Red Bull Manny Mania is coming to South Africa

Its about time this happened to be honest. South African skaters deserve some international exposure and now Red Bull are going to supply a vehicle for this through the Red Bull Manny Mania tour of South Africa. I cannot wait, its such a unique skate event! For the second year running Manny Mania comes to our southern shores and I will be keeping you in touch, informed and entertained for the duration.

The origin of Red Bull Manny Mania lies with master skate pro and Red Bull rider Joey Brezinski.  The concept for the contest is based on one simple trick: the Manual.  The basics of a skateboard manual are essentially balancing on either the front or back two wheels. From that simple exercise in control spring limitless variations, each more difficult and complex than the previous. A manual trick can involve rotations, flips, grinds and riding switch. Only the best can do all of these consistently, and Manny Mania is about showing mastery: it’s no place for one trick wonders.

Joey was inspired to create Manny Mania by the lack of contest focus on this style of skating. "At the time there wasn't any technical trick contest going on and that's the way a lot of skaters and I skate, so I thought it would be a good idea."

Big Manuals are the order of the day!((c)Alejandro Mercado/Red Bull Content Pool)

Manny Mania has grown in leaps and bounds and is entering it’s 4th year. Back in 2007, located at Venice Beach, California, the first annual Red Bull Manny Mania was a relatively small event. Some of the pros taking part were Kenny Anderson, Danny Montoya, Daniel Castilo and Chris Roberts, plus of course Joey Brezinski. The format was an instant hit and shortly after New York City hosted their own Red Bull Manny Mania in the city of Manhattan. The response was even bigger than its West Coast inspiration.

In full force, 2008's Red Bull Manny Mania was again in Manhattan, New York City and the turnout defied even the most optimistic of expectations.  Crowds flooded to the venue in the thousands to watch heavy hitters such as Brandon Biebel, Jason Dill, Eric Koston and Stevie Williams, names synonymous with amazing technical approaches to skating.

In 2009 Manny Mania took its first tentative steps into the international arena with an event in the UK. As expected, skaters beyond America’s shores enthusiastically embraced the contest and 2010 saw a rapid expansion into several other countries, including a qualifier held right here in South Africa at Wave House Durban, won by Simon Stipich. Simon flew to NYC to compete against fellow qualifiers from around the world for a single coveted spot in the pro invitational.

Simon Stipich will be charging for SA ((c)Tyrone Bradley/Red Bull Content Pool)

2011 has followed precedent and is even bigger with 34 countries taking part in regional qualifiers. South Africa will be hosting qualifying events and a grand qualifier featuring the best tech skaters from around the country. It’s a chance for one of our talented locals to show their skill on skating’s biggest stage.

I will be along for the ride and keeping you up to date with the events. Also look out for profiles on top riders you can expect to see at the Manny Mania events.

• June 4: Son Skate Park (Stellenbosch)

• June 11: Element Skate Park (Jeffreys Bay)

• June 18: Wave House Skate Park, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Umhlanga (Durban)

• June 25: Revolution Skate Park, Festival Mall, Kempton Park (Johannesburg)

• June 26: Finals – Revolution Skate Park, Festival Mall,Kempton Park (Johannesburg)