Wood fascinated by the greens

BMX Vert rider, Tim Wood is fascinated by the lush greenery that makes Singapore's East Coast Skate Park a unique course.

Having globe-trotted to many parts of the world for competitions, Australian Wood ranks the newly opened East Coast Skate Park in Singapore as one of the best parks out there.

"It's simply world-class. It's located in such beautiful surroundings, everything is nice and green with the trees and the beach in the background. That is what is unique about Singapore. So green compared to home!" he said.

The X Games veteran, an avid ramp-builder, knows a thing or two about the construction of such parks and he did not hesitate to give his take on the new course.

"The ramp design and layout is excellent like from the small ramps to the big bowl, it caters for all levels of skaters from beginners to the more experienced ones. The only issue I can think of is that it's a little slippery at the bottom of the bowl due to the rainfall you get here but when its dry, it's absolutely perfect," declared the affable rider.

Having been involved in the design and building of some government-funded parks back home in Australia, Wood knows the importance of having local support to help grow the sport.

"Its fundamental to society these days for the government to come into the picture because there are so many young kids involved in this sport nowadays.

He added: "Building a skate park gives them an area to hang out, train and have fun. It helps them keep fit, stay healthy and most importantly, it creates a nice social environment to keep them straying into problem areas like graffiti, drugs and other vices."

"The benefits of all these outweigh a lot of other sports facilities that might only get used for one day a week or on weekends. Like a soccer pitch for example.

"They use it on weekends and on some days, you see people walking their dogs on it! Whereas, at a skate park, you see riders and skaters utilizing the park day in day out, its just phenomenal. So it is value for money even though it might seem expensive to get it off the ground in the initial stages."

And with the East Coast Skate Park taking its place as one of the premium courses in Asia, Singapore riders will have a platform to take their skills to the next level according to Wood.

He said with much affirmation: "I was just telling Trevor Ward that I want to come back here in ten years for a holiday but more importantly to take a look at the scene because I'm adamant that with the facilities available now, this country will see pro-riders coming out of the blocks within the next decade."

"These pro-riders will call this park (East Coast) their home and in turn take the next generation under their guidance, coach them and help them develop. The motivation from the local riders that I've seen so far, seem to be very strong or even higher than young riders in other parts of the world so there is a high chance they will succeed."

But turning pro is not as simple as it seems, with the need to go through the three-tier basics before you go any further.

"First and most critical thing is the riding itself. You have evaluate if you are good enough to get to the standard of the professionals. Secondly, you've got to have the personality for it, like doing media interviews and going for functions because that is the kind of stuff that appeals to sponsors who can in turn send you to places for competitions. Lastly, you have to be prepared to put your full dedication into it. Have a dream and stick to it even when you break a leg, injured yourself or get told to give up."

But one obstacle that lies ahead of these budding riders will be the very same man who is dishing out all the advice, because Tim Wood is not ready to chuck his bike into the backyard locker just yet.

"It took me 34 years of my life to get to this level and I ain't stopping anytime soon. I'm still winning competitions and learning new tricks every single day so I fancy myself sticking around for a few more years!"

So for all you aspiring riders who see Wood down at the East Coast Skate Park this weekend, go up to him and throw out a few questions - the reigning Asian X BMX Vert champion will gladly oblige with a smile.