AN East Cornwall youngster is celebrating after being crowned national and world mountain boarding champion for his age group. Joel Treliving, an 11-year-old from Albaston, only took up mountain boarding, or all terrain boarding as it is also known, two years ago. Originally a keen skateboarder, he was encouraged to take up mountain boarding by a former British champion and before long was entering competitions. His talent also caught the eyes of mountain board manufacturer Trampa who offered him sponsorship ? just a year after taking up the sport, he scooped the under 10s title in the World Freestyle Championships, held in Weston-super-Mare. Now he has successfully defended his title in the U15 age group ? and gained enough points at the All Terrain Boarding Association British Championships to become the overall British champion. Joel, who has just joined Callington Community College from Delaware Primary School, said he was delighted with his success ? though a little surprised to have done so well in the sport, considering how long he had been taking part. He said the competitions were ?a lot of fun? as many of his friends also competed. Joel?s mother, Joy, said she was ?absolutely thrilled to bits? that her son had done so well. ?It?s lovely for him, getting all this attention ? he?s really enjoying it,? she said. ?He?s actually very fortunate ? we have a hill in the garden which was the bane of his life when he was younger because he couldn?t play football ? now it?s ideal!? Mountain boarding, which uses a similar type of board to a skateboard but with extra large wheels, was developed by skaters, snowboarders and surfers, enabling them to enjoy a similar style sport when their usual terrain was unavailable. It has grown in popularity worldwide ? competitions in the sport have been taking place in the UK since 1997.
