Skim Boarding - Gubat Bay

Skim boarding has definitely conquered the attention of the young ones in Gubat. For one, the skim boards could be manufactured locally using available materials. The surf boards have more intricate and sophisticated design and specifications.

Noli Mercader, 27, reveals that skim boarding was introduced only in March, but it has already influenced the youth’s lifestyle and culture. Several loosely organized groups now regularly “jam” to show off their skills and tricks while riding on the boards on shallow, receding waves along the coast.

“It’s a 10-15 seconds’ thrill riding and balancing the board up to 30 feet. I think it’s sort-of addictive because it gives you some high accomplishing the feat of staying upright while sliding down on the board for as long as you can,” Mercader says.

He says curiosity drew them to try the sport after watching Villaroya perform in January at the Dangkalan Beach on the left portion of the bay. The young expert willingly taught them the basics.

New source of income

Mercader did not only learn the new sport but also found a new source of income from making skim boards. He browses the Internet to learn more about board design, shape and other specifications.

He earns some P300 for a skim board and can make four boards in a week.

“We also earn from skim board rentals at P20 an hour. We also offer skim boarding tutorials wherein the learner is required to rent two boards, one for the instructor and the other one for the latter,” Mercader says.

To Mercader, surfing and skim boarding in the Gubat Bay can certainly make a difference and open opportunities for local tourism.

words by Juan Escandor Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:34:00 06/26/2008