Thrills and spills at the 2025 SA National Skateboarding Championships

The cream of South Africa’s skateboarders have descended on the Nike Shapa Skate Park in Soweto for the 2025 National Skateboarding Championships. CN&CO was there for the official opening ceremony, which was heartfelt and beautifully performed by Roller Sport SA’s artistic roller-skating team.

Of course, there were also a fair share of breathtaking skateboard manoeuvres, with more to follow.

The preliminary rounds took place on Friday, 31 October, with the finals set to take place on 1 November.

“Being at the event was an incredible experience,” says CN&CO’s Colin Ford. “The passion, commitment and skill on show were top notch. I’m not a skateboarder myself (no surprises there), but I was helluva impressed by what I saw.”

It’s not just about the skill, though.

“Firstly, that skate park, which is part of a bigger community sports centre, is phenomenal. We saw people playing basketball, soccer, tennis and other sports all around us while the skateboard contestants did their thing.

“Secondly, it’s heartwarming to see so many young people gathered together doing wholesome stuff in the heart of historic Soweto. I was really moved and encouraged for the future of our country.”

But what on Earth were we doing there?, you may ask. Those who follow CN&CO’s blog will know that our mate, Brandon Valjalo, has represented South Africa around the world – including at the Olympic Games. Through Brandon we met Wendy Gila, who heads up Roller Sport South Africa. And together with RSSA, CN&CO is assisting with the pitch to hold the World Skate Games in South Africa in 2028.

“We are still on track for the World Skate Games,” says Wendy. “We’ve got all the relevant parties interested. Now it’s just a case of getting the funds together.”

So, if you’re a keen skateboarder, or just fan, get to the Nike Shapa Skatepark on 1 November from 9am to witness South Africa’s top talent in action.