If you wanted drama, style, and a heavy dose of emotion, Monaliza Point was the only place to be this Friday.

The La Union International Pro wrapped up in spectacular fashion at Urbiztondo Beach, serving up dreamy three-to-four-foot peelers for the Final Day. With 2026 Longboard Tour (LT) Wildcards on the line, the pressure was immense, but the vibes remained high as the surfing world watched a teenager claim her destiny and a veteran prove he’s still top dog.

We were there to capture every moment, and when the sea spray settled, it was 16-year-old Cash Hoover (USA) and 41-year-old Ben Skinner (GBR) standing tall, hoisting the trophies and punching their tickets to the 2026 World Longboard Tour.

The Teenager Takes Over

Cash Hoover might be just 16, but she surfed with the poise of a seasoned pro. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. From her very first heat, Hoover was in a rhythm that no one else could match, blending classic nose-riding with smooth, confident carves.

In the Final, she didn’t wait around. Hoover dropped a 6.33 right out of the gates and backed it up with a 6.50, leaving tour veterans—including our own Asian regional champion Natsumi Taoka (JPN)—chasing her shadow. Even a late, critical 7.17 from Taoka wasn’t enough to shake Hoover’s lead.

The moment the horn blew, the emotions poured out. Chaired up the beach by her friends, the “tears of joy” were real.

“I don’t think I’ve been this happy in so long,” Hoover told us. “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.”

Skinner’s Buzzer-Beater Magic

On the men’s side, the script was flipped. Ben Skinner, a legend who has been on tour for two decades (and is currently sharing heats with his own son!), reminded everyone why class is permanent.

Despite his history, Skinner hadn’t snagged a major WSL win in nearly 15 years. That drought ended today in the most dramatic way possible against our local Filipino heroes.

The Men’s Final was a total nail-biter. As time ticked away, La Union favorites Rogelio Jr Esquievel and Jomarie Ebueza were sitting pretty at the top, looking like they might keep the trophy on home soil. Esquievel, the current World No. 8, had just posted a 7.10 to take the lead and looked destined for the win.

But Skinner wasn’t done. On the very last wave of the event, he stroked into a gem and absolutely dissected it. The score dropped—an 8.17, the only excellent score of the day—leapfrogging him from fourth to first right at the buzzer.

“I don’t know what to say… I’m back, baby!” Skinner laughed, visibly emotional. “These guys are some of my favorite surfers in the world right now, so to beat them was epic.”

Asian Talent Secures Tour Spots

While Hoover and Skinner took the top honors, we are incredibly proud to see our regional talent securing their spots on the big stage. The unique format meant runners-up also snagged spots on the 2026 Longboard Tour:

  • Natsumi Taoka (JPN) took second in the women’s division, reclaiming her rightful place on the tour she’s been a mainstay on for a decade.
  • Jomarie Ebueza (PHL), despite the chaotic finish that bumped him to third, secured the final men’s Wildcard. It was a massive relief for the La Union local, who now gets a second crack at the tour after his rookie season last year.

“I’m super happy and I’m super stoked,” Ebueza said. “Let’s go back to work too. Let’s do it again.”