A new vert ramp at The Mount is causing a stir amongst the skateboarding community and is being dubbed 'the best in the country” by those who have used it.

Papamoa man Anthony McLeod has been skating vert ramps for the last 20 years and says the new one at Blake Park in Mount Maunganui is far better than the old one.

Papamoa man Anthony McLeod has been skating "vert" ramps for more than 20 years. Photos by Bruce Barnard.

Cale Tolley from the Mount has been skating for more than 30 years. Photo Bruce Barnard.

'This is unbelievable. This is what we have been wanting for the last six years and here it is,” says Anthony.

The new ramp is up to international standards and is miles better than the last one.

Anthony says the new ramp comes equipped with lights and competition standard surface, as opposed to plywood that was used on the old ramp.

'Plywood only lasts a few months and breaks downs under the little hard wheels that we skate. This stuff here will last for about 20 years and look just as good as it does now.

'It's huge to have this at the Mount. The Mount is such a huge tourist destination. You have this right next to the main road and you will have everyone coming in The Mount will see it.

All age groups can have fun on it.”

Anthony adds: 'the word has already got around the country that the ramp is here. I have had calls from all around the country from people wanting to know if it's done and when they can come and have a go on it.

'This is the best on in the country by far.”