Currently, surfing can be
considered as one of the hottest sport in the Philippines. Aside from having
naturally amazing surfing spots all over the country, more and more locals are
interested in trying out this sport. Well, who wouldn't, right? With surfing
you get to be on the beach, wait for the next wave, then surf freely only to
worry not falling from your board. Oh! And allow us to warn you, it's kinda
addicting...but in a good way.
If you're planning to make
surfing a new hobby of yours and now you're searching for everything you need
to know about it, then you're just on the right track! We prepared this
comprehensive guide to help surf enthusiasts just like you before riding those
real waves! Read more below:
What is Surfing?
In today's world, surfing is no longer just a
sport but it's already a culture that unites every surfer wherever part of the
globe they may be. So, before you start buying your own surfboard and going out
there to catch waves, make sure to understand first what is surfing.
Surfing is a complex sport wherein a person stands up on a
surfboard then navigate through a moving wave that's in an upright position and
almost parallel to the beach. The main goal is to ride through the unbroken
part of the wave but the tricky part is that no waves are the same because of
various elements such as the tide and wind.
We’re not gonna lie, surfing is both exhilarating
and amazing, that's why a surfer must have balance, strength, and endurance
which can all be achieved by exercising and practicing.
What is the difference between Surf Break and Surf
Spot?
In the surf slang, waves are
also known as Swell. These are a series of waves that are generated by storms and weather
systems then start to break once it reaches the shallow waters. The strength and
size of the swell depend on the distance the wave traveled and the strength and
duration of the wind blowing.
Then there are also the
so-called Surf Break and Surf Spot. Most people tend to confuse these two but,
here’s what you should keep in mind.
Surf Break refers to the obstructed zone where waves break either
over sands, curved shorelines, or coral seabed.
There are three major types of surf breaks that produce a different
style of swells. First is the Beach Break, an area where the waves break on the sandy seabed.
This place is perfect for beginners since it has a softer and safer bottom.
Second is the Point Break wherein the waves hit a headland or jetty that was
created by an extended shoreline. In here, waves are longer and well-formed.
The third is the Reef Break, an area where waves break on a coral reef or rocky
bottom creating predictable yet powerful and steeper waves. These waves are
also considered to be more dangerous since the coral reef below can be sharp
which is why surfers must use extra caution. On the other hand, Surf Spot is
simply the area where the Surf Break hits.
Why is Surf Etiquette Important?
Surf Etiquette is simply a set of rules that allows surfers to be in
harmony with each other and improve their surfing experience. People will also
tell you that it's the most important thing that you should learn before you
surf and that is true. It's more like a "code of conduct" wherein a
surfer must be considerate, communicates well, and respect others in order to
gain respect as well. Below are the major NO-NOs that both beginner and expert
surfer must always remember and follow:
#1 Observe Right of Way- This can also be referred to as wave priority. One must know that
whoever surfer is the closest to the breaking wave has the right to ride the
wave. Communication is also important here. If you're paddling to the right and
the surfer on your left is paddling for the wave, then you must yield. Here are
the surfers who get the right of way:
- Furthest Out
- Closest to the Peak
- First Feet or on the Wave
#2 Do not Drop-in- When someone in the right of way is already riding the wave, do not
take off on the same wave in front of him/her. Not only you're going to block
his ride thru the line but it's also dangerous for the both of you.
#3 Do not Snake- Unpleasant as it may sound but "Snaking" is when a surfer
paddles himself around another surfer to get into the right of way of the wave.
He is like making a big "S" around the other surfer.
#4 Do not Throw your Board- This rule can be difficult for beginners who easily panic when they
fell into the water. Remember that surfboards are hard and heavy, if you let it
fly around it might hit someone.
#5 Apologize- If you accidentally break these rules or messes up someone's wave,
make sure to apologize. It's very much appreciated!
#6 RESPECT THE BEACH AND ENJOY YOUR TIME! - You know this
already! ;)
What are the different Surfer’s Skill Levels?
Surfing is also a dynamic
sport which means anyone regardless of their age can try it. Just like any
other sports, the more practice you make, the faster you progress. It does take
time but it's definitely worth it!
A surfer's skill level is
commonly classified into three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and the Expert.
The Beginner is obviously
the first-timers. It may be their first time to attach fins to a surfboard,
don't know yet the proper surfing pose, has no idea yet on what to do when
riding waves, or someone who just finished their first surfing lesson.
Then there's the Intermediate or someone who is able to take off a shoulder-high wave smoothly. They
know how to duck dive, bailout, maintain a linear trajectory on the surf line,
and even read a surf report and plan sessions ahead of time. The Intermediate
surfer also knows the bottom-turn and the cutback maneuvers.
And the last is the Expert or a person
who's comfortable in all types of waves and able to pull off various tricks
such as aerial maneuvers. This person knows where they should be at the right
time, rarely gets wiped out, and studies the behavior of the wave for him to be
able to adjust smoothly.
If you "feel
in-between" these levels or not confident enough to surf, always remember
that everyone starts somewhere and that practice makes perfect!
What kind of Surf Board should you use?
Often times, getting the
correct surfboard is the trick to learning fast on how to surf. Aside from the waves, Surf Board is essential
when surfing.
There are various elements to
it that you must consider if you want to purchase one such as material, style,
and type. One must also consider your skill
and fitness level, height and weight,
and the types of waves you'll be
surfing. Why? Because these factors are the one that'll affect your
performance!
For Beginners, make sure to
opt for a big and longer board since it offers more room for stability and helps you
to float easier. Choose a surfboard with a soft top that's around 7-8 foot
mark, 22-23 inches wide, and 3 inches thick.
Where is the best Surfing Spots in the Philippines?
To be honest, there are
several awesome spots in the Philippines that offers great waves that you can
surf to that's why it's really kinda hard to choose where is the best one. But,
we don't want to leave you hanging in there that’s why we’ll tell you where the
best of the best is!
Also known as “Surfing Capital
of the Philippines”, Siargao Island is located at Surigao Del Norte that earned its
moniker because of its strong waves coming from the Pacific Ocean. This place
attracts both foreigners and locals since it offers various types of waves
(left and right-hand breaks) for all level of surfers. There are about 12 surf
spots and here are some of the surfer's favorites: Jacking
Horse, Tuason
Point, Rock
Island, Stimpy's, and Pacifico.
But the most famous one is Cloud 9! A right-hand
surf break that is ranked as one of the best surfing spots in the world. From
the beach, you'll find numerous surf shacks where you can rent a surfboard and
hands-on local surf instructors that'll help you with the world of surfing. You
can also find here the iconic Cloud 9 boardwalk, a 3-story wooden walkway that
allows spectators to have an unobstructed view of the area, especially during
national and international surfing cups. Although the waves here can get up to
7 feet and not really a recommended place for newbies, still, Cloud 9 is a
great place to watch experts and learn from them!
Oh! And before we forgot, you
might also be wondering when the best time to
surf here is? Well, the best time is from
the month of August 'till the month of
November since that is the time when the
Southwest Monsoon or the Habagat generates offshore winds creating barreling
waves. If you want to watch the Surfing Cup make sure to visit here in
September. ;)
How to Surf?
Here’s our Bonus for you! If you want to try
surfing but still in doubt if you'll be good at it, we're here to give you an
easy step-by-step guide on how to surf!! Watch our video below:
Doesn’t have any idea what’s your itinerary should be? Fret
no more we got you cover, check our blog: SIARGAO TRAVEL GUIDE FOR BOTH SURFERS AND NON-SURFERS
Don’t have a hotel yet? Check out our recommended hotels
& resorts: NAY PALAD
HIDEAWAY: YOUR LUXURY HOME FOR YOUR NEXT VACATION
Looking
for a good dining place, check out this link for our recommended
restaurants: SIARGAO FOOD
CRAWL
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