2nd Annual Marianas Skate Series set for June 8

The Marianas Surf Skate League’s 2nd Annual Marianas Skate Series skateboarding competition is set for June 8 at the skatepark between the Gold’s Gym and the Garapan Central Park.

A youth clinic starts at 8am, with a jam session for beginners at 9am. The expert competition is from 10am to 12pm.

This year, there is a new category called the Game of S-K-A-T-E that will be held from 1pm to 2pm.

It’s essentially the same concept as playing H-O-R-S-E in basketball. For skateboarding, it’s where skaters pull off tricks which their opponents have to match until the S-K-A-T-E is spelled and when the other skater cannot match the other’s tricks. They plan on having at least three pairings play at the same time.

There are cash prizes for specific tricks. For the jam session and expert competition, prizes are new skateboards and trophies.

Registration is open at https://xs36bmmc.forms.app/registration2024.

Edward Manibusan, organizer of the event from the Marianas Surf Skate League said, “It’s a chance for beginners and experts to challenge each other. We’re excited for this new category!”

In the inaugural event last year, Sean Gil won first place with a total of 787 points in the finals of the 2/5/3 Olympic skateboarding format.

As he defends his title this year, he said, “I just wanna have a fun time with my friends so I want to start a mind game with them.” He practices every weekend and said that he’ll try his best again this year.

Sponsors of the event are Marpac, Pokka, Saipan Surf Company, Salty Skin Pacific, Local Bones, Caravan of Food, Mariana Arts, and Department of Lands and Natural Resources-Parks and Recreation.

“We are looking for more sponsors to add additional prizes or donations. Please contact us at marianas.surfskate@gmail if you are interested. Thanks to all our sponsors,” said Manibusan.

As for other MSSl events, Manibusan said, “We’re excited to announce the 3rd Annual Boogie Down at Obyan scheduled for Dec. 14, 2024, surf permitting. Marpac has already signed on as our signature sponsor again. We are very grateful for the community’s support. We look forward and are excited to continually supporting our local athlete skateboarders and surfers.”