Boogie with JROM: Portugal

The last event on the APB tour was held at Portugal about 2 weeks ago and it was nothing, but epic times. It was my first time going back to Portugal since 2010 so I was really excited for this trip. Coming into the event I was ranked 18th and needed a decent result to hit that top 16 ranking. This is a ranking that I've dreamt about when I started Bodyboarding competitively. The contest had some fun waves and everyone was ripping. I ended up tying for 9th in the event and it was a nice result to bump me up to 12th in the world for the end of the year rankings. This goal means so much to me because I've been through a lot, worked so hard, made so much sacrifices, and to finally be in the top 16 is an amazing feeling. I always believed in myself and never gave up. This ranking will put me in a better seeding to accomplish my other goals such as being top 10 or being the world champion in 2015. Congratulations to my good friend Dave Hubbard for winning the Open Mens division and binging home the DK 2014 World to Hawaii. So stoked!

Portugal is amazing! The people are really friendly and the landscapes are insane. I've met so much awesome people and made many friends. The locals there really took care of me and I hope I can do the same if they ever come to Maui. Thank you to everyone in Portugal for all of the support and love. I really felt like I was at home and I know I will be back there next year. See you all soon :)

I am now at home enjoying life. Now that the tour is over and it is winter time here in Hawaii, I am going to relax and have fun with my family and friends at my home zones as well as boogie a lot and releasing some Hawaii winter podcasts.