British Ben Skinner and American Cash Hoover topped the World Surf League (WSL) La Union International Pro World Longboard Tour Qualifier off Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, La Union.
“I don’t know what to say, I just can’t,” said Skinner after winning his first major title in 15 years, in a news release Tuesday.
“La Union, you’ve been so special to us. The local community, the waves, the weather. Honestly, we cannot thank you enough from the bottom of our hearts,” he added.
It was the first major title in 15 years for Skinner, who is not only a surfer but is also a shaper, providing boards for many of the world’s best, and won on one of his own designs.
Skinner, whose son also joined the event, noted that the Filipino surfers helped him bring out his best.
“These guys and girls from the Philippines are raising the level of longboarding globally, not just here in the Philippines. These guys are some of my favorite surfers in the world right now, so to beat them was epic. I’m back, baby!” said the father of four.
Hoover, on the other hand, posted the equal highest women’s total in her very first heat with a smooth style and solid nose-riding and classic carves.
“I’m so incredibly happy, I don’t think I’ve been this happy in so long,” said the 16-year-old after her remarkable performance at Monaliza Point.
“I cried tears of joy coming out of the water. I’ve worked so hard for this, and this event has been so stressful. And to be able to just feel that I’ve officially made my spot on tour for this year is the best feeling in the world,” she added.
Japan’s Natsumi Taoka also qualified for the LT Wildcards for finishing second in the women’s competition that attracted 120 of the world’s best surfers.
Local bets Rogelio Esquievel Jr. and Jomarie Ebueza also secured slots after placing second and third, respectively.
Esquievel clinched an all-Filipino semifinal against last year’s runner-up Perry Ventura with a buzzer-beater and Ebueza returning to the LT for only on his sophomore year.
“I’m super happy and I’m super stoked. Thank you so much to all the supporters and to my family. Let’s go back to work too. Let’s do it again,” said Ebueza. PNA