Wip Brings the Skate Community Back to the Banks, Resurrecting an Icon that Continues to Define NYC’s Skate Scene

Audio By Carbonatix

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 6, 2025--

After more than a decade, one of the most iconic spots in skateboarding history has come alive again. The legendary Back to the Banks event, brought back to life by Wip, the revolutionary energy pouch brand, made its long-awaited return to the historic Brooklyn Banks. This wasn’t just a skate contest—it was a homecoming, a celebration, and a reminder that NYC’s skate culture never quits.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251006069006/en/

Wip Presents Back to the Banks, image courtesy of Jonathan Mehring for Wip

Wip partnered with skate legend Steve Rodriguez to revive Back to the Banks, which was last held in 2009. Rodriguez is known to many as the unofficial mayor of the New York City skateboarding scene, and his passion for the community led him to co-found Gotham Park, the nonprofit grassroots organization responsible for restoring the park.

The atmosphere was electric, fueled by music from DJ Smoke LES and DJ BAMBII, and the experience was hosted on Wip’s social media channels by local New York personality Cugine. Over 2,000 attendees turned out throughout the day to support the return of the event, drawing in New York icons like Larry Clark, creators across fashion, skate and lifestyle like Diary of Style,New York Nico and Welcome.jpeg, as well as skate photographers and videographers like Jerry Hsu and Jonathan Mehring. Wip kept the energy up all day, fueling skaters and fans alike with its convenient, on-the-go energy pouches across five competitive zones.

The judging panel represented NYC skate royalty: Jefferson Pang, a lifelong skater and community builder who helped define the city’s style since the ’90s, Kelly Hart, a pro with a long career spanning street parts, contests, and industry contributions, Bob Reynolds, a professional skate judge, and Jamie Reyes, a Skateboarding Hall of Famer and the first woman ever to grace the cover of Thrasher. Select competitors included Olympian Jake Ilardi, who is now on the road to LA 2028, professional skateboarders Marc Suciu and Leo Heinert, as well as Jiro Platt, one of the freshest talents in skateboarding. Additional competitors included Jeff DeChesare, John Valentin, Bubba Jackson (aka Jack Springer) and local legend Aamir Williams, among others—each bringing their own style and credibility to the contest.

"Reviving Back to the Banks was a monumental effort, and it wouldn't have been possible without Wip's partnership and deep understanding of how this event has been a defining piece of NYC culture," said Steve Rodriguez, co-founder of Gotham Park. "This wasn’t just a contest; it was a powerful statement that our history and our community matter. The energy here today proves that the Banks is and always will be the heart of NYC skateboarding."

“We're honored to be a part of bringing back something so uniquely critical to the fabric of not only the skate community but New York City as a whole," said Richard Mumby, CEO of Wip. “The Banks has always been a springboard for what's next in fashion, music, and New York culture. We're celebrating what that means for the Brooklyn Banks’ past, present, and future while fueling the energy that makes it all possible. The same energy that drives skaters to push limits and fuel culture is what defines people who love Wip."

Skaters competed for $10,000 in prizes across five unique skate zones. Competitors were challenged by custom Wip features, including a wall ride and a first-of-its-kind "Wip in" bike tow. While the day was packed with epic tricks in every zone, some of the day’s highlights recognized by Steve and the judging panel with prizes flowing all day long, included:

• 9-Stair: Jake Ilardi landed a bigspin kickflip frontside board slide.
• Wip Ollies over Rail: Jake Ilardi was the first to clear the rail with an ollie. Jiro landed a stylish 180 ollie over the rail.
• Wip Wall Ride: Yael Pratz Bautista nailed a kickflip frontside wallride.
• 10-Stair: Marc Suciu stuck a varial heelflip over the rail.
• 13 Rail: Jake Ilardi came through with a backside lipslide, and Aamir Williams locked in a crooked grind.
• Wip Warrior Award: John Valentine was recognized with the Wip Warrior Award for killing it on every section of the course.

“Wrapping up here at Back to The Banks presented by Wip, it was an awesome first time out here skating the contest,” said Jake Ilardi, who landed the best tricks across three zones. “I’ve been watching this event since I was a little kid, and it took a little hiatus to do the construction, but I'm glad the Banks are open and glad it's back. I can't wait to come back next year.”

In addition to the contest, Wip and Grand Collection —the event's official apparel sponsor—released an exclusive capsule of T-shirts and sweatshirts. Based in New York City, with roots in the local skate and artist community, Grand Collection recognized the need to support and preserve the spaces and experience that define culture and community in NYC. A portion of the proceeds from this limited-edition drop will be donated to the non-profits Gotham Park and The Skatepark Project, further contributing to the preservation of local skate spaces.

Back to the Banks marks a new chapter for Brooklyn Banks, ensuring that its legacy continues to shape the future of skateboarding in New York City and beyond. Wip recognizes the importance of not only supporting but also protecting the integrity of this epic experience.

For more information on Gotham Park visit gothampark.org and for more information on Wip visit wip.com.

About Wip

Wip is a bold, new brand reimagining how energy is consumed. Wip delivers natural caffeine plus vitamins and minerals in a revolutionary oral pouch format, redefining the $120B caffeine industry. Available in two strengths—100mg and 200mg of natural caffeine—and four bold flavors, Wip provides a convenient, pocket-sized way to get big energy without calories, sugar, or the bulk of a can. To learn more about Wip and join the community, visit wip.com and follow the brand on Instagram and TikTok. To find where you can buy Wip locally, visit wip.com/store-locator.

About Gotham Park

Gotham Park is a grassroots 501(c)(3) not-for-profit founded by local activists in 2021 to bring to life a vibrant, inclusive, hyper-urban public space at the Manhattan landing of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, including the return of the beloved Brooklyn Banks. Gotham Park's Co-Founder Steve Rodriguez has been a fixture of New York skateboarding since 1985 and is a relentless advocate for preserving skate space. Steve organized annual "Back to the Banks" events prior to 2010's closure of the space. Learn more at gothampark.org.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251006069006/en/

CONTACT: Wip PR

[email protected] Gotham Park

[email protected]

KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: VITAMINS/SUPPLEMENTS OTHER SPORTS SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS/CONCERTS EXTREME SPORTS FOOD/BEVERAGE FASHION HEALTH RETAIL

SOURCE: Wip

Copyright Business Wire 2025.

PUB: 10/06/2025 03:15 PM/DISC: 10/06/2025 03:15 PM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251006069006/en