We're heading to Belco Bowl Jam

George Richards going big. Image: Yeah Rad

We’re stoked to be partnering with the famous Belco Bowl Jam as the OFFICIAL beer sponsor of the annual Canberra-based skate event.

For the uninitiated, Belco Bowl Jam is considered one of THE must-attend events on the Aussie skate calendar – attracting a smorgasbord of skate talent from across the nation AND internationally.

In its 22nd year, the 2023 event is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet! To learn why – and to get a bit of a background on the Jam, we caught up with Matt from the Belco crew for a yarn over a beer. See below.

Can you tell us a bit about the history of Belco Bowlo Jam? How did it start?
It all started back in 2001 when the Belco Crew were looking to bring together likeminded skaters to skate the bowl and have a good time.  There were a load of highly organised events at time run but non-skaters and it was a reaction to that environment.

How would you explain the Jam concept to someone who isn't a skater?
The Jam format is really an open opportunity to anyone to skate and have a go. It creates an environment that brings out the best performances - we aren’t interested in seeing competition safety runs, we want to see skaters really push themselves and get creative. Andrew Currie put it really well by saying "You don't go to Belco to win, you go there to have a good time"

Why has the event become such a massive part of the skate calendar?
It’s been growing for years however more recently with the support of Vans, Canberra Skateboarding Association and all the other sponsors it has really grown into an entire weekend of good times.  The addition of the street events and Friday night party has really opened up the event to an entire new group and generation of skaters.  The prize money always helps as well.  The event has always focused on the skaters and making sure they have a good time.

Now in its 22nd year, how does the current Jam differ from those OG years?
It's an entire weekend now, the street events are the really big change.  Loads of novelty events, prize money - we are always looking to mix up the events and making them fun for both the skaters and the crowd.What can we expect from the 2023 event and what are you most looking forward to? I am looking forward to the Friday night Vans Zahba Jam and watching theUS Vans team destroy Canberra spots and the bowl.  I am also keen to see how our mondo rail event works out.......

Join us at the Belco Bowlo Jam from Friday, March 10 for a stacked weekend of epic skating, good beers and non-stop fun in the nation’s capital.

Hit this link for all the details and follow our YH skate team as they go full send!