John Michael Factor might have missed out on the junior boys finals at this year’s Odyssey Waves Calicoan competition after falling short in his quarterfinal heat, but the true prize remains the chance to meet his idol, Marionil “Nano” Capacite, in the water during a championship final someday and qualify for the World Surf League (WSL).
For three years, the 15-year-old Boronganon has competed professionally, participating three times in both Surf in the City in Borongan and the Calicoan Odyssey in Guiuan.
While his highest placement so far is the quarterfinals, he never tires and strives to qualify for the finals and become an international surfer.
In preparation, he maintains a balanced diet, exercises, and prays.
Originally a skimboarder, Factor began his surfing journey four years ago, when he chanced on a finless surfboard and met Capacite, another surfer from Borongan.
Capacite, who has been surfing since 2017, saw potential in Factor’s courage to face intimidating waves and came to be his mentor and friend, lending him a board and teaching him the ropes.
“An ak ginamit hadto nga board kan Nano, tapos pag mayda niya bag-o nga board, iya ginshe-share haak,” Factor said.
Before his bid for the semifinals, Capacite gave him strategic tips in preparation for his quarterfinal heat.
For his next competition in Cabugao, Ilocos, he treats the setback at Calicoan as a lesson.
After failing to push through the semifinals, Factor admitted he felt regret, but quickly identified his weakness: a lack of power in his tricks and a need to learn aerial maneuvers for higher scores.
To improve, he plans to watch game replays of top surfers and practice intensely to master shortboard tricks.
Factor also acknowledged the support he receives from Gov. RV Evardone and his coaches and reminded young surfers to listen to their coaches, remain humble, and “brave the big waves that come their way”. (SEJ-GBP)
