Congratulations Kudo Surf Boardriders
Photo credit: first photo, Marama in flight by Mike Eijensantos; second and third photo, Roger and Daisy surfing their home break by Tommy Pierucki
2024 has started off strong, with the Philippines boasting several surf events.
There were national competitions in Palawan, Surigao Del Sur, Davao and Leyte. WSL hosted two international Qualifying Series events for both longboard and shortboard in surf hot spots La Union and Baler. La Union also celebrated the love of logging with two events: Queen of the Point and “Single and Unattached Presented by Vans and Vessel Hotel”.
John Mark Tokong (Marama), a Siargao born surfer, came out as champion at the WSL La Union International Pro QS3000 for men’s shortboard, which will prove beneficial to his ranking in the Qualifying Series as he proceeds to secure his spot in the Challenger Series.
Marama as the champion of the WSL La Union International Pro, QS3000, Photo Credit: WSL.QS
In the WSL Baler International Pro QS3000 Marama reached the round of 16 for men’s shortboard division. To do well at Sabang beach in Baler, surfers need to work hard to generate speed and make it past the inside sections whilst completing their waves on heavy close-outs. The Japanese competition who are well versed in shifty beach breaks of this character were strong in Baler, and unfortunately for Marama, there was little room for a good wave during his heat, especially with the implication of priority.
Currently, Marama is ranked 8th on the WSL Qualifying Series. He needs to secure a top 5 ranking in order to compete in the Challenger Series. There are two more QS events in March, with opportunities for Marama to boost his ranking and get on the Challenger series once again. These two surf events are held in NSW, Australia, and are co-sanctioned with the Australian league.
On March 4th - 8th is the WSL Ryde Central Coast Pro QS3000 and on March 11th - 17th the WSL Burton Automotive Pro QS5000.
Make sure to follow @maramatokong on Instagram to keep track of his journey towards the Challenger Series.
Pictured, Daisy in the finals against Hawaian longboard Nique Miller
Photo credit: Tommy Pierucki
Daisy Valdez and Roger Casugay, two Kudo Surf Boardriders born and raised in La Union, proved that Filipino surfing talent is a force to be reckoned with.
Daisy Valdez, an OG Filipina longboarder and shortboarder, and one of the pioneers for females in surfing in the Philippines, solidified herself as a true longboard master. In the WSL Baler International Pro LQS, Daisy reached the finals against strong competition from Japan who are seasoned with waves with similar conditions as Baler. She came a strong second, the furthest she has ever got in an international longboarding contest.
In Single and Unattached presented by Vans and Vessel hotel, Daisy, also hailed as the Queen of LU, came second to solid competition Nique Miller, a goofy longboarding legend from Hawaii.
Follow Daisy’s instagram: @daisysurf
Roger in the finals of Single and Unattached, Photo Credit: Mike Eijensantos
Roger Casugay, also known as the gorilla for his signature power stance, came on top in the Single and Unattached Men’s division. He displayed an impressive performance of style, maneuvers and control in the finals, proving a deserved win and solidifying himself as a logging master.
Follow Roger’s instagram here: @roger_casugay
Here at Kudo Surf we are proud of all our riders and their achievements in proving the Philippines as a real competitor in the international surf scene.
Make sure to keep following @ks.boardriders.surf.shop on IG for all the updates on our riders and upcoming surf events.
For more information on WSL events, check their website: https://www.worldsurfleague.com/