Jan
14SKIMBOARDING: Up Close and Personal
Filed Under (Skimboarding) by Ruby Mae Buitizon on 14-01-2008
Tagged Under : Leyte Skimboarding
“Skimmers surf but surfers may not skim…†–J. Duazo Jr., PSA
Before coming up with an article telling the untold story of my quest to find out what in the world is Skimboarding, I made a promise to publish as well an article about it that will lead people to understand the basics of the sport. Now, I myself is not much of a reliable source of information, so I decided to write the interview I did with Philippine Skimboarding Association (PSA) President Juan Duazo Jr., this, to give more “teeth†and credibility in this story. So for all those “blind†about the sport, the way I was before, here’s your chance to know stuff about it.
Read on…
(The interview was done in Cebuano dialect, as requested by Mr. Duazo and I took the liberty of translating it in English for the benefit of those who can’t understand that language…)
RMEB: Good afternoon po, thank you for accommodating my request to have this interview.
JDJr: Your welcome. I hope I can satisfy your curiosity of the sport.
RMEB: Ok, here we go po, the first and probably the most important question for the day is, what is Skimboarding? And why is it called Skimboarding?
JDJr: Skimboarding is a sport that makes use of the waves that break in the shore. Skimmers use these waves to do some tricks and exhibitions, practically riding over them, doing stunts, under or “in†them before the wave finally breaks into the shoreline.
RMEB: Why the term SKIM po?
JDJr: The term skim means glide and read or browse quickly. Thus, Skimboarding is basically gliding quickly into the thin water.
RMEB: Now, this part is quite confusing to me, is Skimboarding the same as surfing? Is there any difference? Who gets to have a better standing where proficiency or excellence in this sport is concerned?
JDJr: Actually we skimmers don’t hold much weight as to who gets to “conquer†the water or the waves more. Skimboarding is very much different from surfing. You were right in your quip kanina that Skimboarding and surfing uses different sizes of waves. While surfing requires you to be in the deeper part of the sea, Skimboarding is basically done in the shorelines of the sea, using the thin water on it to do stunts and exhibitions.
RMEB: So which one is tougher or more difficulty to do po?
JDJr: We skimmers don’t get to judge as to who are better or who can deliver more tricks using waves, if that’s what you want to know. All we know is the fact that Skimboarding and surfing are different sports using the same requirements, a board and a wave. No contest between them at all.
RMEB: Oh I see. So in Skimboarding, you just have to do your thing here in the shore? No need for you to really like, worry about sharks or other deep-sea water perils? Hehehe…forgive po my naiveté?
JDJr: Yes, Skimboarding is done in the shores. No sharks involved. (Smiles) Actually, it’s like painting, the wave is the canvas, the smaller the wave, the smaller the chance for you to paint your image. The bigger the wave, the bigger the chance to do more tricks and stuff using your board.
RMEB: So Skimboarding also utilizes big waves breaking into the shore?
JDJr: Yes. Necessarily. Skimboarding competition is actually judged using 3 sound bases: wave quality, trick difficulty and execution of the trick. Skimmers have to wait for the right wave to rush into the shore, do their stunts using this wave before it finally breaks into the shore line.
RMEB: So with this po, what physical training does one need for the sport?
JDJr: Well, just like surfing, a skimmer has to master their balancing prowess, the gift of swimming and the ability to ride the waves. But I guess Skimboarding is even more athletic than surfing, since it will require you to run to meet the waves before doing your trick. As for personal training, well, I think there are no actual physical examinations needed; to do Skimboarding one has just to be enthusiastic about the sport and should do personal preparation before actually doing the sport, some great skimmers today actually begun by observing others to do it. I think skimmers would agree with me when I say that they have to suffer mending thousands bruises, aching muscles and at times worse case scenario, broken bones, before finally mastering the sport.
RMEB: Run? Bakit po?
JDJr: The running part is actually needed because you have to “meet†the wave before riding your board and doing your tricks on or in them. Surfers will have to lay flat or sit on their boards, paddling, as they wait for the right wave. Skimmers run and meet the waves.
RMEB: Ah…okay. If I intend to do the sport, what specific size of board do I need? Do I need to use a big one, since I am big? What’s the measurement po?
JDJr: Actually Skimboarding requires the basic law of physics, that for you to really balance on a board there has to be congruence on the size of the board and your body type. These two have to be “balance†to a certain extent. So, for every body type there is a specific size of the board. Ergo, the taller or heavier a skimmer becomes, the bigger the board he needs. I think most of our skimmers use custom-made boards for themselves.
RMEB: During a competition, does each skimmer have to just run and ride the waves? Or do they compete simultaneously? How do you go about it?
JDJr: Every round of the competition is called Heat. Each heat requires 4 skimmers to simultaneously do their tricks for 5 to 10 minutes. These skimmers will share the “limelight†and the waves for that allotted time. At the end of each heat, 2 skimmers will be given the chance to advance to the next round.
RMEB: As for the tricks sir, can you describe or name some?
JDJr: Oh well, for the tricks we have call Front Side Air Shove It, in this trick, a skimmer is to use the wave as a ramp to launch into the air to make a 180 degrees revolution while on board. And then we also have what we call, Tube Ride or Barrel where the skimmer has to duck into the wave as it closes out, just like surfing.
RMEB: So, how does Skimboarding “network†grow? Or how do you encourage individuals to do this kind of a sport?
JDJr: Actually, the sport’s basic requirement is personal passion to really do the sport as well as an untiring enthusiasm. Once you finally decide to do Skimboarding, then off you go!
RMEB: So there are other competitions aside from this national competition?
JDJr: Actually PSA holds local competition is done to encourage beginners and see if they are really into the sport. And then we hold this annual National Skimboarding competition to scour and discover more gifted skimmers all over the country. We hope to establish Skimboarding as one credible and valid sport. Who knows, it may soon find its way to the Olympics or Sea Games, di ba? International competition here in Tanauan is not impossible but we, together with Tanauan local government and SPAWNorg, is still gearing up for it.
RMEB: And now the clincher question? Hehehe… Why in Tanauan, Leyte? Why did Tanauan become the Skimboarding capital of the Philippines?
JDJr: Actually, Skimboarding is done by some in other parts of the country. However, Tanauan became the Skimboarding capital because the town has the highest saturation of skimmers and riders in the country. I think skimmers in Tanauan grow like mushrooms overnight. A lot of Tanauanons love the sport and almost every day, a new skimmer is born here in Tanauan. This is well-received sport here in Tanauan and it is definitely here to stay.
RMEB: Okay po! Now I know now why Skimboarding is such a great hit not only here in Tanauan but in the rest of the country. My thanks to you Sir for the time provided. Hope we Skimboarding in Olympics soon.
JDJr: Welcome dear. The pleasures mine. So, you’d like to understand more of Skimboarding? Come, let’s see what’s happening there on the shores now…
So off we go to watch the 4th National Skimboarding held in Tanauan just very recently.
If you want to try the sport, the shores of Tanauan wait!
r u nuts?skimboarding and surfing different?its all the same the essence is to ride waves…maybe in cebu because u dont have waves!look for the bill beaker bryan interview..hey know ur facts ….by thw way in pinas way claim when it started in ur backyard…..ur all posers…..
[Reply here]
and plsss dont use the term skimmers coz wala un sa vocabulary in the sport…mga ulol kayo
[Reply here]
and most of all leave our beaches………………………………………………………………………………..
[Reply here]
hoy maaram ka hit im guin yiyinakan nga tuyaw ka?pareho na ito ngA duha kay ada ng momolay ha dagat..an may balud nga dagat…aarotan ko ikaw
[Reply here]
Fact Check:
I believe the technique being used between Surfing and Skimboarding is totally different as described by PSA President Juan Dazo, Jr. Surfing starts from the deeper part of the ocean to catch the wave while Skimboarding starts from the shoreline. Skimboarders have to run towards the wave to catch it/ride on it before it breaks on the shoreline.
It is hard to believe that Skimboarding as a sport has been in existence for a while. The sport, actually, originated in Laguna Beach, California in 1920 when Lifeguards used this technique to save lives. Other countries adapted Skimboarding as a sport but up to now remains a small sport in comparison to their counterpart, which is Surfing. It is a myth, then, to conclude that Skimboarding originated in Tanauan, Leyte. Being originally from Tanauan, myself, I would like to hear this kind of story, but it isn’t just true. Tanauan, Leyte may have revived the sport in the region, but it is in no way, can claim that Skimboarding originated in Tanauan, Leyte. By reviving the Sport in our region, many kids have benefited in the community. At least we have something to be proud of and we should keep it that way for the promotion of our town.
[Reply here]
hahahaha.. andami na nang magagaling sa tanauan ano?… porket kilala na ang tanauan sa sport na yan…. marami na ang nag mamay-ari sila daw ang una… i remember one time a guy from tacloban… may letter syang inabot sa amin… the last part of the letter may sinulat sya dun.. SKIM´S Up!!!!! hahaha.. gago! anong skims up… porket may SURF´S UP!!!! meron din SKIM`s Up!!!!!….
[Reply here]
pahabol po,,, ano ang u-uP sa skimboarding?…. alon din dba?… eh di SURF`S UP parin…. tanga!!!! SKIM`S UP?.. hahahaha…
[Reply here]
mr pinoyusa,
kindly read the article thoroughly, there is no claim whatsoever that skimboarding originated in Tanauan. i think the message of the article is more like, Tanauan is becoming popular because of the upsurge and acceptance of the sports in the said town…
and that skimming is done in the shoreline for “to skim” is to to glide across thin water…di ba pagnasa shoreline na ang waves, thin na siya?
mr. Duazo specifically mentioned in the interview that the sport is not from Tanauan originally…he even mentioned that skimboarding is actually done in the other parts of the country before it hit Tanauan but the number of skimmers in Tanauan made your place the Skimboarding Capital of the country…
…shouldn’t u be proud it na lang? rather than scrutinize and put people under your very calculating nose?
[Reply here]
The fact check is not in reference to the article. The fact check is more intended to those bloggers who do not understand where and when the skimboarding started. In my reading to these blogs, I have read some claiming: One, an American friend by the Primer’s brought the skimboarding technique/sport to Tanauan; second, another claims that a certain national from Palau brought the skimboarding sport to Tanauan. It seems these bloggers were insinuating that skimboarding was unknown sport and was only discovered and introduced in Tanauan. I maybe wrong but with my post graduate degree I obtained here in United States, I can assure you that my reading and understanding is fine.
Ruby Mae Buitizon, please do not insult me. I did not scrutinize anybody as I was just presenting the facts. Maybe you do not understand that this blog is one form of a media where “everybody can express what he thinks truth but anybody has the right to knock him down” (Prof. Carlton Hayes). You can disagree in what I say but using improper word can define who you are. And better still, be careful in what you say especially so that you are using your real name.
[Reply here]
may dagat ba ha tanauan?dba ha palo la it may dagat?
[Reply here]
oyyy,may dagat kami,mas mapag ad it am dagat…may oil pa tikang ha……damo pa it tae….hahahahahahaahahahah
[Reply here]
may dagat ba ha tanauan?dba it dagat ada ha san roque?
[Reply here]
oyyyy,may dagat kami….mapag ad it am dagat ha tanauan…ma asete pa ngani…tapos damo pa it tae…oohhh ano pa it im gusto?
[Reply here]
marasa pag karigo ha dagat
[Reply here]
Mr.Jamaican,
Tama Mr.Jamaican.Me dagat sa Tanauan,Leyte.Diri Tanauan,Batangas. At kung taga Jamaica ka nga ang skin complexion mo is not brown nor white. It could be in between.Or the very dark you can’t be seen in the shadows. You get my drift man?? And you could be a gangsta user. If not addicted .Cause man, them Rastafarians are addicted to them weeds.The majority of them Rastas are!!!
So you got to know the emerging sport-skimboarding- at Tanauan,Leyte and the people who are all out to promote it.They don’t deserve sarcastic people like you. Of course this blogsite is for posting opinions-pros and cons-but not your sort of sarcasm. Kon may ada dagat ha Palo,then good.Pero it dagat ha Tanauan kung di mo alam dahil sarcastic ka e puntahan mo upang maniwala ka. Lalampasan mo ang public market going east.O.K.?
At kung naroon ka na sa dalampasigan tikman ang tubig kung maalat.Kung di maalat e di lagyan mo ng asin!! Kaya magbaon ka ng asin o patis.
Sana sa halip na ganun ang ginagawa ng iba tulad mo - na nanunuya - e wag na lang magpost ng sarcastic comments. Pagtulung -tulungan nating maipromote ang skimboarding sport sa Tanauan upang makatulong sa turismo at mapaunlad ang bayan ng Tanauan!!!
I know skimboarding wasn’t born or invented in Tanauan.It is a foreign sport. But that is not the point.Tanauan shores don’t even have that kind of waves that could really make skimboarding great compared to those in Chile (VALPARAISO?) or in Europe. But for the sport’s sake some local guys are really good that they have represented Tanauan in some competitions overseas.And they came home with smiles. So you stop mocking those people at Tanauan!! O.K.?? Instead you get to Kingston and hit some gangsta joints!!! Feliz viaje hombre!! Ciaooo!!!
[Reply here]
Taloy Burauen,
Sira ulo!! Sa lugar mo naroon ang puno ng Atlantic ocean at dulo ng Pacific ocean. Pero diri mahihimo mangarigo kay puro hanang at lusak. Pero teka!! Kay ano nga BURAUEN?? Dahil panay na BURA!! Sugad ha imo!! puro ka la BURA! Bura sa ibabaw at BURAK sa ilalim!! Hehe,walang totoo. Bogus , fake, at counterfeit!!! Ikaw yan!! Buang pati. Kawawa ka naman.Panay na putik ang meron sa bayan ng BURAUEN - mo!!!!
[Reply here]
2:31 am - July 14, 2008
waven Guest
Quote and Reply
anay daw!!!! madali la… ma klaro la maguti 8 eu mga huna2..he darwin maceda it nagpatikang hito ada mapasabot la..mayakan kmo “dri man ak nakilala hinin?”.. taga tanauan ada ito ..hera an nag pa una hito na mulay.. ina.ano kamo….ini it tinood.. ay anay pagsaba…Tim Garret came to philippines to visit his Wife’s Family..incidentally he made a skimboard for his Bayaw DoDot.. but he didn’t teach the locals… but before that…. Incedentally naman… Darwin Maceda together with his Brother Beben Maceda was already playing game without notice that they are playing the so called SKIMBOARDING…they were using a plastic Jetski Floater… ar their board… until such time that Darwin organise the Firts Open SkimBoarding Competation in Batay Dagat.. together with Alexander Cumpio, Neresa Reynera his wife, Raymundo “bebe” Lanza, Junjun Olimberio and Bebot Tolibas….. thru the Effort of the Local Government with Dante Perez and the Leyte Province .. they form an org. called ” East Coast Water Sports Club” and Darwin was Elected as a Founding President of the org… they been able to have the Competition for 2 years every Eastern Sunday in Tanauan Beach Shore… hoy mga idoy, iday kan dri kamo maaram ayaw kamo pag saba… it Spawn dre it hira it hinongdan hit Skimboard.. nakisabay la it hera hit trend… asya na… kun hin.o it ma uba… aw.anon,….tinood la ini.. paki anhi hi darwin,,, beben, ruark, stepen,rocky and Tawin… hera it tinood na sayod hito…………salamat……..
[Reply here]
cguro na baydan ka hiton nga maceda ano.pera man an iya nakurakot had2 nga pamolay?pera an im malon?ogsa iton nga maceda maging duminagat hira dodot and company mga duminagat na e2n..amo ini it makori kay napaka maaram ka..karoyag nim sidngon hya an nauna?hoy kon tig karigo ka ha dagat o na skim ka…NA UNA PA HI JERVIS THE 1ST MASTER OF SKIM BOARDING HA TANAUAN..BISAN WARAY HIYA MAKAKITA HAN PG SHAPE HAN SKIM BOARD NG HIMO HIYA TAPOS NG MINOLAY NA HIYA USA LA IT HYA..HOY MACEDA HI JERVIS PA AN NAUNA HA IM…..JERVIS,THE 1ST MASTER OF SKIM BOARDING,THE 1ST SHAPER OF SKIM BOARD IN TANAUAN..BALIK NA HA DAGAT I MISS UR ENTHUSIASM…U DONT CARE WAT D PEOPLE SAID BOUT U DURING THE TRYING TIMES OF OUR CULTURE…kaklarohon ko na liwat ini ha…surfing and skim boarding is a culture in surfing countries and any beachtowns around the world hu embrace dis lifestyle…diri ini sports…search kelly slaters blog or the god of skim BBB,bill beaker bryan cring ngani nira its an art…..OSA PA artIST NGY AN ITO HI JERVIS…..
[Reply here]
Hey guys,
This is a good start!! But wouldn’t it be best if all the warring parties schedule a competition to find out who really are the top guns in this particular game? But of course the fete has to be with the blessings of the town’s big boss.And there should be some compensations for the lucky guys (and the unlucky ones too)!! From the town’s coffers through the big boss,of course.
I’ve been reading lots of blogs from some individuals explaining / claiming that “him and another him” were the original originators of this waterborne game here in Tanauan. A foreigner is even named by some parties.And he hasn’t given any shout yet about this. If this particular issue is not settled / clarified soon,then I believe the solution would not to have just a single entity to the title but to have all of their names(claimnants) and put them in a marker and placed somewhere at the beach where all people can see it. Ano say niyo mga abays??
What is in it - SKIMBOARDING - that you guys are all horny about anyway??? Come on stop the war and make skimboarding a real hot event in the coming town feast celebration!! Mabuhay ang Tanauan!! Ipadayon ang kaunlaran!! Tigilan ang INGGITAN!! O.K. guys???
[Reply here]
ASYA ITO SULODNON. AYAW NA PAGKONTRA IT MAYOR DIDA HA TANAUAN. HAHAHAHAHAHA ASYA DAW ITON PINAKA MAKARIT NGA MAYOR HA BUG OS NGA PILIPINAS. HAHAHAHAHA
[Reply here]
Kan Pinoy Ka,
Hin-o liwat iton nasiring nga kinokontra ko iton nga imo alkalde?? Diri hiya iton akon kinikontra kundi iton iya mga paagui!! Sugad na la hiton nga proposed merkado,di ba kinahanglan konsultahon anay an bug-os nga popolacion han Tanauan san-o mangontrata hin maghihimo hiton feasible study?? Ambot ha iyo ,pero didi hiton amon sulod-nga damo iton “RIVERINE BUFFALOS”-san-o mahimo in mga kontrata,minimiting anay ngatanan iton mga residents para kon mayada diri na sang-ayon mahibaroan kon ano iton iya razon hin pag diri ngan mhibaruan guihapon kon hin-o hiya. Pero dinhi ha bungto han kamagaraman,san-o hibaruan han mga tawo kon ano iton bubuhaton han municipio mayada na mga tawo nga naka bag hin kontrata. Ngan ha INTERNET LA HINBABARON KAY DIRI MAN NAGPUPUBLISH O NAGPAPASKIN HIN MGA AVISO.O ANO ITON HUHUNAHUNAON YANA HA PINOY KA?? O siya keep on kissing someone’s ass (na me hemorrhoids)!! At balang araw iba na ang itatawg mo sa iyong sarili!! Magiging “INTSIK AKO”!! Sagwa mo!!!
Kon totoo iton imo siring nga hiya iton pinakamakarit nga alkalde, kay ano nga damo iton mga blogs nga diri mahamot?? Karuyag mo ba sidngon nga bisan diri pinaaagui ha proper procedures an pag execute hin usa nga trabaho publiko nga people’s money ang ginagastos diri ka la makibot,kay sugad hiton imo siring “pinakamakarit nga alkalde”. Iton tawag hini nga razon e “C-R-A-P!! As in horse dung!!!!! Go and kiss some asses - crappy asses!!
Higit na me magaling kang magagawa para sa lahat ng mga “ME IBUBUGA” NGA MGA QUALIFIED PASSERS NGA MGA NURSES AT PHYSICAL THERAPISTS NGA MGA TANAUANANON KON IMO HIRA RECRUITIN. KAHUMAN IPOST DINHI. MAYADA AKO KILALA NGA NANGINGINAHANGLAN HITON AKON MGA SINAMBIT.AYAW KABARAKA!! ITON AGENCY E REGISTRADO HA POEA NGAN ME LISENSIYA.KON KINAHANGLAN MO PA HIN IFORMASYON TATAGAN KITA!! PERO KINAHANGLAN ITON IMO MGA RECRUITS MAGPAKADTO HA MAYNILA.NATURAL MAYADA MGA PLACEMENT FEES. PERO MABABWI LIWAT KAY KON SEGURO GUD MAN NGA MGA TOP GUNS HIRA,THEY WILL BE DEPLOYED TO HOSPITALS IN THE U.S.A.!! KON HUNAHUNA MO NGA NAGBIBINUANG AKO,BUWAS IPOPOST KO ITON FULL DETAILS.O.K.?? Relax ka lang!!
O sigue kadto-a iton imo mga abays nga mga mananggiti.Tagui hin downpayment para hiton tuba para hiton ti arabot nga patron!! Lakad na!!! Malipayon nga patron ha Tanauan (bunto)!!!
[Reply here]
Pinoy Ka,
Ini na an akon sinisiring nga agency:
EVERBEST MANPOWER SERVICES
RM.405-406 , PARAGON TOWER
531 A FLORES ST., ERMITA MANILA
POEA LICENSE : 077-LB-120-706-UL
PRES./GEN.MANAGER - MR.JOSE P.SANTOS
OVERSEAS MARKETING OFFICER - FELY TAN
TEL : 5363122 - 5263845
An mga prospective applicants kinahanglan:
1 . REGISTERED PHYSICAL THERAPISTS = with complete docs and NPTE passer. $500 upon signing contract with EMPLOYER.
2. SPECIAL REGISTERED PHYSICAL THERAPIST = complete with docs and NPTE passer. $750 sign on bonus with EMPLOYER.
3 . REGISTERED NURSE = complete docs and NCLEX passer. $250 upon signing contract with EMPLOYER.
4.SPECIAL REGISTERED NURSE = complete docs and NCLEX passer.
$600 upon signing contract with EMPLOYER.
All lucky applicants are to be deployed to different hospitals in the U.S.A. (Windy City is mighty cold in winter.)
Kon may ada ka mga kakilala ini na an opportunity. Ngan para dire magkarag hin salapi,san-o kadto ha Maynila tawagan anay iton ira agency,para makaseguro. O.K.??
I have also posted this at JOB BILLBOARD days ago. Kaya ang lahat ng mga merong “IBUBUGA DINHI HA BUNGTO HAN KAMAMGARAMAN” ano pa ang inyong hinihintay???
[Reply here]
ewwwww,for skimboarders la ini dinhi….it mga riders haros waray ngan pankaonon saypa pg eskwela hin nursing….out of context….lifes a beach.to all the sons of a beaches u rule!
[Reply here]
mayor,wat if abrehan nat otro it at salog dda?cring han mga kalagsan harayo daw ad2 an labnasan mga katonga ada hit pantalan(siempre anticipate ta guihap it baha,given na ito)ask kita hit may mga lugar dinhi ha pinas nga mayda mga dagko nga salog parte hit flood control osa na it marikina pero ha aton dri gad ito ada problema kay derecho ito daun ha dagat.pg ini na tuman ha ak la obserbasyon 3 daun nga surfing breaks it mapoporma,sto nino ngan san roque rivermouths ngan ha pantalan,beach beak liwat ito dda tapos puro na ito skim spot it bug os nga shoreline hit tanauan,cring pa han english speaking people better said than done,aro kita hin technical knowhow hit mga progresive beach town ha iba nga nasyon,waray ba kita sister town nga may dagat guihap,like california,australia?
[Reply here]
oo, nahhinumdum ak an sabang ha san roque,mayda pa h2 2 ka blocks nga tuna tapos mayda pa balay nga nakkita nga nakadto na ha dagat an tag iya daw had2 nga balay mga elona,d la ak sure
[Reply here]
it palo it ira sister town palo alto,california.mayor pabulig kita hit mga beach town ha california,huntington beach,pacifica,san clemente,orange county o laguna beach the birth place of skimboarding,60 percent hit ira revenue puro skim ngan surfing tikang…total na tikangan na man ini dda.
[Reply here]