Itibus keen on inspiring local paddlers

Maverick Itibus is seen in this file photo training for a V-1 race in the waters off Micro Beach. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

After debuting in the Singapore Ocean Cup last weekend, Maverick Itibus wants to be back in the prestigious race and bring more local paddlers with him.

Itibus joined the V-1, 15.5-kilometer race at the Siloso Beach Walk and finished seventh in the single craft, rudder-less outrigger canoe competition, which he said was for his personal growth and development. He also hopes that his participation in the off-island tournament will inspire other local paddlers and athletes to follow their passion and compete in international races like the Singapore Ocean Cup.

“We shouldn’t limit ourselves just because we are from a small island or it will be hard to come up with funds,” Itibus said.

The CNMI paddler completed the V-1 long course in 1:53:58, finishing ahead of United Kingdom’s Claude Bailey (1:55:04), New Zealand’s Shayne Petit-Smith (1:56:465), and Singapore’s Terence Chong (2:06:34). Singapore Paddle Club’s James Williamson ruled the event after checking in at 1:35:40.

“Believe in yourself and always push to be better. Learn from as many people as you can, then use what works best for you. Be proud of where you’re from and know that you can be just as good as the best in the world. Just follow your passion, stay true to yourself, and keep putting in the work. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and want you to succeed and be better, then the rest will fall into place,” he added.

Itibus said the Singapore Ocean Cup was both his first international and solo race, but he has been representing the CNMI in regional events.

“This was my third time to represent the islands. In the first two races, I was part of a six-man team and we raced within Micronesia, specifically Guam and Yap,” he said.

When asked about his experience in racing in Singapore, Itibus explained that it was more than he had expected.

“It was awesome to experience new water conditions that pushed me to exceed my usual limits. The best part was meeting such awesome people and making my family ties even bigger,” the Public School System staff said.

Itibus’s take away from the race was that there’s always room for improvement and connecting with international paddlers who share the same passion.

“It’s really about connecting and spreading the love, which is something that we need more of in these days and times,” he said.

Itibus also took note of the people who inspired and supported him, as he continues to improve his paddling skills.

“I have both extrinsic and intrinsic motivators. It’s just me following my passion, being better than I was last time, and of course the people who believe, support, and love me. They are my external motivators. I draw inspiration from better paddlers around the world that I follow on different platforms, because as a paddler, I want to be able to experience those kinds of water conditions,” he said.

Itibus thanked IT&E, Frank Cabrera and the 670 Rock Steady shop, Tyce Mister, Gold’s Gym staff, the Marianas Visitors Authority, Rose Diaz, Irene Uy, Nicole Sablan, and Saipan Brewery for supporting his participation in the Singapore Ocean Cup.

The CNMI’s Maverick Itibus, fourth left, poses with other participants in last weekend’s Singapore Ocean Cup. (Contributed Photo)