Sean Gil is champion of Marianas Skate Series

The champion of the first Marianas Skate Series, Sean Gil, attempts a tre-flip down between the top gap of the skate park during his first run in the expert class 2/5/3 Olympic skateboarding format last Saturday afternoon at the skate park in Garapan.(LEIGH GASES)

Seventeen-year-old Sean Gil is a skater boy and said “see ya later: to the other skater boys as he outperformed them in the first-ever skateboarding competition—the Marianas Skate Series—last Saturday at the skatepark in Garapan.

Gil won the overall expert class competition after he scored a total of 787 points in the finals of the 2/5/3 Olympic skateboarding format. He landed an almost perfect four out of five tricks in the final round; and had 258 points from his first run at the 45 second open trick round, and 268 in his second run. Gil also scored the highest in the opening round with 785 points after he landed three out of five tricks.

Gil’s best trick was his tre-flip down the top gap of the park, which he attempted quite a few times before he finally landed it and sealed his bid for first place.

Second place and best trick of the competition went to Kevin Codog who completed a noseslide with a bright smile. Codog, despite his leg cramping up before he could even attempt his first run, still stole second place with 766 points from three out of five tricks landed.

Third place went to Miles Borja with 527 points from one out of five tricks landed. Fourth place went to Alfredo Guevarra with 489 points. 

The competition initially started with six competitors including Jimmy Polk and Jether Espinola, who both didn’t make it to the final round after they failed to land any tricks in the 45-second open trick round.

The judges gave points based on their creativity, degree of difficulty, execution, and style.

Before the expert competition, a jam session for beginners was held in the morning with five skaters. Nomulong “N.J.” Pino grabbed first place with 251 points. Second went to Justin Weaver with 224 points, third was Chris Pino with 178 points, fourth was Arjay Corpuz, and fifth was John Vega with 166 points.

Gil won a trophy, a new board from Boarderline, and other prizes. He thanked God and his parents for his win. He is a student at Marianas High School who’s been skateboarding for the past three and a half years. 

In an interview after the event, he said of the competition, “it’s great! A lot of people in the community came out to watch us skate and it’s a great thing to see people watch when there’s not a lot of stuff going on… it was pretty fun.” He then thanked the organizers of the event and said that he’ll definitely come back for next year’s competition. 

Codog received two boards for his second place finish and best trick award. The 27-year-old said that he was surprised that he placed second because of his leg cramp. “I was just having fun and playing around, but thank God I won.”

About the competition, he said “we’ve been waiting for this. We’ve been waiting for this to keep skateboarding alive in Saipan.”

Edward Manibusan, organizer of the event from the Marianas Surf Skate League, said the turnout of the first- ever skateboard competition was great. “Being our first competition, what we really wanted to do was just bring awareness to the skating community here on Saipan. It’s always been around and we wanted to keep it growing and have more skaters and more skateparks in the future. We’re happy with the turnout and we’re happy with the sponsorships that came through and helped us put this event together.”

As for the competitors, Manibusan said “All the competitors were tough. I’ve seen these competitors practice for months already and they’re just getting better. I’m just so amazed by their talent levels. Their skills are amazing. I’m pretty sure we can compete internationally or at least even start it in Guam. I think we’re good enough to compete over there.”

The Marianas Surf Skate League thanks sponsors MARPAC, Pokka, Boarderline, All-Star Sporting Goods, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Parks and Recreations, Marianas Visitors Authority, Saipan Mayors Office, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Saipan Surf Company, Salty Skin Pacific, Local Bones, and Caravan Restaurant.