If you’re a surfer, the Philippines is a must-visit destination. With over 7,000 islands, the country is home to some of the best surfing spots in the world. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, there’s a perfect wave waiting for you in the Philippines.
One of the most popular surf spots in the Philippines is Siargao Island. It’s known for its world-class reef breaks and has even been dubbed the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines.” But Siargao isn’t the only surf spot worth checking out. From La Union to Baler, there are plenty of other destinations that offer great waves and beautiful scenery. So grab your board and get ready to ride some of the best waves in the world.
If you’re new to surfing, don’t worry. The Philippines has plenty of beginner-friendly spots where you can learn to catch your first wave. And if you’re already an experienced surfer, you’ll find plenty of challenging breaks to test your skills. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, the Philippines has something for everyone.
Understanding Surf in the Philippines
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If you’re planning to surf in the Philippines, it’s important to understand the country’s surf culture and conditions. The Philippines is home to many beautiful beaches and islands, but it’s also one of the most sought-after surf spots in the world.
The country’s surf season typically runs from September to April, with the peak season being from November to February. During this time, the weather is generally dry, and offshore winds blow from the east, creating ideal conditions for surfing. The water temperature is warm, ranging from 24°C to 30°C, making it comfortable to surf in board shorts or a rash guard.
The Philippines has a variety of surf spots, including reef breaks and beach breaks. The most famous surf spot in the country is Cloud 9 in Siargao Island, which is known for its perfect barrels. Other popular surf spots include San Juan in La Union, Baler in Aurora, and Real in Quezon.
When surfing in the Philippines, it’s important to be aware of the tides. High tides can create powerful waves, while low tides can expose rocks and reefs. It’s also important to be mindful of the weather conditions, as typhoons can hit the country during the surf season.
The Philippines is located in the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, which means that it’s exposed to both north and south swells. North swells are more common during the surf season, but south swells can also create great waves.
In summary, the Philippines is a great destination for surfers of all levels. With its warm waters, beautiful beaches, and variety of surf spots, it’s no wonder why it’s become a popular surf destination. Just remember to be mindful of the tides and weather conditions, and you’re sure to have a great time surfing in the Philippines.
Top Surf Spots for Beginners
If you’re new to surfing, the Philippines has plenty of beginner-friendly spots to choose from. Here are some of the top surf spots for beginners:
San Juan, La Union
San Juan in La Union is a popular spot for both beginners and pros alike. The waves here are consistent and gentle, making it the perfect spot for those just starting out. San Juan is also just a 5-hour ride from Manila, making it easily accessible for those staying in the city.
Baler, Aurora
Baler is another great spot for beginners, with its sandy beach break and gentle waves. It’s also a popular spot for more experienced surfers, so there’s always a good mix of people in the water. Baler is located around 5-6 hours away from Manila, but the journey is worth it for the great waves and laid-back vibe.
Real, Quezon
Real in Quezon is a great spot for beginner surfers looking for a quieter, less crowded spot. The waves here are gentle and the beach is long and sandy, making it perfect for practicing your skills. Real is also just a few hours away from Manila, making it a great weekend getaway spot.
Zambales
Zambales has a number of beginner-friendly surf spots, including San Narciso and Crystal Beach. The waves here are small and gentle, and there are plenty of surf schools and rental shops in the area to help you get started. Zambales is also just a few hours away from Manila, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway.
Guiuan and Calicoan Island, Eastern Samar
Guiuan and Calicoan Island in Eastern Samar are two lesser-known surf spots that are perfect for beginners. The waves here are small and gentle, and the beaches are quiet and uncrowded. There are a few surf schools and rental shops in the area, but it’s still a relatively undeveloped spot, making it perfect for those looking for a more laid-back surf experience.
Top Surf Spots for Intermediate Surfers
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If you’ve already mastered the basics of surfing and are looking for more challenging waves, the Philippines has a lot to offer. Here are some top surf spots for intermediate surfers:
Siargao Island
Siargao Island is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines and is a must-visit destination for any surfer. It offers a variety of breaks, from beach breaks to barreling reef breaks. Most of the waves are more suited for intermediate and advanced surfers, but there are also some spots for beginners. The best time to surf in Siargao is from July to January.
San Juan, La Union
San Juan is a popular surf spot located in the province of La Union. It has a long coastline with several breaks suitable for intermediate surfers. One of the most famous waves in San Juan is the “Beach Break,” which offers long rides and is perfect for longboard surfers. The best time to surf in San Juan is from July to September.
Real, Quezon
Real is a small town located in Quezon province, just a few hours away from Metro Manila. It is home to several surf spots, including the famous “Apocalypse Now” break. The waves in Real are fast and powerful, making it a great spot for intermediate surfers looking for a challenge. The best time to surf in Real is from August to November.
Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur
Lanuza is a hidden gem located in Surigao Del Sur. It is home to the annual Lanuza Surfing Festival and offers some of the best waves in the Philippines. The waves in Lanuza are powerful and barrel, making it a perfect spot for intermediate and advanced surfers. The best time to surf in Lanuza is from November to February.
Crystal Beach, Zambales
Crystal Beach is a popular surf spot located in Zambales, just a few hours away from Metro Manila. It offers several breaks suitable for intermediate surfers, including the “Charlie’s Point” break, which was featured in the movie “Apocalypse Now.” The best time to surf in Crystal Beach is from July to January.
Bagasbas Beach, Camarines Norte
Bagasbas Beach is a long stretch of beautiful beach located in Camarines Norte. It is one of the most popular surf spots in the Bicol region and offers several breaks suitable for intermediate surfers. The best time to surf in Bagasbas Beach is from November to February.
Whether you’re looking for powerful barrel waves or long rides, these surf spots offer something for every intermediate surfer. Just remember to always check the weather and surf conditions before heading out and to respect the locals and other surfers in the water.
Top Surf Spots for Professional Surfers
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If you’re a professional surfer looking for the best surf spots in the Philippines, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the top surf spots that will challenge and excite even the most experienced surfers:
Siargao
Siargao is often referred to as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines” and is home to the world-famous Cloud 9, a barreling reef break that attracts surfers from all over the world. But Cloud 9 is not the only spot for professional surfers in Siargao. Other notable breaks include Stimpy’s, Jacking Horse, and Rock Island.
San Juan, La Union
San Juan is a popular destination for surfers of all levels, but it’s the beach breaks that make it a favorite among professional surfers. The coastline is dotted with several surf spots that offer challenging waves, including Bacnotan, Poro Point, and Carille.
Real, Quezon
Real is a small town located in the eastern part of Luzon. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, but it’s the surf that draws in the crowds. Professional surfers come to Real for its powerful waves, especially during the monsoon season from July to January.
Lanuza, Surigao Del Sur
Lanuza is a small town located in the southern part of the Philippines. It’s home to the Lanuza Surfing Festival, which attracts professional surfers from all over the world. The festival is held in November, which is the best time to catch the barrel waves at The Point.
Baler, Aurora
Baler is a popular destination for longboard surfers, but it also offers some of the best waves for professional surfers in the Philippines. Cemento Beach is a go-to destination for pro surfers worldwide, thanks to its large and powerful waves.
Baras, Catanduanes
Baras is a small town located on the eastern coast of Catanduanes. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, but it’s the surf that draws in the crowds. Professional surfers come to Baras for its barreling reef breaks, including Puraran and Binurong.
Whether you’re looking for barreling reef breaks, beach breaks, or powerful waves, the Philippines has something to offer every professional surfer. Just make sure to plan your surfing trip during the right season, which varies depending on the surf spot. And don’t forget to check out the local surf shops for all your surfing needs.
Best Time to Surf in the Philippines
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The Philippines is a year-round surfing destination, but the best time to surf depends on the location and the season. Here are some of the best times to surf in the Philippines:
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October to March: This is the peak season for surfing in the Philippines. During this time, the northeast monsoon brings consistent swells to the eastern coast of Luzon, making it an ideal time to surf in places like Baler, Zambales, and Quezon.
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November to March: This is also a great time to surf in Siargao Island, as the southwest monsoon brings offshore winds and consistent waves to the island’s famous Cloud 9 break.
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July to January: This is the best time to surf in the west coast of Luzon, particularly in La Union and Zambales. During this time, the southwest monsoon brings consistent swells to the area.
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July to September: This is the best time to surf in the southern part of the Philippines, particularly in spots like Mati and Lanuza in Mindanao. During this time, the southwest monsoon brings consistent waves to the area.
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August to November: This is the best time to surf in the Bicol region, particularly in spots like Gubat and Bagasbas. During this time, the southwest monsoon brings consistent swells to the area.
Overall, the best time to surf in the Philippines depends on the location and the season. It’s best to check the surf forecast before planning your trip to ensure that you get the best waves possible.
Surf Camps and Shops in the Philippines
If you’re planning a surfing trip to the Philippines, you’ll want to check out the various surf camps and shops available throughout the country. These establishments offer everything from surf lessons to equipment rentals, making it easy for you to enjoy the waves while you’re here.
Siargao Island is undoubtedly the most popular destination for surfers in the Philippines, and it’s home to several surf camps and shops. Harana Surf Resort is one of the best-known surf camps on the island, offering accommodations, surf lessons, and board rentals. Other notable options include Kermit Surf Resort and Surfing Carabao.
If you’re looking for surf shops in Manila, you’ll find several options throughout the city. One of the most popular is Fluidsurf, which offers a wide range of surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories. Other notable shops include Coast Thru Life and Surfista Travels.
In addition to Siargao and Manila, there are several other destinations throughout the Philippines where you can find surf camps and shops. Some of the best include:
- La Union: Home to several surf camps and schools, including San Juan Surf Resort and Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel.
- Baler: This small town on the east coast of Luzon is known for its consistent waves and laid-back vibe. Check out Aliya Surf Camp or Sabang Surf School for lessons and rentals.
- Catanduanes: This island province in the Bicol region is a hidden gem for surfers, with several surf camps and breaks to explore. Check out Puraran Surf Beach Resort or Majestic Puraran for accommodations and lessons.
No matter where you choose to surf in the Philippines, you’re sure to find a welcoming community of surfers and plenty of opportunities to catch some waves.
Surfing Competitions and Festivals
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If you’re a surfing enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that the Philippines is home to several surfing competitions and festivals throughout the year. These events attract surfers from all over the world and are a great opportunity to witness some of the best surfing in the country.
One of the most popular surfing festivals in the Philippines is the Lanuza Surfing Festival. Held annually in the town of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, this festival celebrates the town’s surfing culture and attracts both local and international surfers. The festival features various surfing competitions, including shortboard and longboard competitions, as well as a skimboarding competition. In addition to the surfing competitions, there are also beach parties, live music, and other activities.
Aside from the Lanuza Surfing Festival, there are also other surfing competitions held in different parts of the country. The Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup, for example, is a professional surfing competition held annually in Siargao Island, which attracts some of the best surfers in the world. Other notable surfing competitions in the Philippines include the Baler Surfing Cup and the Philippine Wahine Classic.
Attending a surfing competition or festival in the Philippines is a great way to experience the country’s vibrant surfing culture and witness some of the best surfing in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner, you’re sure to have a great time at one of these events. So, if you’re planning a surfing trip to the Philippines, be sure to check out the schedule of upcoming surfing competitions and festivals.
