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Surfing in the Philippines

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"With over 7000 islands, the Philippines is home to hundreds (maybe thousands since most of the country remains more-or-less untouched) of surf spots. Unlike your usual surfing destinations such as Hawaii and Australia, these spots take a little more work to get to and the surf is not consistent and is largely seasonal. "

Getting there:
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

Traveling around:
The road conditions vary between European standards and rough roads. To the surf destinations the highways are pretty good, but once you leave the main roads you are better off with a 4x4 SUV, Tricycle, Jeep or by foot.

Around the Philippines, it’s safer for foreigners to get a tour guide, because of various reasons.
If you’re an adventurer you’ll have to learn lessons by yourself.
Transportation: Use cabs (negotiate prices before you sit in the cab), jeeps, tricycle and Buses (these have fixed prices)

Climate:
The Philippines has a tropical climate with a dry season from April to June and a rainy season from June to October with the hottest months being April and May. The Philippines lies within the world's severest cyclone belt and is effected by around 15 cyclones per year. Average annual precipitation in Manila is 2,080 mm (82 inches) while average temperature ranges are from 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) to 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit) all year. region. Average temperature ranges in Lima are from 13 to 19 degrees Celsius (55 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit) in August to 19 to 28 degrees Celsius (66 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit) in February.

Language:
Filipinos understand and speak English; it could sometimes be that they don’t understand what you are saying right away, but if you use gestures and signs you’ll be able to communicate.

Cost of living:
Depending on your lifestyle prices range between high class European standards to cheap, low budgets. If you’re a REAL surfer you’ll love it and always negotiate before buying anything.
Don’t be hesitant to add a bit though if the service was good and people gave you a smile.

Season:
Surf season is from August until late February. In the south you can surf all year around.
Summer season is really hot and temperatures reach up to 40 °C and it’s really dry.

Equipment to take along:
There is not much you should bring, a pair of board shorts, a thin rash guard to protect you from the sun, maybe a couple of boards that you will leave to the locals or sell so you don’t have the hassle of bringing them back.

Pro’s and cons of the area:
Unexplored. Friendly locals.The surf is inconsistent, so check the waves on the net as much as you can and travel to better destinations where the swell hits better. Be nice to the locals, respect them and they’ll give you all the waves. Treat them for lunch or a beer once in a while.

The surf around the Philippines

During surf seasons, the swell ranges to provide friendly waves for beginners, as well as, overhead waves for all pros and kamikazes out there. So take your pick. It's also a matter of knowing where and when to. It is definitely not uncommon to find yourself ripping it up with kilometers of break all to yourself.

The surf spots

LUZON Region:

La Union

San Juan
- Type of break: beach break
- Bottom: sand
- Type of wave: short ride and a normal wave
- Size of wave: 10-15 feet, any bigger than that is unsurfable
- Direction: both depending on the swell but mostly north swell
- Average lenght of ride 10-20 meters length
- Suitable for: beginners (depending on the size), intermediate level & kamikazes

Monaliza
- Type of break: point break
- Bottom: dead reef right beside the beach break
- Type of wave: long ride and occasionally barrelling
- Size of wave: 10-15 feet, any bigger than that is unsurfable
- Direction: both depending on the swell but mostly north swell
- Average length of ride 20-50 meters length
- Suitable for: intermediate level & kamikazes

Sunset Beach
- Type of break: beach break
- Bottom: sand
- Type of wave: short ride
- Size of wave: 5-10 feet, any bigger than that is unsurfable
- Direction: right
- Average length of ride 10-20 meters length
- Suitable for: beginners, intermediate level

Carille
- Type of break: reef break
- Bottom: reef
- Type of wave: longest ride and best wave EVER and at the end barrels pure
- Size of wave: 6-15 feet, but can only be surfed when the typhoons hit and San Juan is messy
- Direction: right
- Average length of ride: 50-100 meters
- Suitable for: beginners (depending on the size), intermediate level & kamikazes

Bacnotan Pier (UNION Cement Factory)
- Type of break: beach break & reef
- Bottom: sand & reef
- Type of wave: short ride and a normal wave
- Size of wave: 6-10 feet
- Direction: both depending on the swell but mostly north swell
- Average length of ride 15-30 meters length
- Suitable for: beginners (depending on the size)& intermediate level

Zambales region

Crystal Beach
- Type of break: beach break
- Bottom: sand
- Type of wave: short ride and barrelling
- Size of wave: 6-10 feet
- Direction: both depending on the swell
- Average length of ride 10-30 meters length
- Suitable for: beginners (depending on the size) & intermediate level

Point
- Type of break: point break
- Bottom: sand
- Type of wave: occasionally barrelling
- Size of wave: 6-10 feet
- Direction: both depending on the swell
- Average length of ride 50-80 meters
- Suitable for: intermediate level & kamikazes

Lahar rivermouth
- Type of break: beach
- Bottom: sand
- Type of wave: occasionally barrelling
- Size of wave: 6-10 feet
- Direction: both depending on the swell
- Average length of ride 50-80 meters
- Suitable for: beginners (depending on the size), intermediate level & kamikazes

Links to further resources:
www.liquid–body.com
Spots on GlobalSurfers

About the author:
My name is Tim Goetsch , ( liquidbody@gmail.com ), and I’m a local from San Juan, La Union and I have been surfing since 1996. I recently started my own business called Liquid Body Surf Co. with my brother, to support Philippine surfing. I love surfing and I want to share the Philippine brakes with anyone you knows how to appreciate the sport, nature and the locals. The Philippines need a bit of support and with anyone coming here you’ll play a big part of making Philippine surfing grow.