Surfin’ It Hot: 7 Awesome Surfing Spots in the Philippines

It’s really getting hot in here, and even taking your clothes off won’t make a difference. So before you get a heat stroke, you might as well enjoy this extremely hot weather with those pro (or beginner) surfing skills you’ve had for the past non-surfing-ish seasons.

Surfing is one of the most in-trend activities this season, but for some it’s a huge pain in the wallet. From the pricey surfboard to planning a visit to a beach with beautiful waves, it sounds like a fortune. But heck, with this kind of heat you wouldn’t even know if you’ll last the whole summer, so it wouldn’t hurt to make use of it before it ends. Like they say, YOLO.

Sure, you may already know one or two spots, but knowing a few more won’t harm you, uh, your budget maybe. Here are seven surfing spots to consider on your upcoming beach visit.

1. Baler, Aurora

One reason some surfers hesitate over a spot is the lack of waves. Don’t worry about that here: professionals say the waves in the Pacific are always and consistently present. If you forget your surfing stuff, there are several surf shops just outside the resorts, and board rentals and surfing lessons are available.

2. Siargao

It may have been released many years ago, but the “Halika, Biyahe Tayo” tourism song, with Jessa Zaragosa’s highly distinguishable voice belting out “mag-surfing sa Siargao” (admit it, you sang it in Jessa’s voice in your head; for those who haven’t heard it, ask Google), still speaks the truth. Siargao remains one of the most perfect surfing spots in the country, and it wasn’t named the Surfing Capital of the Philippines for nothing. Because of that title, it may not pass your standards if you want a more laid-back place. Still, the big waves are inviting you to go and see for yourself.

3. Mati, Davao Oriental

Don’t you just love white beaches? Not the mainstream white sands of Boracay, where there aren’t many waves to surf. Another beach with handsome Pacific waves is in Mati, Davao Oriental. One of its famous surfing beaches is Dahican, a 7-kilometer stretch of white sand and clear, blue Pacific waters. It’s Mindanao’s pride, called the Skimboarding Capital of Mindanao.

4. Pagudpud

This one may be highly frequented these days, but if you’re an avid or frustrated surfer, you mustn’t leave it off your list. Don’t worry much about the crowd: the wide sea can still accommodate you and your board. Even as a beginner, there’s no need to be intimidated by the gigantic waves, as surfing spots are always open to newbies. The long travel to Ilocos will be worth it, and you can always make pit stops at its other tourist spots.

5. San Juan, La Union

According to surf enthusiasts, La Union is the nearest surf spot from Manila. Driving through TPLEX cuts the usual 6-hour trip to 3-4 hours, depending on how fast you drive and how eager you are to surf. Beginners need not worry: a surfing session for newbies, with instructor and board rental, is available for as low as P400. Not bad, right? If you already surf but don’t have a board, you can rent one for only P200 or so. This may be the nearest, cheapest, and most enjoyable surfing trip yet.

Aside from the waves, what we love more about La Union is its sunset, one of the most beautiful in the Philippines. Personally, my first surfing lesson was in La Union. In this photo, surfer and surf resort owner Luke Landrigan walks along the beach with his surfboard as the sun is about to set.

6. Bagasbas, Daet, Camarines Norte

Camarines Norte is known for its stretch of beautiful beaches and, yes, equally beautiful tourists. One of the most frequented but not-too-crowded beaches in the South is Bagasbas in Daet. Nice waves invite you to surf as soon as you set foot in the area, and every selfie and groufie will be social-media worthy thanks to the picturesque view. On our recent trip to the famed Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte, we dropped by Bagasbas for a few hours of surfing. The waves are perfect for beginners.

7. Taytay, Rizal

You may wonder how on Earth a surfing spot can emerge where there are no wide beaches. Club Manila East doesn’t need a beach: it has a man-made wave pool where you control how big or small you want your waves. It’s definitely a safe spot for beginners, and for those who always go for the great big ones. It’s also very accessible, probably the nearest one in the Metro.

What are you waiting for? Beat the summer heat with the refreshing splash of waves. Besides, it’s better to get tanned at the beach than under the scorching city sun. Now go, the waves are summoning you. Get wet and have a great time.

Photos from 1fotonin.com, pulauluxurycharters.com, islandsofthephilippines.com, kawayansiargaoresort.com, dylanuy, roomsbooking.com, lifestyle.inquirer.net, livetoexplore.ph, traveltrilogy.com.