San Diego Wheelchair Skater To Compete In National Dew Tour

A San Diego wheelchair skater is making a name for himself as he prepares to take part in Dew Tour's inaugural adaptive skateboarding/WCMX competition, reports FOX5.

39-year-old Robert Thompkins became a wheelchair skater after he broke his back in a cliff diving accident in 2005.

"When I sit down and I think it over, I’m kind of in awe because it doesn’t seem like I’ve been skating very long and here we are,” Thompkins told FOX5.

He says he's always wanted to skate and campaign for wheelchair accessibility. Next month, he'll be able to do both at the extreme sports event.

Thompkins has a lot of work to do before the competition at the end of May because it does not allow launch ramps, kickers, or flat rails he usually uses for his setup.

"I've been looking at the course layout that the Dew Tour has provided on their website, just trying to come up with as many ideas as I can before I get there," said Thompkins.

The San Diego native says he's looking forward to the challenge.

"I still have my older brother in there, in the back of my head with me and the last competition that I competed in, I got second place and that was for him,” Thompkins said. “So this one’s for my younger brother Charles. That’s what it’s all about for me, just throwing it out there and making my family proud.”

The competition will be in Des Moines, Iowa from May 20th through the 23rd.

The event will be live-streamed on DewTour.com and other major platforms.

Photo: Getty Images