SCOOTER RIDING
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TIRAWA Gristwood's success continues to grow.
The Highlands scooter rider has been invited to compete in the Pro Scooter Series which starts this month.
An invitation only competition, Tirawa will be competing against some of Australia and the world's most elite riders.
Many of the riders who placed higher than him at the world titles have not been invited to the competition and Tirawa's father Shane said it was a great achievement for him.
"There's only one way to get into in but they look at it from the sport's point of view and what he's going to be offering over the next few years, not just at this present point in time," he said.
Even the three time world champion Dakota Schuetz has not been invited to compete in the Pro Scooter Series.
Shane said most of the riders would be Australian with a couple of US riders already confirmed as well.
The series consists of three competitions with points accumulating to crown a winner.
The first competition will be on the Gold Coast on Monday, September 22.
Riders will then travel to Sydney for the second competition on Sunday, September 28 and finish off in Melbourne on Wednesday, October 1.
Shane said the series would play a crucial role in Tirawa's development.
"You cannot get world qualified riding here (Moss Vale skate park) alone," he said.
"You need to be constantly competing against these guys or at least be able to ride with them.
"You can get left behind so quickly."
Tirawa will be the only unsponsored rider at the event and Shane said he hoped they could a find a sponsor for him.
"It's cost us $15,000 just for one year's expenses and it's killing us."
Tirawa finished 40th at the world titles in England earlier this year.
While he was disappointed with his run, Tirawa still enjoyed some great moments in what was a crucial learning experience for him.
"He just dropped a couple of tricks but that's what happens in these events. You've got 45 seconds to throw down and you can't leave anything behind," Shane said.
"Two days after the comp had finished he rode with his idol Max Peters, whose deck he is riding, and landed three of the biggest tricks he's landed in his life."
Shane thanked the Mittagong RSL who donated $500 to Tirawa and My Angel at Kazcare who gave them a $1500 loan to help get Tirawa over to England and compete in the world titles.