Richard Sanchez, a.k.a Cyborg, flying off the ramp during practice runs before the Volcom Wild in the Parks skateboarding competition at Backyard Skatepark in Sta. Rosa. Laguna. Photo by: Chris Quintana

“Fear no forecast. Boards shall roll in rain or shine,” said the announcement on the Volcom Facebook page. The Wild in the Parks skateboarding competition was delayed twice because of thunderstorms. Backyard Skatepark in Sta. Rosa Laguna, is an open-air venue, and it was where the competition was to be held. Even a light drizzle can prove to be dangerous for the skaters, as they might slip and break some bones or bang their heads on the pavement. The event organizers attempted to resume the competition last week, but the rains kept the court wet. They postponed it yet again.

September 6, rain or shine, the competition had to push through. There needed to be a representative from this part of the globe, as the winner will be sent to The Berrics in Los Angeles, California to compete with other skaters in the Wild in the Parks finals in October. We arrived around 9:30 a.m. at Backyard Skatepark, which was now covered with a large tent so as to keep the court dry just in case a thunderstorm pours. Indeed, the competition was going to happen by hook or by crook. A small tent was perched beside the bleachers. Some skaters camped out the night before – they must have come from faraway places. An ambulance rolled in and the medics set up their kiosk beside the small tent, taking out their stretcher and other emergency supplies and equipment. Beside the EMS kiosk was the sound system provider, doing mic and sound checks, with some rock music blaring from their giant speakers.

Skaters and other supporters at Backyard Skatepark in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Photo by: Chris Quintana