February 2024 marked a pivotal moment for Philippine skateboarding, as the country hosted two major international competitions that underscored its rising status in the global skating community. These events not only attracted attention to the nation’s scenic and diverse terrain—ideal for both street and downhill disciplines—but also spotlighted the Philippine skateboarding team’s competitive achievements and growing talent base.
Southeast Asian Street Skateboarding Competition – Baler, Aurora (February 4–5)
The month kicked off with the Southeast Asian Street Skateboarding Competition, held in Baler, Aurora, a coastal town famed for its surf culture and vibrant youth scene. Over two days, top skateboarders from across the region competed in a high-energy showcase of technical skill, creativity, and street-style execution.
The Philippine delegation delivered a strong performance, earning one silver and two bronze medals across various categories. These podium finishes reflected the local skaters’ increasing technical proficiency and their ability to hold their own against regional rivals from countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Skaters were judged on difficulty, execution, style, and originality, and the local athletes impressed with innovative trick combinations and smooth flow, especially in custom-designed urban skate environments that mimicked real-world street challenges. The event also served as a developmental milestone for young Filipino skaters, many of whom made their debut on an international stage.
Downhill Skateboarding and Street Luge World Championships – Tagaytay (February 22–25)
Later in the month, from February 22 to 25, the city of Tagaytay hosted the Downhill Skateboarding and Street Luge World Championships, drawing elite competitors from across the globe. The winding mountain roads of Tagaytay provided a thrilling backdrop for high-speed action, with skaters racing at over 80 km/h down sharp curves and steep descents.
The highlight of the event for the host nation came in the women’s downhill division, where Rydelle Abarico clinched a silver medal, marking a significant achievement for Philippine skateboarding on the world stage. Abarico’s performance combined fearlessness with refined control, showcasing her ability to maintain speed while navigating technical sections with precision.
Her success drew praise from both local sports authorities and international commentators, positioning her as a rising figure in the global downhill scene and a potential ambassador for Philippine extreme sports.
A Growing Force in Asian Skateboarding
Together, these two events served as a testament to the Philippines’ growing influence in the world of skateboarding. With strategic investments in infrastructure, coaching, and youth development, the country is cultivating a new generation of athletes ready to compete at international levels.
The Philippine National Skateboarding Association, in partnership with local governments and tourism bodies, has made athlete development a national priority, especially after skateboarding’s official inclusion in the Olympics. These February events were not only competitive showcases but also platforms to build community engagement, inspire local youth, and position the Philippines as a premier destination for extreme sports tourism.
From Baler’s surf-skate streets to the mountain slopes of Tagaytay, the month of February 2024 signaled that the Philippines is not only keeping pace with the global skateboarding movement—it is carving its own distinct and competitive path.
Source: Wikipedia – 2024 Skateboarding Events in the Philippines
