Filipino wakeboarder and Red Bull athlete Raph Trinidad marks another historic win after clinching gold at the 2025 IWWF Asia and Oceania Cable Wakeboard and Wakeskate Championships. Trinidad competed in the Open Men’s category for the Wakeboarding event, scoring 81.67 to earn him his first place win.
The 2025 IWWF Asia and Oceania Cable Wakeboard and Wakeskate Championships were held last January 24 to 26 at the Decawake Clark Cable Park in Angeles City, Pampanga. Bringing together the top wakeboarders from Asia and Oceania, the event marked the final qualifier for The World Games (TWG) 2025 happening August in Chengdu, China.
Trinidad delivered a flawless and exhilarating run that earned him top marks from the judges. With his top spot finish, Trinidad bested international wakeboarders such as Kyrgyzstan’s Stanislav Fidelsky, Thailand’s Luke Atirat Carrick and Benjamin Phechyuenyong, as well as Australia’s Zac Falzon and Lachlan “Locky” Fort.
As the champion for the Open Men’s category for Wakeboarding, the 23-year-old wakeboarding prodigy from Liloan has secured his spot for the prestigious sporting event.
“Winning an international competition in my home park feels like a dream,” said Trinidad. “Being surrounded by those who have supported me from the start made it even more special. It was an honor to represent my country, and the incredible support pushed me to give my best. I’m proud to bring this victory home.”
Trinidad claimed that during the competition, his mind was set on doing his run as planned instead of whether he would win or lose. “In every competition, I always remind myself that my biggest competition is myself. As long as I land the run I planned, I’m already super happy no matter the outcome.”
His latest victory adds to Trinidad’s already impressive track record, which includes a podium finish at last year’s IWWF World Cable Wakeboard and Wakeskate Championships at Le Kable, Choisy le Roi in Paris.
Trinidad expressed his gratitude to his supporters, stating, “Thank you to everyone who has ever supported me.” He added, “Because of all of you, I will always strive for growth and to push myself even harder to reach my full potential in wakeboarding.”
To aspiring wakeboarders, Trinidad said, “Trust the process. The falls on your first try, the doubts about whether it’s for you — I went through all of that too. If I could push through, I know for sure that you can as well.” He added, “Remember, ‘If you fall 7 times, get back up 8 times.’ It’s not about how many times you fall but how many times you get back up.”
As he heads to The World Games 2025, Trinidad claimed, “I will push myself even harder because there is still so much work to do in wakeboarding and it’s only the start. Rest assured, you will see a version of me that is more motivated and ready to do my best for the Philippines.”
Support Raph Trinidad at the upcoming The World Games in Chengdu, China. To know more about the Wakeboarding athlete and to stay updated on his journey, follow Red Bull PH’s social media pages.