford’s Liam Masters, 15, has a national title and has already represented Australia on the world stage.
After placing 7th at the Oceania championships in Napier 2024, he qualified in the top four at the 2024 World Championships in Ostia, Italy.
“It was so different going from having a couple of riders to skate with to being around a hundred of them, and they are the best talent in the world,” he said.
Masters began riding during the COVID-19 lockdown and trains regularly at Umina Skate Park and Slam Factory in Tuggerah.
“The skate parks are really good here,” he said.
“It would be great to see more riders going for it and to see people get into the sport.”
Alongside school, he also runs a small barbering business offering men’s and boys’ haircuts.
His mother Yvette Masters said it was an exciting sport to watch.
“I used to be so scared, but he is such a committed technician, I don’t have any doubt that he will land,” she said.
Kyle Rodrick, 16, from Kariong has also earned international experience, placing 14th at Extreme Barcelona and 19th at Street in Rome.
“The atmosphere is incredible overseas because of the skill and the crowds,” he said.
Mum Margo Rodrick said new opportunities were developing locally.
“We have the Australian Scooter Association here,” she said.
“The Sydney Scooter Club is working with Scoot Australia — the idea is to have monthly comps with affiliate cities, allowing more chances to compete.
“We love the cheering and the genuine encouragement in this sport, as they are throwing themselves around in the air, doing amazing tricks.
“But I never thought we’d be travelling the world scootering.”
Rodrick learns stunts by studying video footage and breaking down techniques.
He coaches at Slam Factory, which facilitates scootering, rollerskating and BMX.
Locally, the Central Coast Skate Park Series helps young riders develop skills through grassroots competition alongside skatepark activation.
Ivona Rose
