Taking success on board

By Tania Martin
FOR Jordan Daniels skateboarding is more than just a great way to pass the time.
The 15-year-old Monbulk College student is riding high as he gets ready to take on the best young skaters in the country.
Jordan has been named a finalist in the 2010 national championships in Sydney on 10 April.
He recently travelled to South Australia for a qualifying heat and took out second place in the under-15s division to win his spot.
But this is not the first time Jordan has made it to the nationals.
Last year he made it into the top 18 in Australia before being knocked out.
For Jordan another shot at the nationals is a step towards making it on the pro-skating circuit.
He first picked up a skateboard more than seven years ago.
His passion for the sport grew after playing the Tony Hawk’s Pro-Skater video game, which aims to help players successfully perform a combination of aerial tricks, flips and grinds.
“I wanted to try it in real life and I have been doing it ever since,” he said.
Jordan hopes to make it to the finals this year and is aiming for a top-six finish.
He spends most nights at the Monbulk Skate Park perfecting is moves and practises 15 hours a week, including weekends.
Jordan hopes to make it on to the pro-skating circuit when he finishes school.
“If I get good enough, hopefully I can skate professionally,” he said.