John Reymond Sale came out firing in the early going to capture the juniors longboard crown in the Surf in the City: The 4th Visayas Surfing Cup at Baybay Beach in Borongan City yesterday, Dec. 29.
Sale wasted no time in riding his first wave, whipping out 3.44 points to grab the early lead and never let up en route to the victory.
“Para hindi po masayang ‘yung oras. Para hindi na ako maghintay ng alon. Mayroon na muna akong ipon na score para doon na ako gagawa ng maraming tricks,” said Sale.
The feat, however, came as a surprise to the 15-year-old Brgy. Sabang North resident who only signed up for the category for the first time as it has no registration fee.
The division was free to attract more kids to join as the regional event aims to hone the next generation.
“Sumali lang po ako kasi free po ito. ‘Yung gusto ko talaga, ‘yung shortboard po,” said Sale, who also made it to the finals in his favored division.
“Masaya po kasi hindi ko po ini-expect na mananalo ako ngayon,” he added.
The Grade 10 student of Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School started surfing three years ago. He has no coach, but he learns the sport from his friends in his barangay.
Sale dreams of qualifying for the World Surf League (WSL).
“Ma-achieve ko po ‘yung makasali ako sa WSL po,” said Sale, who idolizes Siargao surfing ace Philmar Alipayo.
Sale finished with a 5.76 total, just 0.53 points higher than John Dave Bejar who produced his two best rides in his sixth and seventh attempts to secure the second-place finish.
Jansen Bajado Cafe, the sole girl finalist, wound up with 4.23 points to settle for the bronze while Justine Kien Fernandez placed fourth at 4.10.
#FunBorongan
