TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
" Discover the beauty of our islands. Have an adventure. Catch a wave. Fall insanely in love with surfing.”
wave of the year. Surfing, for me, is not just a sport, but a big and essential part of my life. It’ s the reason why my photo albums and journals are full of images and adventure stories of the people I’ ve met from around the world, the waves I’ ve ridden, the islands I’ ve discovered and the road trips I’ ve gone on.
The Philippines has the most beautiful islands and coasts lined with undiscovered waves. People are friendly, travel is cheap, and adventure is bound to happen anywhere. I may be biased when I say this, but as much as I enjoyed surfing in other countries like in the US or in Indonesia, surfing my home break beats all the hype written in other magazines. Ten years ago, there was only a group of surfers from each surf spot and everyone knew everyone else by name. Now that number has multiplied ten times, if not more, and there are more surf resorts, surf shops, surf schools, restaurants and other businesses.
This little article on my two favorite surf spots in the Philippines will hopefully give you a preview of what it’ s all about, help you out on where to go and what to do if you’ re interested, and inspire you to try it.
Favorite Surf Spot NUMBER 1: LA UNION
Why I Like It: It is one of the closest spots from Manila with decent surf- only five to six hours by car / bus and 45 minutes by plane. La Union is perfect for beginners because of the many surf schools that are constantly growing in the area, as well as the beach break. The beach break is a spot where waves break on a sand bottom so you don’ t have to worry about getting hit by the reef or stones. There are also other spots, with or without reef, which are better suited for more advanced surfers. There are quite a number of surf schools and resorts to choose from and there are also different kinds of places to eat at that can suit any budget. Locals here treat you like they’ ve known you forever and are always willing to give you some tips to improve your ride. They’ ll even invite you to their table to have a beer! I’ ve made so many friends here that I’ ve even learned to speak Ilocano – the local language. La Union will always have a special place in my heart.
Type of Surf: Small to big waves for learn-
ing, longboarding and shortboarding.
Place To Stay At: San Juan Surf Resort. I’ ve been staying here for as long as I remember and already consider the staff and the owners as family. A lot of surfers from around the world come and spend weeks or even months here. My friend Luke Landrigan, who is part of the Billabong team, owns the Billabong Surf School where students can learn take lessons or rent boards. I’ ve actually even
70 7107 ISLAND TRAVEL