Del Rosario makes waves in IJSBA World Finals  

MANILA, Philippines — Paul del Rosario sailed to new heights and put the Philippines back on the international jet ski map in winning a gold medal in the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Finals (Ski Modlites) in Arizona, USA recently.

It was a sweet return for Del Rosario, who embarked on a seven-year hiatus, before skiing his way back to the summit of the IJSBA over a bevy of strong challengers from Brazil, South America, France and host USA.

Del Rosario, 43, added another feather on his cap after earlier triumphs in the IJSBA World Finals Runabout (Amateur Runabout Open Class) in 2010 and the 2007 Thailand Pro Am Runabout Super Stock.

His remarkable run in Arizona made him a top-ranked racer in the Ski Modlites category, considered as part of the ski/stand up type class and the hardest division in all jet ski races.

Del Rosario started racing as early as 13 years old, igniting his rise as the country’s No. 1 jet ski racer with countless local titles including being named as the Philippine Rider of the Year by the Jet Sports Association of the Philippines (JSAP) for a record eight times.

But more than capturing mints here and abroad, Del Rosario relished the humbling opportunity to bring home pride and honor to the Philippines with hopes of paving the way for more local jet ski standouts in the future.

“Jet ski races have been happening in the country since the ‘80s. And while there’s still a long way to go before the sport becomes more mainstream, Filipino jet ski racers are slowly being respected and seen as a powerhouse in the international scene,” said Del Rosario.

Del Rosario admitted he’s already on the horizon of his celebrated career, thus setting his sights to one last hurrah for flag and country in the 2023 Cambodia Southeast Asian Games and 2023 IJSBA world championships.

“At 43 now, I’m a dinosaur in the sport. I’ll still be riding jet skis recreationally after that, and focus on my wife’s racing, who by the way is also a contender in the women’s events locally. But in terms of competitive sports, I’m preparing for one last ride,” he added.

“The future is bright for jet ski racing. We, Filipinos, have come a long way. From being laughed at before to being respected in the game. I look forward to the day that more Filipinos get into jet ski racing with our own superstar athletes.”