What up with the Funk?

Published on: 31st March, 2010

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Over the years, we think there’s been a lack of enthusiasm for the funpark in the UK.

It’s not that we haven’t got the skills or ability to make one, or the want for a decent set up was lacking; riders always bemoaned conditions and layouts for what was wrong with them, or how they weren’t constructed correctly.

Turning up at a freestyle night often was a bit of a let down. Features weren’t out, or the layout was different from what was advertised, riders didn’t get too stoked and it did nobody any favours.

More recently however, as FoTP has toured about the shires witnessing some of our events and watching riders of all calibers tear up and down our 200 meter slopes, we’ve noticed a turn of character, and we’re going to be the first to say we are fully stoked on what is going on.

“What the Funk” at Castleford SNO!zone was another Parkstrife night that yet again stepped up the level in park setup’s for the UK scene as this seemingly ordinary shred night presented a layout that any of our artificial centres would be proud to boast about.

Of course, our freezers can’t compete with the like of a mountain, and yeah the terrain we’ve got is limited, but the park that was laid on for the masses that turned up to ride on the last Friday of March was awesome.

Smoothly crafted transitions everywhere and a huge selection of rails and jibs had been set up with thought and care, allowing riders to take full advantage of each hit.

It almost seemed too simple for some, excellent features gave the more experience riders the opportunity to ride some rapid fire lines through the park, while non of the features presented too great a challenge for those that wanted a challenge.

The effort that had gone into shaping the setup was inspired, so much so we almost ditched the gear to go and have a shred. If we had there would be no snaps for you to take a look at as proof.

With many of the local riders away for this particular week, the set up was perhaps spared the destruction it deserved, but this still allowed those that were around to make the most of the opportunity.

It was great to see Damo Doyle prized himself away from the office to throw few shapes, while CASvegas park guru Monkey got to enjoy the fruits of his labour, and rightly so.

Joshua ‘Jp’ Ainger threw down some easy styles off the battleship benches and tranny to gas pipe, which proved to be a major attraction for a late session. The travelling Tamworth riders sure seemed stoked with the variety on offer, utilising those fine tuned rail skills to great effect, Paul Coley and Doug Johnson laying out some fine moves all night.

And shout out to some of the lesser know face too, hitting up the 10 meter monster at the top of the hill with style and

We think we’ve already mentioned it, but if the crew at Cas can keep up the effort that they have started out producing this year, then we are in for some sick nights on the shred.

Big shouts out to Monkey and Figo for their uncanny skills with the fork and trowel as with out these guys, we’d be back to square one.

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