Young Guns Skate School members. Back row- Simon Thorp, Billy Marr, Tyler Wells and Manawa Kronfeld. Front row- Jess Lord, Lenny Torrens and Adelar Scherb. Photo: RNZ
Tāmaki Makaurau is hosting the first Skateboarding School Championships at SonSk8 Park this week.
Organisers hope the kids going through the 'Young Gun' system will become Olympians in the future after skateboarding debuted in the Olympics in 2020.
Young Guns Skateboarding school director and New Zealand Olympic coach Simon Thorp said the pathway was there to achieve something very special.
"It's really cool to see them go from a kid to being a competitive skater, and who knows [maybe] an Olympic skater."
The skaters developed strong friendships throughout their training which made competitions more enjoyable, Thorp said.
"We have seen kids trying to ollie two years ago and now they are skating with the best in New Zealand."
Among the competitors will be Jess Lord and Brooke Ritson, who say they were inspired by watching female skateboarders online.
Lord, 17, said competing was going to be fun.
"I just hope I land all my stuff, that is all I care about."
Skateboarders Jess Lord, Manawa Kronfeld and Adelar Scherb. Photo: RNZ
Teenager Billy Marr was aware competition was going to be tough amongst other talented skaters.
"You've just got to skate your best and hope for the best I guess."
The competition has been spread across two days, with divisions from year nine to 13 competing.
Thorp said preparing the young skaters had been an enjoyable experience, particularly witnessing the kids execute their tricks.
"When people land tricks the emotion that comes with it... they land it when it counts.
"There's nothing cooler then seeing the enjoyment when all the skateboarders skate... it's really rewarding."
More than 80 students will be skating to qualify for the finals.