Visitors to the superb new skate park near the Picton Centre in Haverfordwest would see loads of eager youngsters practising their skills on roller blades, skate boards, scooters and BMX bikes - with Josh Phillips as one the very talented young bikers there.
 
Josh rides his super-smart, customized 'Sunday Watermelon' bike there at every opportunity from his nearby home in Merlin's Bridge and is such a conscientious young BMX bike rider that he is one of the 'Bike Mates' chose to help other youngsters who need advice on tricks, bike maintenance or even minor first aid.

He has already attended two first aid courses and is ready to undertake the advanced course provided by the Health and Safety Executive - and wears his ‘Bike Mates' tee shirt so others know he is there to help.
 

Following in father’s footsteps

 
Josh started out taking an interest in bikes at about seven, after his father Neil, who used to play football in Milford, demonstrated some 'wheelies' in the garden, and taught him a few basic tricks on his own mountain bike. Josh enjoyed practising and as he got stronger and fitter so the quality of the jumps and other manoeuvres improved and he didn't fall off quite so much!
 
He had his first BMX bike when he was 11 and like a lot of others used to practise around the back of the Iceland store in Haverfordwest with his like-minded pals. He recognises how lucky he was that mum Pauline was ready to taxi him to skate parks in Cardigan and Carmarthen as he got older, both outdoor skate parks and really well attended by youngsters. There were metal ramps in Carmarthen but it was enjoyable nonetheless and if mum couldn't take him then Josh would travel there by bus or train, armed with his bike, a drink and some sandwiches in readiness for a day' practice.
 

Best thing built in Haverfordwest

 
Last year also saw a small skate park established in Johnston and Josh often cycled there - but then the new Haverfordwest Skate Park was finished and Josh admits it is the best thing that happened for his sport since he now joins huge numbers of others there.
 

“It is brilliant,” says Josh “because everyone enjoys themselves and just gets on with working at what they enjoy.

There are many things available there for all ages and skill levels, thanks to the efforts of Alison Turner, Geraint Phillips and others like my mother, whilst Alan Walters and Connor Hynes are others of my age who are involved.”
He would also like to go to Camp Woodward in the USA because,

“It is a massive camp with amazing skateboard facilities and to stay there for a week’s coaching would be amazing.”
 

Devotion to duty

 
Josh is now 16 and attends Tasker Milward School, where he is currently studying for his GCSE exams but has already gained creditable results in English (A), Science (A) and Welsh (C) – but he is so keen to spend time at the skate park that he does much of his homework at lunch time, such is his devotion to practicing on his BMX. The fact that the floodlights are on until 9pm in the winter certainly helps and he is there most dry nights to practise.
 
Younger brother Dan (13) is a scooter rider and beginning to show some skills. Ask Josh if he has ever fancied switching and his answer is prompt.

“Not a chance. I have tried a few tricks but I kept falling off,” he says with a chuckle!
 

Video maker of top tricks

 
But Josh is clearly no mug on a BMX bile because to date he has made up to 30 short videos of tricks he has done and put them on ‘You Tube’, initially using his mobile phone but more recently with a camera he acquired last year.

Not only does Josh edit them himself but he also adds music to heighten the experience for those who log on at ‘Josh Phillips BMX’!
 
They show a growing degree of difficulty from a ‘180 flat’ twisting so that the bike faces the opposite direction, ‘180 out of jump’ the same but with a jump thrown in for good measure, and a ‘360 flat’ (which is a complete turn to land facing in the direction you started). Then there are more spectacular ones using unusual pieces of equipment like steps – and all well worth a look.
 

Taking an early bath!

 
In Swansea Skate Park there is a foam pit about 4 metres by 7 metres and Josh has actually completed a full somersault and landed in the 8 feet deep foam! There is inevitably an element of risk and Josh would emphasize the safety aspect of his sport.

“I always wear a helmet, although I sometimes get teased for being a little on the cautious side. But it’s all good fun and I tell beginners just how important it is because accidents can happen and it’s no good after a fall regretting going without one.”
 
Josh has already competed in one competition, in Cardigan, where each BMX bike rider was given a five-minute slot to show off their skills and he was pleased to come joint second.

“I’ve learned a lot since then,” Josh told us, “and I am looking forward to helping at a competition in Haverfordwest now that we are up and running.”     
 

Good advice from Josh

 
Ask Josh about newcomers taking part at the Haverfordwest Skate Park and he is quick to answer.
“It helps anyone keep fit and gives them something positive to do. When you are practicing it takes your mind off other things because you have to focus on balance and rhythm.

“You don’t need a super-expensive bike to start because there are makes like ‘Premium’, ‘Mafia’ and ‘We the People’ which would do fine and you can customize them to suit yourself.
“It is also a great way to make new friends because everyone there is so helpful.”
 
It sounds like a smashing piece of advice to us and shows what a modest and sensible young feller Josh Phillips is. He is a great advert for using the Haverfordwest Skate Park and we at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk wish him every success in his future BMX bike riding!