Pinoys hope to learn from wakeboard aces

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino riders look forward to gaining a wealth of experience in the ongoing 2012 World Cable Wakeboard Championships, their baptism of fire on the global stage.

Twenty-two local competitors, spearheaded by 2011 Southeast Asian Games double bronze medalist Samantha Bermudez, relish the chance to pit their talent and skills with some 170 foreign bets from 32 countries for the next six days at the Deca Cable Wakeboard Park in Clark, Angeles. 

To execute their tricks before the eyes of the world, possibly compete for podium finishes in some of the categories. To watch and learn from the likes of world champions Nick Davies and Kirsteen Mitchell of Britain, and Tokyo Cup winners Angelika Shriber of Austria and Frederic von Osten of Germany. To play gracious hosts to the visitors, all members of what they considered “one big wakeboard family.”

“With the worlds being held here, me and the whole team will be more motivated to ride hard, represent the country well, do our best and you know, have fun. Our team is pumped up to ride, and also be an ambassador of the sport, being the host country,” said Bermudez, seventh placer in the recent World Cup in Japan who will carry Phl’s fight in the centerpiece women’s Open.

Bermudez joined the presidential table for Monday’s pre-competition press conference along with International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation president Kuno Ritschard, council chairman Varna Laco,  Wakeboard and Waterski Association of the Philippines president J.V. Borromeo, Deca Homes president J.J. Atencio, and Department of Tourism director Ronnie Tiotuico. 

Phl team captain Carlo dela Torre as well as Borromeo, feel that the world tilt currently held at the country’s newest cable wakeboard park would be a good learning experience for the upstart Pinoys.

“The biggest thing we can take from this is just the pure experience and learning from the other countries that’s had the headstart,” said de la Torre.

He said the more experienced riders from abroad are “keen to teach us as well.”

“It’s a very, very friendly sport. As competitive as we’d like this event to be, it’s one big wakeboard family out there and I just hope our riders take in the experience and it’s going to be real good,” dela Torre said. 

Of course, pulling off surprises here and there, particularly in the junior divisions, lurks in the mind of the hosts.