The participating 13 surfers and family members pose for a photo during Boogie Down’s awards ceremony over the weekend at Obyan Beach.
Vincent “Te” Villagomez rides the waves as he prepares for a trick during the final heat of Boogie Down at Obyan 2023 over the weekend.
VINCENT “Te” Villagomez topped Boogie Down at Obyan 2023 by besting three other competitors in the final.
Held over the weekend at Obyan Beach, the competition was hosted by Marianas Surf Skate League Inc. A total of 13 surfers competed for the title this year.
This year’s winner, Villagomez surfs regularly at Obyan Beach and his experience was his biggest advantage.
In round 1 on Saturday, the competitors battled through two heats of decent conditions and small waves, but that did not stop Villagomez from putting on a show. He quickly climbed the ranks as his knowledge and timing led to great executions as well as a spot at the top three with a score of 976.
Herman Guerrero was first with 997 points while Jacob Yamagishi came in third with 930 points and Solomon Castro was fourth with 829 points.
Later day, more competitors were added to the list, including May Mendiola, a surfer from Guam, who impressed the judges and garnered a score of 990 in heat 4. She then advanced past the semifinals with a score of 831, securing a spot in the final four along with Yamagishi (895), Villagomez (871), and Castro (821).
During the finals held on Sunday, the conditions were better with more consistent waves. Villagomez performed a handful of barrels on top of the wave or inside the tube to pick up points. Yamagishi tried to show a bit more skill with attempted knee drops and spins, and so did Mendiola and Castro who shared the highlight reel.
In the end, Villagomez’s consistency, execution and hunger for the title propelled him to first place with score of 1,208 followed by Castro in second place with 1,198 points, and Yamagishi in third with 1,024 points.
Upon receiving the first-place trophy, Villagomez said, “I feel great. I’m happy to be here and be in the water, especially with all the support.”
When asked how the competition was, he said, “It was like a regular day, just doing what I do and having fun surfing and being in the water. I come here often; this is my gym.”
Villagomez dedicated his win to his father and brother, who lost their lives at sea. “They are always with me out there,” he added.
Competition director Ed Manibusan said, “Every time I come to surf, he’s here,” referring to Villagomez. “The folks that surf the most know how to read the waves and currents and the faces of the waves,” Manibusan added.
Last year’s winner, Frank Ramon, did not make it to the top four this time around, but he still had a smile on his face.
“Us surfers are a community here in the CNMI,” Manibusan said. “It was a great success. I think we were able to build upon last year’s event. We also brought in surfers from Guam, which is huge for us because even though we are from different islands, we have a similar love for the ocean and the environment, which we want to keep clean.”
Besides Mendola, two other women joined the competition this year: Kaya Rasa and Kristina Anderson.
“Having women here is a big milestone for us. That’s something we have been trying to get here since day one,” Manibusan said.
