Frank Ramon, center, is the winner of the first Boogie Down at Obyan surfing competition which was held over the weekend at Obyan Beach.
The final four competitors were Solomon Castro, Masaki Kitami, Frank Ramon and Austin Benavente.
FRANK Ramon topped the first Boogie Down at Obyan surfing competition held over the weekend at Obyan Beach.
Ramon, who has been surfing since the 1990’s, showcased what he has learned throughout the years as he bested 15 other surfers to secure a spot in the final four which included Masaki Kitami, Solomon Castro and Austin Benavente.
While most of the participants tried to catch the waves and pull off moves, Ramon focused on consistency and execution, earning scores that ranged from 7 to 10 to garner a total of 133.95.
Ramon displayed great wave selection and approach, knowing how to time it, when to draw back, when to enter a barrel and come out of it.
Masaki Kitami was another favored surfer who was relentless in the water, pulling off several 360’s. He also surprised everyone with a stunning 1080 spin.
It was a hard fought battle between Kitami and Ramon who outscored his closest rival by 1.45 points only to win the championship.
“I wasn’t expecting this,” Ramon said. “Big ups to the young guys. I just wanted to come out here and have some fun.”
Saying he had been in the water nearly every day prior to the tournament, Ramon also recognized his family for giving him time to do so.
“I would like to thank my family, my kids for sacrificing my time off,” he said. “I won it for my boys. I also want to recognize our organizers and visitors from Guam. I hope I could keep up doing this for more years. The manamko’ won! We got this baby!”
Competition Director Ed Manibusan commended Ramon, saying he rightfully deserved the title.
“Frank Ramon is one of the humblest, most gentle, kindest individuals I have ever met,” Manibusan said. “When he gets out in the water, he is a monster. He is fierce. You can see his aggression come out in the water.”
Masaki Kitami fell short but was happy nonetheless to settle for second place with a score of 132.5 followed by Solomon Castro in third with a score of 126.4 and Austin Benavente in fourth with a score of 122.35.
In the semifinals, Ramon led the pack with a score of 141.15 followed by Kitami, 131.3; Solomon Castro, 123.85; and Austin Benavente, 122.7.
Jacob Yamagishi scored 121.6; Herman Guerrero, 119.55; Mike Johnson, 118.0; and Sidney Camacho, 110.9.
“The competition was hot,” Manibusan said. “A lot of the scores were only separated by a few points in almost all the heats. You can just tell that our surfers are super skilled and they work hard.”
Manibusan, Dave Cabrera, Joe Villacrusis and Salam Younis formed a non-profit organization called the Marianas Surf Skate League which will promote more surfing and skateboarding competitions.
“The goal is really for the kids, to keep them active and help them become the future champions of the CNMI,” Manibusan said.
Beach Marshal Dave Cabrera was still in awe after the conclusion of the competition. “It’s a dream come true,” he said. “The buildup, the reception from the surf community and support from the general public. A very deserving champion came out on top. I’m happy we put this together and that the community came out to celebrate with us.”
The event sponsors were Saipan Surf Company, Local Bones, Salty Skin Pacific LLC, Marpac, Kona Brewing Co., Lotus Surf Shop, TurnKey Solutions, ONVOUS, Boarderline, Roil Soil Marketing, MINA, BluLily Craft & Design, DASH LLC, Office of Rep. Sheila J. Babauta, Office of Rep. Joel Camacho, Office of Rep. Roy Ada, Naked Fish Bar & Grill, Pualani Crown, Island Tide Records, Tanom Writing & Design Services, Marianas Surf Skate League, INK Harbor, MVA, Ginen i Tasi, DPS, DFEMS, MVA, DCRM and DLNR.
Masaki Kitami rides the wave.
Sixteen surfers saw action in the first Boogie Down at Obyan surfing competition.
