FLORENCE, Ky. — Local skateboarding group Cooler Crew hosted its third annual "Flopa Jam" skateboarding competition, inviting longtime skaters and beginners to compete at Florence Skate Park.

What You Need To Know

  • Skateboarding group Cooler Crew hosted the third annual "Flopa Jam" event in Florence

  • It was the group's third year hosting the event 

  • Participants could showcase their skills, win trophies and purchase merchandise or new skateboards

Florence native Gary Rapp said anyone can learn to skateboard.

"(The) back foot always wants to be on that tail," he said as he demonstrated skating safely. "(That controls) kind of where you're going.”

This was Rapp’s third year competing in the Cooler Crew "Flopa Jam" skateboarding competition, where skaters participated in a friendly competition, ate food and enjoyed each other’s company.

Mason Stewart, organizer of the event and founder of Cooler Crew, said it’s about building community.

“It's all about getting everybody together, letting them know that they're included," Stewart said. "This is a safe place for people to come and go; it's a no-judgment zone. It's just all about having a good time and getting the community together.”

Skaters of all ages participated, flaunted their speed and control and still made time to cheer each other on. Cooler Crew members also gave out trophies. 

As Rapp glided across the park, he said the feeling was indescribable.

"I feel free," Rapp said. "I almost feel like I'm flying, low-key. It's just super free, and it just relaxes me.”

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