Skateboarding is not exactly a national past-time in Australia, but it is increasingly becoming the sport of choice for many Australians of all ages.

The Australian Bowl-riding Championships will be held at the deep concrete bowl at Newcastle's Bar Beach this weekend.

Organisers say that despite the inherent dangers, skateboarding is growing in popularity every year.

Chad Ford grew up in government housing in Sydney but now travels the world pursuing his passion.

He said people of all ages are taking part in the Australian championships.

"It's an incredible spectacle because it's the only event in the history of Australia where you really get to see the whole "birth-to-grave" of skateboarding - the kids just starting out, to guys well into their 50s still really skating like they're 15," he said.

All ages are getting into skateboarding in Australia, organisers say. ( ABC: Robert Virtue )

Mr Ford said he was now trying to give back to the skating community.

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"As long as the opportunities present themselves, I'm going to keep doing it because it's just a chance to keep living the Peter Pan lifestyle with all my best friends," he said.

Mr Ford said more and more skate bowls are being built in parks around the country to cater for the sport's rising popularity.

There were more than 950 around Australia in 2013, according to a Federal Government report.

Professional skateboarder Pat Ngoho said bowl-skating is like "flying around a canyon". ( ABC: Robert Virtue )

Among the competitors in the Newcastle event is professional skater Pat Ngoho.

He was born and raised in western Los Angeles in the 1970s, an era when bowl-skating came into its own.

In Newcastle he is competing in the 40-plus age division of the championships.

"It really is like you're flying around in a canyon," he said.

"You're completely weightless and you're going fast and you're scaring yourself."

"But at the same time, it's ... elation. I mean, it really is as fun as it looks."

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Mr Ngoho agrees that bowl-skating is growing in popularity in Australia.

"This part of skateboarding is kind of going through a renaissance, you know, with the bowls," he said.

"There're probably a lot better younger kids, you know, in Australia than there are in the States.

"I mean, there's a lot everywhere, but I'm really impressed. Everywhere I go, I mean, there's just so much talent."

Mr Ngoho said fully embracing the sport is essential.

"If you do, then you'll find a little place for yourself and you'll find this comfort zone that you can stay there," he said.

"Or you can also get out of it too and scare yourself a little bit."