Pinoy surfer rescues rival from big waves at SEAG surfing tilt in La Union

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Sat, 07 Dec 2019 09:14:15 +0000

FILIPINO surfer Roger Casugay (right) and fiancee Lisa Wermejj. (FB photo)

SAN JUAN, La Union – Filipino surfer Roger Casugay set aside his chance for a gold medal when he rescued his Indonesian rival, whose leash was detached from the surfboard, during the Southeast Asian Games open surfing competition here.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo La Union Friday, Casugay said although it was not his obligation to save his co-athlete since they are in the middle of a competition, he, nonetheless, chose to help.

In a Facebook post by the SEAG account on Friday, Indonesian surfer Arip Nurhidayat was seen struggling with gigantic waves after his leash broke during the surfing competition.

“Wala na akong obligasyon kasi kompetisyon. Kung ganoon may maputulan ng leash at nasa line up ako, advantage ko na ‘yon. Ang nangyari, pinapabalik na kami sa shore kaya tinulungan ko na siya,” Casugay said.

The organizers put on hold the competition after Nurhidayat broke his leash.

Casugay then rescued the Indonesian surfer and they were seen riding on his board, both overcoming the high waves.

The surfer earned praises from netizens who called the Bacnotan, La Union native a real hero and pride of the Philippines.