ONE-LEGGED WONDER: POKS ESQUIVEL

Upon witnessing him surf, everyone becomes a massive fan of Poks Esquivel.

Born with one leg and fused toes and fingers, Poks is a supreme example of how a person, through sheer effort and tenacity, can overcome even the most devastating physical disability. Poks can do on one leg what other surfers fail to do with two legs.

He sneaks into barrels with ease. He lacerates the lip of a crashing wave with minimal effort. He accomplishes aerial assaults with grace and fluidity.

In many other ways, he’s just like the rest of us with our complete set of legs. He lies to women just like the next bastard. He snores louder than a freight train running off its tracks. He stinks more than the Manila Zoo on a hot summer day.

Poks global counterpart in surfing is the lovely Bethany Hamilton. She has gained global recognition and surf sponsors having lost her hand after a shark attack yet courageously getting herself back in prime surfing form immediately thereafter. Well the whole surf world should be even more impressed with Ronnie “Poks” Esquivel who, with one leg and fused toes and fingers, surfs like a demon.

“If Kuya JV campaigns well enough to get Poks a global corporate sponsorship, I just might have to cut both my legs off,” laughs Luke Landrigan.

Very inspirational. 

You are healed now brother. Have a good journey. :)

We thought it was a very bad joke. But we saw the pictures. And last night, the news on TV confirmed our worst fear. The One Leg Wonder Ronie "Poks" Esquivel has left the mortal world. 

Yet his inspiring story, the love for waves and dedication will remain. He will continue to awe us. Kuya, you are an a-Poks-calypse!!

The wonders of Surigao del Norte! More to come! :)

Please send him some love, tweet him at @lukelandrigan or post at his FB fan page: https://www.facebook.com/lukelandrigan

HAVE A SPLASH! 

#Lukeybirthday 

@Lukelandrigan Mike Oida and Darryl Buckley with Aloha Board sports and Billabong visit Mati, Davao Oriental! :D