Skateboarder Jake Bamforth contributes to skate park with original DVD

Lewes skateboarder Jake Bamforth decided to make his own contribution to raise money for a concrete skate park in Rehoboth Beach. Bamforth, a junior at Sussex Tech studying media broadcasting, produced a 30-minute video featuring local skateboarders.

The video, “Lewes,” was named because the majority of the filming took place in Lewes, and most of the featured skateboarders live there. “I am constantly skateboarding and filming friends,” says Bamforth. “We had a ton of footage stacked. It made sense to put it into a full video and put it out for people to see.”

All the proceeds from the video sales will help fund construction of the proposed skate park at Epworth UM Church on Holland Glade Road in Rehoboth. “A concrete park would make a world of difference in this area,” said Bamforth. “Epworth Church is so awesome for welcoming skateboarding.”

A premiere screening of “Lewes” was held April 4 at Liquid Board Shop in Rehoboth. The event, catered by El Dorado, was well attended. “It’s really cool to see everyone from the community come out to support a local cause,” said Bamforth.

Liquid owner Mike Ridings said, “We're glad that someone so young took on a project for the betterment of the skate community. We're proud to have him as one of our team riders and shop employee.”

Bamforth spent hours sequencing the video footage, making the DVDs, and the covers and photo books that go with them. “It’s a project that took a lot of initiative,” said Epworth Skate Project member Susan Selph. “It’s great to see someone of any age put in so much time and effort on a project that is meaningful to them. It’s especially impressive for someone as busy as Jake, who has to balance school, work, and sports.”

Bamforth is on the track and cross country teams at Sussex Tech. “Running and skateboarding are similar because they are very individualized sports,” said Bamforth. “It’s up to you to get better.” The difference, he pointed out, is that for skateboarding there’s no set schedule or practices.

Once the skate park is built, it will be free and open to the public. “The skateboarders in this area can’t thank Epworth enough for all they have done for the community and skateboarding,” said Bamforth.

“Lewes” can be purchased for $10 at Liquid Board Shop, 19406 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth. More information about Epworth Skate Project can be found at www.eumcrb.org/sk8.