The United States’ Cash Hoover, 16, flashed smarts seen mostly on veterans while Great Britain’s Ben Skinner hardly showed he was already 41 and a father of four as they dominated the World Surf League (WSL) La Union International Pro World Longboard Tour Qualifier recently off Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, La Union.

Local bets Rogelio Esquievel Jr. and Jomarie Ebueza didn’t disappoint and finished second and third, respectively, in the men’s competition the first-of-its-kind event presented by the Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) that granted 2026 Longboard Tour (LT) Wildcards to the winners and runners-up.

“I’m so incredibly happy, I don’t think I’ve been this happy in so long,” said Hoover, a standout throughout as she posted the equal highest women’s total in her very first heat with a smooth style and solid nose-riding and classic carves.

“I cried tears of joy coming out of the water. I’ve worked so hard for this, and this event has been so stressful,” she said after her remarkable performance at Monaliza Point.

“And to be able to just feel that I’ve officially made my spot on tour for this year is the best feeling in the world.”

Japan’s Natsumi Taoka also qualified for the LT Wildcards for finishing second in the women’s competition that attracted 120 of the world’s best surfers and supported by the PSC chaired by Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Alima, LUSC, Kudo Surf, Province of La Union, Department of Tourism Region 1, Municipality of San Juan and San Miguel Corp.

A Longboard Tour veteran for over two decades, Skinner summoned his rich history and success to book his first major victory after nearly 15 years.

“I don’t know what to say, I just can’t,” said Skinner after his emotional victory.

“La Union, you’ve been so special to us. The local community, the waves, the weather. Honestly, we cannot thank you enough from the bottom of our hearts.”

Skinner’s not only a surfer but is also a shaper, providing boards for many of the world’s best, and won on one of his own designs — and interestingly, his son Lukas also competed in La Union, perhaps a first in WSL history.

The Filipino surfers, Skinner noted, helped him bring out his best.

“These guys and girls from the Philippines are raising the level of longboarding globally, not just here in the Philippines,” Skinner said.

“These guys are some of my favorite surfers in the world right now, so to beat them was epic. I’m back, baby!”

Ebueza and Esquievel made sure they accomplished their mission on home turf even at the expense of their compatriots.

Eqsuievel secured an all-Filipino semifinal against last year’s runner-up Perry Ventura with a buzzer-beater and Ebueza returning to the LT for only on his sophomore year.