SEAN Gil, the inaugural winner of Marianas Surf Skate League’s Marianas Skate Series in 2023, claimed the title once again in the 2-5-3 Expert Competition at Garapan Skate Park on Saturday.
The skateboarding scene was electric as the 2-5-3 Expert Competition finals wrapped up with a thrilling showdown among the island’s best skaters. Gil seized the spotlight with a standout performance, clinching the gold with a remarkable total score of 199.9.
Gil’s flawless execution and technical precision throughout the final round left no room for doubt as he outpaced the competition by over 20 points.
“There was not a lot of good competition but there were some challenges,” he said. His consistent flow, innovative tricks, and strong finishes earned him top marks from the judges and enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Gil may have led the competition, but he still had a tough time landing a handful of tricks — especially those based on the rails. Still, he continued to put on a show and was awarded the first-place trophy, a new board, and a hat.
Miles Borja put in a solid effort to secure second place with a score of 179.83. Borja demonstrated style and grit worthy of a podium finish.
Rounding out the top three was Patrick Espirito, who garnered a total of 62 points. Though he couldn’t match the top two scorers, Espirito’s commitment and energy made him one to watch in future contests.
Sharing the spotlight was the winner of the Jam Session for beginners, Shuman Barman, who earned a total of 66.33 points followed by James Lao with a score of 55 and Cody Santos with 46.67.
This was 17-year-old Barman’s first competition. “It was fun,” he said; “I was with my friends, but I was still so nervous.” When asked why he joined the competition, he said, “I love skating and games. I didn’t expect much and joined just for the fun of it.”
Barman said he was proud of himself for winning the competition. “I’ve been putting a lot of work over the year — I’m so happy,” he said.
Barman’s favorite move is the fakey frontside half cab.
The Marianas Surf Skate League, which donated two new rails it had built to the skate park, expressed appreciation to this year’s sponsors: Saipan Surf Company, Marianas Arts, Local Bones, Caravan, Marpac, Division of Parks and Recreation, Office of the Mayor, SOIS, and Ghost.
Skaters who competed this year pose for a photo.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Sean Gil executes a kickflip during a competition at Garapan Skate Park on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Sean Gil poses with the first-place trophy in the 2-5-3 Expert Competition of the Marianas Surf Skate League’s 2025 Marianas Skate Series at Garapan Skate Park on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Shuman Barman poses with his first-place trophy in the Jam Session of the Marianas Surf Skate League’s 2025 Marianas Skate Series at Garapan Skate Park on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
