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Skateboarders tore up the ramps at Saipan Skate Park on a high-energy Saturday during the 3rd Annual Marianas Skate Series 2025, hosted by the Marianas Surf Skate League.
Sean Gil, the original king of the concrete in 2023, came back full throttle—snagging first place once again in the 2-5-3 Expert Competition with a killer score of 199.90.
The 19-year-old landed a kick flip to fakie on the ramp—which was also his favorite trick in the competition, to snag the gold medal. At the end of the final round, he outscored runner up Miles Borja who scored 179.83. Third place went to Patrick Espirito at 62 points.
In the Jam Session for Beginners, Shuman Barman grabbed the top spot with 63.33 points, while second place went to James Lao at 55. Cody Santos rounded up the Top 3 with 46.67 points.
The Game of S-K-A-T-E winner was Borja, while second place was Gil.
Gil said that even though there weren’t as many competitors this year in his division, the competition was still pretty tough. After falling short of first place last year, he was asked what changed this time around. He explained that one of the judges gave them some helpful tips on how to follow the rules more closely, which helped them score better.
When asked why he’s joined three years in a row and what keeps him coming back, Gil said it’s because his friends also join, and the organizers are friendly.
Tim Deleon Guerrero, treasurer for the MSSL said that the event turnout was “pretty good. I would say we had more skaters this year, and we kind of made the event a little more intimate for the skaters being that we’re really trying to develop the scene and the sport, so it was a pretty dope turnout.”
He said the tricks this year were “awesome”, with new tricks landed this year by the skaters. He added, “We saw some new and interesting styles with some of the skaters that came out.”
The competition compared to last year, said Deleon Guerrero, “was pretty interesting to see. The level was at a good place when I got here last year, and it’s elevating now. It’s interesting to see basically more kids not being scared of skating and having some skaters they can skate with, so it’s dope.”
The prizes for the first place in each category this year included trophies, new skateboards, and cash.
The sponsors this year were MARPAC, Current CNMI, CNMI DLNR, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, Saipan Surf Company, SOIS, Marianas Arts 670, Caravan of Food, Local Bones, and Salty Skin Pacific.
Story by Leigh Gases
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