Equatorial waters, tropical climate, and mesmerizing natural beauty make the Malay Archipelago a mecca for tourists worldwide.
The location of the Philippine Islands is so good that it seems as if they were created specifically for surfing.
The Pacific Ocean is not at all quiet here. And this is happiness for those who love the excitement of the depths of the sea. Huge vast reef waves create stunning conditions for breathtaking surfing.
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Features of Filipino surfing
Interestingly, both experienced surfers and those who saw the board only in the movie “On the Crest of a Wave” came to the Philippines.
You can conquer the vast oceanic shafts, safely cut the wave with surf in several famous spots of the Philippines:
- Siargao Island (for the pros!)
- Zambales. The spot is located in the west of Luzon Island, 4 hours drive from the capital of the Philippines – Manila. Suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
- San Juan (for beginners!)
- Catanduanes. The Puraran beach is prized on the island. This bay produces huge vast waves. And in the city of Baras, there is a Majestic spot where surfers catch a fast wave tube.
- City Baler. It is located in the province of Aurora and the northeastern part of Luxor. The height of the waves in the season is up to 5 meters.
- Spot Pagudpud. A virgin place that provides a minimum of tourists, quietness, and excellent conditions for surfing at different levels.
- Province of Camarines Norte. White beaches, great diving, and great waves amid typhoons.
- Calicoan Island. Eco-tourism is just developing here. Therefore, there are few tourists and accessible beaches. And the ocean is beautiful everywhere.
- Katanduwanes. Catanduanes is famous for its waves of “pipes,” the rumbling sound of the ocean, and the Mayon volcano. Due to the latter, all the beaches of the city of Legazpi have gray-black sand. As a result, whale sharks live well in the waters here.
Riding the Swells: The Pros in the Philippines
Siargao Island is a surf conglomerate of professionals from all over the world. 90% of Filipino surfing is concentrated here. Pros choose Seorgao because of the enormous waves.
This spot is located in the east of the country. Interestingly, almost nearby, in the ocean, the Philippine Trench penetrates the earth’s bowels, the depth of which is more than 10 kilometers.
The deepest place – 10 540 m is called “the depth of Galatea.” Here, those idolized surfers swell – ideal ocean waves, with regular sets, form.
Here in Siargao, in September, a kind of XGames in the field of surfing takes place – an international class competition in which extreme athletes from Australia, Japan, Indonesia take part.
Great spot – Cloud 9. This reef break creates world-class waves, named after surfers’ favorite chocolate bars. They are characterized by fast speed, sharp, almost vertical, take-off. An accurate pipeline with 6-meter locks and “pipes”!
The northeastern monsoon in this region from November to April gives experienced surfers the most of their wave-riding experience. After all, the season called “amikhan” creates the most significant and fastest waves.
But this wind prevails on the eastern Philippine coast. On the western side, it can be calm, like on a lake.
Conquer the azure wave: tips for beginners
San Juan (La Union province): waves, wind, freedom for beginners. Here the lock is near the shore. The conditions are such that you can learn to stand on the board quite calmly, but not without the surfing adrenaline.
If Sergio is the center of professional surfing, then San Yuan is a beginner. Here beginners from all over the Philippines and Europe learn to ride the wave. And in Baknotan, there is a spot for the “greenest” beginners.
It is best to catch a calm wave here from May to October.
Offsite surf camps are the only possible, well-organized training in the Philippines. Look for Go Surf dealerships. It is she who organizes better quality outdoor training courses for novice surfers.
Of course, you can also hire a “Pedro” from the locals. But it is unlikely that you will come across a competent surfer coach.
But it is quite possible to pay several hundred pesos for an hour of waiting for the “ninth wave” and a useless attempt to learn all the intricacies of this water sport.
If you don’t come to the Philippines with your board, then be prepared to spend money on equipment rental and courses. Conservatively, a week on the azure Philippine coast, along with a modest hotel and food, will cost you $ 300.
Surfing is a calling. This hobby makes you fall in love with yourself for life. And then you cannot spend the season outside the ocean. Conquering the waves is passion.
Call. You are overcoming yourself. To be on the crest of a wave, conquer swells in the country of the “Thousand Islands” – the Philippines, is a dream.
As surfers say: “Being at the peak of the wave and life is the same thing!” Do not forget to make your dreams come true, and you live for this!
