This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mann

THERE was an overwhelming response to the LibJam yesterday. More than 600 people have signed up to take part in the event.

And with a team of 30 over from Jersey, things are hotting up for today’s extreme sports competitions at North Beach.

LibJam organiser Jon Bisson said they never knew there were 600 skaters and riders in the island.

‘We’ve been busy all day and touch wood there have been no accidents,’ he added.

The inter-island competition planned for Sunday will now take place today.

It was initially delayed because the Jersey competitors’ boat was cancelled and organisers were unsure of the weather yesterday.

‘We’ve been completely taken aback by the response - it’s been amazing.

‘We know there were disparate groups who are into these sports, but until you stage something like this, you never see quite how many there are,’ said Mr Bisson.

He urged people take a look at what was happening.

‘Come down and be amazed. I’ve been amazed at the talent here and I’ve seen a lot of it before,’ he said.

‘This is what these sports are about, everyone booming around, talking to each other - it’s the camaraderie and environment.’

Head of the Channel Island Skateboard Association Jake Hipwell said there needed to be more support for extreme sports and youth facilities in both islands.

‘This is only temporary so it’s difficult to compare to a permanent facility, but for something erected in hours, it’s great. The street course is fantastic,’ said Mr Hipwell.

The only permanent facility in Jersey is a mini-ramp.

The 31-year-old said it was the freedom that attracted him to skating.

‘You can do whatever you like: it’s a great sport, you can urge your mates on, get them to do stuff, get people to push themselves - there will be a lot of that on Liberation Day.’

The Jersey contingent had an unpleasant trip over.

They were supposed to come over on Sunday on the 10am boat.

But after waiting for an hour on board, it was cancelled, Mr Hipwell said.

They rebooked for the 6pm which did sail, although it was rough.

Mr Hipwell was looking forward to riding today.

‘It’s great to see all the sports together: we normally only see skateboarding.

‘This is a big event, kind of X-Games style. There’s going to be a lot for the public to watch.’

A return leg of the inter-island competition takes place on 23 and 24 June in Jersey.

Article posted on 9th May, 2007 - 12.00am