PH bets rule International La Union surf

John Mark “Marama’’ Tokong and Rogelio “Jay-r’’ Esquievel Jr., the country’s pride in surfing, didn’t disappoint the appreciative home crowd that came in full force during the 2024 World Surf League-La Union (WSL) International Pro.

Tokong toppled all comers in the men’s shortboard division of the Qualifying Series (QS) 3000 at Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan town and Esquievel peaked at the right moment to claim the longboard title in the first global-caliber surf event of the year.

“I’m so stoked to win the event. It was great to see everyone supporting us here. Everyone’s on the beach, our families, friends and sponsors,’’ said Esquievel after securing victory over Japan’s Kai Hamase, presently the No. 1 surfer in the Asian Longboard Qualifying Series rankings.

The defending 2023 La Union International Pro champion registered the highest heat total of 18.00 out of a possible 20, thanks to smooth footwork from nose to tail in an execution worthy as someone to reckon with on the WSL Longboard Tour.

Next tournament

Familiar with the shifting wave conditions, Tokong, meanwhile, solidified his second victory of the season by conquering the three-to-four feet of swell at Monalisa Point with a combined total of 17.90, the highest heat total in his mastery of Sweden’s Kian Martin.

“Oh man, this is crazy. I don’t know, I’m so happy, more than happy, like you can’t really say anything. It’s hard to explain but I feel so stoked right now,’’ said Tokong after claiming a sixth QS victory, his fifth in the country.

In less than a week, the WSL QS will unfold on the other side of the coast in the inaugural Baler Pro, which offers another 3,000 points in the shortboard and 1,000 points in the longboard competitions.

The WSL is the governing body for surfing showcasing the world’s finest talents in the sport. At the end of the WSL Qualifying Series, the league will determine the qualifiers for the WSL Championship Tour where winners will bag a total of US$100,000. INQ