The wind picks up speed as the sun begins its descent. The waves whip the shore with mounting force and increasing frequency. With the stronger breeze comes a deepening chill. But this doesn't dissuade a handful of young men, most barely out of their teens, from coming out and challenging the waves.
Meeting them up close, you can see that inspite of the ragged contours, there was a lot of polished craftmanship that went into the skimboards. Each is handcrafted from wood and painted (or left bare) to reflect each person's individuality. It wasn't hard to spot the leader of the pack, Roderick Bazar who's more known as Manoy. The moving force behind the Borongan Skimmers Club, he organized this team only a few years ago but you wouldn't know it as they have already been competing in tournaments. boronganon skimboarders are slowly making a name for themselves, competing alongside and learning from their surigao peers. the members dream of getting sponsors to afford fiberglass skimboards which are lighter and sturdier. but for the time being, their wooden boards and unbridled passion will be enough to tide them over.
As the sun dips lower the horizon, the bigger waves they were waiting for do not come. But they are patient.T omorrow, as sure as the sun rises, they will be back with their handmade boards and dreams of bigger swells to come.
As the sun dips lower the horizon, the bigger waves they were waiting for do not come. But they are patient.T omorrow, as sure as the sun rises, they will be back with their handmade boards and dreams of bigger swells to come. Quick info: Best time to skimboard/surf: November to January • Other skimboarding spots nearby: Suribao, Locso-on, Sabang South • For tutorials/skimboard rentals, call Manoy at 0927.4028222 or Salabay Skim Shop, F. Abella Street at 0918.2173408
12 comments:
im quite amazed with the locals who are learning it their own way to appreciate skimboarding. making their own boards is quite impressive. they may not be as good as the ones in the world competitions but im sure with proper training, they'll easily catch up.
big things start from small dreams. i wish them well.
I'm sure even if their boards isn't branded or the highest class, they put their hearts into making them. I hope the place get's the surfer's eye it deserved.
more than branded surfboards, their strong passion to ride the waves will take them to places.
dom, oman, ferdz and pao, i really admire these skimboarders for having the passion to learn things on their own and craft their own boards. goes to show that the lack of materials and financial werewithal are not impediments to improving themselves. i hope borongan eventually joins the rank of surigao as a skimboarding/surfing destination.
filipinos are naturally talented and creative...so their passion for this sea-inspired art should earn them recognition in due time. :)
@lagal[og]: yes, im sure they will climb the ranks. =)
Oggie, great pics! These photos are really close to my heart since my home province is Eastern Samar (my father's from Borongan and my Nanay's from Sulat, a nearby town). And I go there every year.
Thanks for sharing them with us!
Keep sharing your travels with us through your photographs. Merry Christmas!
fortuitous faery, pao, ced and bert, thank you very much for dropping by and leaving a comment. have a blessed Christmas!
I thought you might be interested to in reading articles about skimboarding. Find skimboarding articles on this site (crownprinz.wordpress.com). You will find them useful.
It's nice to know that these ordinary folks make their own boards. Just like in the old days when you have to make your own toy to play. But boards are not that simple to make. I salute them!
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