CNMI surfers to make waves in Guam’s Ripper Classic

Boogie Down at Obyan champion surfers Frank Ramon and Vicente “Te” Villagomez as well as Herman “Mä” Guerrero are taking on the tides in the waters off Guam in the Guahan Bodyboarder’s Inc. Ripper Classic this weekend, Nov. 9-10.

Ramon, a veteran surfer of over 20 years, was the Marianas Surf Skate League’s Inaugural Boogie Down at Obyan champion in 2022, while Villagomez, who just made an epic return to surfing last year, was the second annual champion in 2023. Meanwhile, Guerrero also competed in the Boogie Down at Obyan events and is a consistent surfer who is ready to take on the challenge as well.

The Ripper Classic will have three categories—men’s open, women’s open, and a drop knee category where the surfers must keep one knee on the bodyboard while surfing.

The Marianas Surf Skate League is a non-profit organization formed to promote the sports of surfing and skateboarding in the CNMI through events, competitions, and youth clinics.

MSSL chair Ed Manibusan Jr. said of his expectation of the surfers, “I expect our competitors to do well at this event. Frank and Te have been getting ready for The Ripper and Boogie Down at Obyan 2024 most of the year. They [have] been surfing consistently at Obyan and other surf spots on Saipan so I know that they will represent the CNMI well this weekend.”

As for Guerrero, he said, “we are proud of him also. Mä is another consistent surfer and is ready to go.”

He then said, “The Marianas Surf Skate League would like to thank our sponsors that helped us fundraise and donated for this event: MARPAC, Kona Brewing, Ghost Energy Drinks, Atkins Kroll, IT&E, Saipan Skydive, Marianas Visitors Authority, Boarderline, All Star Sporting Goods, The Athletes Foot, Roil Soil, J’s Restaurant, SOIS, and Saipan Surf Company. A big thank you to all those that bought fundraising tickets and raffle tickets as well. Un dangkulo na Si Yu’us Ma’åse yan Tirow.”