The WSL La Union International Pro, a World Longboard Tour (WLT) qualifying event under the World Surf League, marked a defining moment for Philippine longboarding. Held on home soil in La Union, the event brought elite international competition to the Philippines — and with it, a powerful showing from Filipino surfers that reflected years of grassroots growth, local commitment, and time spent in the lineup.
From podium finishes to a historic all-Filipino semifinal heat, the event reinforced what the local surf community has been steadily building toward: Philippine longboarding belongs on the world stage.
International Champions Crowned in La Union
The Women’s Longboard division was won by Cash Hoover, the 16-year-old standout who delivered a composed, confident performance well beyond her years. As one of the youngest competitors in the field, Hoover out-surfed a lineup of far more established and experienced longboarders, showcasing smooth rail work, strong nose riding, and sharp decision-making to claim the title.
Her win highlighted the next generation of competitive longboarding — and the increasingly high bar required to win at World Longboard Tour–level events.
In the Men’s Longboard division, Ben Skinner took the victory, further cementing his reputation as one of the most consistent and respected competitors in professional longboarding. A regular fixture on the World Longboard Tour, Skinner’s polished, strategic approach in the finals reflected years of experience at the highest level and reinforced his status as a benchmark within the division.
Jay-R Esquival: World-Class Form on Home Turf
Already qualified for the World Longboard Tour before the event began, Jay-R Esquival continued his strong run of form, finishing second overall in the Men’s Longboard division.
Surfing with confidence and control throughout the event, Esquival’s performance reaffirmed his place among the world’s elite longboarders and set the standard for Team Philippines on home soil.
Jomarie Ebueza Secures His World Longboard Tour Qualification
One of the most significant outcomes for the host nation came from Jomarie Ebueza, who finished third overall.
With Esquival already qualified for the WLT, Ebueza earned the available World Longboard Tour qualification spot through his La Union result — a major career milestone and a breakthrough moment for Philippine longboarding representation at the highest level.
A Historic All-Filipino Semifinal in La Union
Beyond the final results, one of the most meaningful moments of the event unfolded in the Men’s Semifinal Heat 1, which featured a fully Filipino lineup — many of them with strong ties to La Union.
The heat saw Roger Casugay, Perry Ventura, Jomarie Ebueza, and Jay-R Esquival go head-to-head in an all-Pinoy showdown.
At a World Longboard Tour qualifying event on Philippine soil, this moment symbolised the depth, maturity, and competitive readiness of Filipino longboarders — built through years of local contests, shared lineups, and community support.
KSBoardriders Athletes Step Up on the WSL Stage
The event also marked a proud moment for KSBoardriders, with team riders stepping up against an international field. Edgar Calvo Jr. (Taybo) delivered a strong and composed performance, while the mother-daughter duo Daisy Dela Torre and Kaila Dela Torre continued to represent Philippine longboarding with flow, style, and confidence. Roger Casugay’s deep run further highlighted the strength of homegrown talent progressing through the ranks.
Their performances reflect the importance of long-term support, local surf communities, and staying rooted in where Filipino surfers are shaped — the lineup.
What This Means for Philippine Longboarding
The outcomes of the WSL La Union International Pro mark a clear step forward for the sport in the Philippines:
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Multiple Filipino surfers now qualified for the World Longboard Tour
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A historic all-Filipino semifinal at a WSL qualifier
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Increased international recognition for La Union as a contest destination
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Proof that Filipino longboarders can compete confidently at world level
Progress like this is built steadily — through access, opportunity, and consistent community backing. With Jay-R Esquival and Jomarie Ebueza heading into the World Longboard Tour, Philippine longboarding enters a new chapter. The La Union International Pro wasn’t just about results — it reflected how far the local scene has come, and the strength of the foundations beneath it.
Looking Ahead
At KSBoardriders, supporting local talent has always been about more than competition. It’s about backing the surfers, the communities, and the culture that continue to shape Philippine surfing — from local lineups to the world stage.
