Jaden Ing I SL

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Jaden Ing I SL

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For Neil Thurman and the rest of the Association of Skateboarders in Hawaii crew, the Kreature from Keolu contest was a nine-year dream realized.

"Huge turnout, everyone came really supported," said Thurman, recently named Director of Programs for ASH, of the event, which was the first since a series of contests put on by ASH in 2017 ended with a final stop at Manana Skatepark.

The event, held at Keolu Skatepark, was made possible through the support of a host of sponsors, among them 808 Skate, Timmy T's and Waikoko.

Not only this contest, but also being able to have a "nine to five" in the realm of skateboarding has been everything Thurman could have asked for.

"Essentially my dream job is working with kids and teaching them stuff through skateboarding," he said. "With skateboarding as the conduit, we can show kids social emotional learning stuff, they can learn skateboarding, about confidence."

Competitors ranged from elementary school kids to up-and-coming skaters like Keanu Nuuanu, who won the Advanced/Sponsored Division, to seasoned pros like Kyle Smith and Jason Park.

Two more contests are planned through the end of 2026, the next one at Manana set for August 1, followed by another event at Mililani Skatepark on October 3.