Local bet glides to stardom in surfing

Local bet Jay-R Esquivel put on an impressive show to beat last year’s champion Philmar Alipayo of Siargao in the closely contested final of the 2008 Billabong Grommet Surfing Championship recently.

Esquivel, 12, used a combination of hacks, turns, floaters and aerials over four-foot waves of the South China Sea in the sandy bottom beach of San Juan, La Union.

“I’m so happy to win here at my home break, in front of my friends and family,” said Esquivel, who began surfing at 8 and has been competing all over the country since 2006.

“To win a new surfboard, that’s the best thing ever. Thank you so much to Stoked Inc. and all the sponsors for having such a great event,” added Esquivel, who received a brand-new Anacapa surfboard from Aloha Boardsports in addition to the trophy.

Asian Beach Games silver medalist Luke Landrigan, Indonesian junior champion Raditya Rondi, Stoked Inc. president JV Borromeo and head judge Marco Villareal were all praises to the 46 competitors 16-year-olds and below.

“Jay-R was very patient as well as confident, knowing how to choose the right waves and which maneuvers to make,” said Villareal. “I have seen a remarkable progress with the kids. With better equipment and the ability to travel to compete, the standard is rising rapidly.”