Riding the waves in the Philippines
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- Category: What To Do
- Published on Saturday, 21 January 2012 07:33
Although surfers have been enjoying Philippine waves since the 1960s, surfing as a sport has begun to increase in popularity only relatively recently. With over 7000 islands making up the archipelago, and a coastline over twice the length of the United States, the Philippines’ geography presents surfers with lots of choices.
Basically, there are two main areas: the east coast, on the side of the Pacific Ocean, or the west coast, bordered by the West Philippine Sea. Between these two, visitors will find a wealth of great surfing options of varying difficulty.
In general, the east coast offers more consistent waves, especially during the northeast monsoon season between November and April. The west coast, though it has somewhat more fickle surfing conditions, can still deliver an excellent experience, especially in the southwestern region off the island of Palawan. What’s more, waves are rarely crowded, accommodation is easy to arrange, and most local residents can speak and understand English. When you couple these great surfing breaks with the Philippines’ famous white sand beaches, what you get is an unforgettable vacation experience.
Famous surfing sites the Philippines has to offer:
Siargao, Surigao del Norte
Often referred to as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao is home to the famous “Cloud 9” wave, well known for its distinctive long, hollow tube. Many expert surfers come to enjoy the Cloud 9 break throughout the year, but the most popular time to visit is during the months of August until November, since this is when the best winds and typhoon swells come to Siargao.
Baras, Catanduanes
Rivaling Siargao’s Cloud 9 wave, the “Majestics” reef break in the isolated cove of Puraran Bay, Baras offers a fast, hollow, right-handed barrel of a wave. Reaching above 6 feet in optimal conditions, the Majestics break is not a wave for beginners, and protective gear is highly recommended. If you’re an experienced surfer looking for the best time to enjoy the Baras scene, come visit between August and January.
San Fernando, La Union
Located about five hours away from Manila, San Fernando has around nine unique surf breaks. The most popular break, the Monaliza, is a two to four feet high wave that is ideal for long boarders. For the best surfing experience, visit San Fernando between October and February. Resorts in the area are plentiful and can accommodate travelers of any budget level.
Related Links on Philippine Surfing:
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