Rumble on the Reef creates home of skateboarding in Mackay after successful event

Rumble on the Reef organisers have announced the event ‘won’t move from Mackay’ after a record-breaking week.

There are no plans to move a hugely successful sporting festival from Mackay after a record-breaking week.

The Rumble on the Reef attracted more spectators and competitors to its fourth Mackay event than ever before.

More than 5000 spectators watched 208 competitors across a variety of different sports, including skateboarding, wakeboarding, and kitefoiling.

Kicking flips and grinding bars: Rumble on the Reef hits Mackay

VIEW GALLERY

Rumble on the Reef event manager Donny Fraser said the festival was not going anywhere.

“We’re not going to move it after the contract ends, we owe the town,” he said.

A lazy little practice run. Rumble on the Reef Sugar Bowl Champs 2021. Picture: Marty Strecker

“The experience for the people visiting was phenomenal, the hotels, cafes, restaurants and managers were really good.

“That’s something Mackay does second to none, it won’t move from Mackay.”

At the top of his game Jocob Hanson pops up out of the deep bowl for Rumble on the Reef Sugar Bowl Champs 2021. Picture: Marty Strecker

Skateboarding made its Olympic debut at Tokyo, with the sport gathering worldwide interest on the biggest stage.

Mr Fraser said Covid lockdowns had caused the initial interest.

“People were in lockdown and trying to find something to do on their own,” he said.

In the Moneybowl Finals is John Dickenson, in front a big crowd at the Rumble on the Reef Sugar Bowl Champs 2021. Picture: Marty Strecker

“The country had a national shortage, it went nuts, when everything opened back up skateboarding shops and clubs were booked out for months.

“On the Olympic side of things, the exposure is much greater so sponsorships are more interested in getting involved now.”

Originally published as Rumble on the Reef creates home of skateboarding in Mackay after successful event