Self-taught new Beith scooter legend wins Australasian title

Lochie Coburn, 12, returned from the under 12 Australasian Scooter Titles in Sydney on April 21 after also winning the Queensland Scooter Titles.

Coburn competed against 50 people across Australia and Pacific Islands in his age group and was required to perform an array of complicated tricks in 45 seconds.

They were judged on criteria including trick diversity, use of skate park, difficulty and flow.

Coburn said the standard of competition was very high this year.

“I can do up to 15 tricks in 45 seconds and you had to use the entire skate park (for the titles),” he said.

“My favourite trick is a flair backflip 180. It didn’t take me that long to learn how to do it.

“I got first through all my competitions this year, and the kid that got close to me came second in all of them.”

He has already picked up three sponsorship from Apex Pro Scooters, The Village Skate Park and Sly Underwear.

In previous years, Coburn achieved second and third placings against 13 and 14 year-old competitors before the under 12 division was established.

Coburn is planning to pursue ambitious goals in the future.

“I want to go to world championships and get into the top 10,” he said.

“You have to compete a the  pro division against really good riders. If you get in the top 15 in the Australian titles you go through to the world competition.”

Lochie’s mother, Niki Coburn, said his sheer persistence put him in a league of his own. 

“Lochie likes the competitive side of it, he gets an idea for a trick in his head and keeps trying it until it is mastered” she said.

“The riders are nice to talk to and it is like a family. Everyone supports each other and rides together and pushes each other a long.

“It is not just a sport that is growing for boys but it is also growing for girls who are doing really well in it. I would encourage everyone to go out and have a go.”

Professional scooter riders are not immune to injury.

Coburn has sustained a fractured eye socket and a broken knuckle over the years while practicing.

Anyone performing scooter tricks are encouraged to invest in protective equipment.