For the sixth consecutive time, the Skatehalle Berlin hosted a celebration of the finest in skateboarding on May 29^th and 30^th.

A wide range of international contestants performed thrilling moves at highest level, which were put into perfect focus by the renewed and re-coloured street-area and it’s freshly installed light system. After an intense and breathtaking final it was German Thomas Weber who got hold of the victory trophy. But also the “Death or Glory”- Bowl Jam presented by Zimtstern was no less exciting and was ruled by American Packy Flancher.

Besides new enhancements in the park’s street-area, such as the granite ledge, cleverly placed quarter pipes and a rail, the rest of the compound around the building has been refurbished and given a face-lift as well. In the bordering Biergarten many of the spectators and competitors were partied, faced – against all forecasts – welcoming weather and enjoyed nice food from the grill and cold drinks or coffee while pondering the events inside or of marvelling at the climbers at the adjacent climbing tower.

The rider’s line-up was missing a few familiar faces this year, as local hero – or better yet local and hero – Jürgen Horwarth was absent, as well as last year’s winner Bastien Salabanzi and regulars such as Dennis Busenitz and last year’s best-trick-winner Klaus Bohms. Instead, some other top-notch starters filled the void: innovation- and technical wizard Chris Haslam and legend Tom Penny.

While there were, once again, various events for the guys, the girls only had one jam, which was scheduled quite prominently though between the men’s semis and finals on Saturday. And the girls used they single opportunity to shine as bright as they could – on the forefront Diana Kränsel from Dresden and her serious backside flips over the big hip. Our former cover girl Sarah Meurle from Sweden showed some stylish back tails on the quarter pipe and ollies down the double set, and Anna Kruse out of Aurich, who began her run by dropping from the giant, five meter plus wall ride, were placed second and third consecutively.

Next to the obvious party mayhem Saturday night’s agenda also held some skateboarding culture with an open air premier of “Einmal Reicht”, a film by Berlin based skate-crew “Chinchillas” and “Microcosme” and the debut release of fresh French skateboard company “Magenta”, which both were equally persuading.

Results

Street:
1. Thomas Weber (DE)
2. Alex Mizurov (DE)
3. Lukas Danek (CZ)

Girls:
1. Diana Kränsel (DE)
2. Sarah Meurle (SWE)
3. Anna Kruse (DE)

Bowl:
1. Packy Fancher (USA)
2. Kilian Heuberger (DE)
3. Jan Tomsovsky (CZ)