Part 1 of 3 La Union Surfing (Summer Surfari in San Juan)

A young surfer challenging the waves of San Juan, La Union

Visit these links 
Part 2 of 3 La Union Surfing - Summer Surfari in San Juan
Part 3 of 3 La Union Surfing - Summer Surfari in San Juan 


Surfing Safari- A surfing trip; a hunt for good surf

It has been decades ago in Micronesia when I first attempted to surf. As I helped sell windsurfers, catamarans and other surfing and big game fishing gears little did I know it was part of the job description to crash test dummy for these too and the reward was to have ended up front page for a daily riding the surf which was a cowabunga moment. When I went back after my radical sabbatical, surfing and I unfortunately never crossed paths. Lack of information about surfing here in the Philippines has left me and countless others with much inhibition to try the sport.  Now, I am on a mission. The beach boys sang it and I will say it...C’mon Surfari with me!

Surf’s up! Where?

A young surfer "flying" over the waves

There are a lot of factors to consider on deciding whether to go surfari north or south of the Philippines. Distance, tides/seasons, finances.  Mention surfing and someone will surely shout out Siargao, the surfing capital south of the Philippines known as the arena for gnarly waves but would require a steep spend and longer stay to savor the experience.  I only had the weekend free so accessibility is key.  I am on a tight budget and expense comparisons between the two, north to La Union is friendlier for the budget traveler.    La Union surf is blessed with two seasons from July to October which is great for novice riders and November to March where the breaks are more consistent and bigger yet still offering breaks perfect for grommets (young surfers) and the likes of me rekindling my long lost love affair with surfing. 






Due to my long absence in surfing, I won’t dare cloud 9 in Siargao just yet, I am praying though the tides in La Union will be kinder and be a good teacher as I start surfing 101 all-over again.

A surf instructor showing the basics of a good surf

With my considerations I opted to go north to Brgy. San Juan in the friendly town of Urbiztondo, La Union known for the best breaks catering to both beginners and seasoned surfers.

Cool face paint, pink shades, graying hair complement this senior surf guru

 

To get to this surf capital up north, take your pick. Fly, car, van rental or take the bus.  By air, PAL, Asian Spirit, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific can fly you to San Fernando city in La union then hop on a tricycle to San Juan.  Road trip on a car or a van would be nice but cramped. By car, travel time could take around 5 hrs, gas cost for your car and van rental cost (more or less P5000 depending on your transaction) will drain you even before you go on your trip. 

The best way to go to La Union is to take the road mammoths that seem to plow their way through onto a destination, where my only concern will be when the next stop is to use the can.  I chose to take the bus because of the NO FUSS. I didn’t have to go to any office for reservation, or make bank deposits or do full car check-up for the trip and no transfers. I simply had to go to the bus terminal in EDSA, paid for my ticket (P385 1-way going to La Union), made sure I told the operator I was going to San Juan, La Union and drop me off at Sebay Resort. 

A young surfer riding the rough waves of San Juan, La Union

Once I had the ticket, got into my bus and I was set. The ride took roughly 5hrs with all the pee(it)-stops, pick-ups and drop-offs. From Sebay resort, I checked out accommodations along the beach and what a relief when I learned that I only had to go back to the drop-off point and wait for the same bus line of choice with placards that says Cubao/Pasay and be well on my way back to Manila. How easy was that?!  Had I known it was a cinch I would’ve done this long time ago. 


Visit these links
Part 2 of 3 La Union Surfing - Summer Surfari in San Juan 
Part 3 of 3 La Union Surfing - Summer Surfari in San Juan


----------------------


Side-Bars

Air Lines:

Zest Air

Domestic Road, Andrews Ave., Pasay City

Tel. (632) 8531957 / 8547158

Cebu Pacific

NAIA T3 Andrews Ave., Pasay City

Tel. (632) 7020888

www.Cebupacificair.com

PAL (Philippine Air Lines)

PNB Financial Center, President Diosdado Macapagal Ave.,

CCP Complex,  Pasay City

Tel. (632) 8558888

www.webmgr@pd.com.ph

Tel: (072) 720-0340

Sebay Resort/Surf Central

www.sebay.cjb.net

Email: sebayresort@yahoo.com

Tel: (072) 2425484

Bus Lines:

Partas

Pasay City, EDSA

Tel.(632) 8514025

Or

Bernardino St., Aurora Blvd.,Cubao

Tel.(632) 7257303, 7251740; 7251256; 7249820

Farinas

Lacson St., Sampaloc, Manila

Tel. (632) 7438582

Resorts/Accommodations in San Juan,Urbiztondo, La Union:

San Juan Surf Resort/Billabong Surf School

www.sanjuansurfresort.com.ph

Email: landrigan@sflu.com

Tel: (072) 720-0340

Sebay Resort/Surf Central

www.sebay.cjb.net

Email: sebayresort@yahoo.com

Tel: (072) 2425484

Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union

Part 2 of 3 La Union Surfing (Summer Surfari in San Juan)

Accommodations in The Stretch (San Juan,Urbiztondo)

Long boards await their surfers in San Juan Surf Resort

Accommodations were pretty standard in the stretch, fan rooms for 2 around P700 pesos, a/c rooms for 2 around P1,300 for an overnight stay. For more comfortable amenities in more upkeep resorts just add around P1500. For group packages maximum of 20pax you can easily scout cottages that can house you overnight at around P3000.  

Choose your ride! A surf shop in San Juan, La Union

It all boils down to the feel for the resort of choice.  All of the resorts here offer reasonably priced stays that won’t burn a hole in ones pocket.  Almost all resorts offer surfing lessons for around P400 (board rental/instructors fee). And yes, some resorts are Wi-Fi ready!

Surf Nation

"That was totally guster bro.", "That was a kamikaze wave!”…  Once I heard these on the beach I knew I was definitely in surfers paradise.  La Union Surfing is a mix of Aussie (Australian), Cal (Californian), Hawaiian inspiration blended in local surfing.  A lot of expats and servicemen have reached this place and decided to stay here for good just like the concept of surfing.

La Union is located in the southwestern part of Region I bounded on the north by Ilocos Sur, on the south by Pangasinan, on the east by Benguet, and on the west by the China Sea.  Tagalog is used but Ilocano is the common dialect. English by American influence is spoken here too. In the 1970’s the Americans held different bases in the northern region like Subic, Camp John Hay and Wallace.  Surf loving servicemen stationed here would frequent beaches of this region for their down-time and discovered the great surf possibilities. 

Surf board multi-level parking

The discovery has turned this leisure into a sport and a passion and has been handed down as a way of living, a tourist destination, and now a surf nation.

Rule #1

Be mindful of other surfers waves.  There’s nothing like someone who’s oblivious to other surfers and hogs every wave that comes in.  Like someone stealing your thunder.  Common courtesy please.  Surfing also has an etiquette.

Gung Ho!

With all the rudiments, the science, the do’s and don’ts, the wipe-out stories with battle scars to prove it, I was still bent to rip (surf to my hearts content). The best teacher is experience so I mustered my energies and I went gung ho!  My heart beat raced while my brain was still recalling pointers as I waited for my perfect wave.  

At a distance, it taunted me. I knew it was challenging me for a ride.  Never chicken… and well more because it was too late to scaredy-off and disappoint my instructor.  I took a deep breath and paddled with everything I was worth. The wave seemed like a big kahuna, a tsunami even but that’s just in my head in reality it may have been just an itsy bitsy wave, never the less I paddled like a maniac. 

I felt the moment I was on my ride and knew almost instinctively when to pop-up into form.  It was my first attempt and I owned it! I rode it to the shore, slapping high five’s with my instructor and other surfer dudes and dudettes watching from the sands. I was ecstatic, I don’t mean to brag but it was a feat specially for a Rrr-Aging Betty (a girl that surfs) or a squid (a newcomer/beginner).  

It was addicting even when I fell face first, even when I brushed up the reef enduring scrapes and gashes.  It took its toll though when I was stung by a very mean jelly-fish with a sensation of excruciating and electrifying pain that would initially cause anyone a minor panic attack. First aid, just pour some vinegar on it and leave it alone even if it’s painful and itchy.  It left a long black mark on my forearm sad to say but well worth it.  Every scar on my body has some interesting and some just ludicrous story to tell. This mark on my forearm is a medal for sheer valor for my battle with a man-of-war jelly-fish on my surfing expedition in La Union.  I would suggest sun block spf50, board shorts and long-sleeved rash guards when you surf.

Major surf stations along San Juan beach stretch are (Australian owned) San Juan Surf Resort/Billabong Surf school, (Filipino owned) Sebay Resort/Surf Central, (German owned) Mona Lisa Cottages. Other La Union surfing sites to try on your surfari are Darigayos, Poro Point, The Point, Urbiztondo Beach Break. Other surf destinations in the Philippines aside from La Union and Siargao are Baler Bay in Sabang, Quezon or better yet further south of Sabang where you can find the best surf point in Cemento featured in International surf magazines. Puraran Bay, south of Catanduanes land of the Howling Winds. Infanta and Real Surfing worthy to explore. Last but not least, Calicoan Island in Eastern Samar, Leyte its white-beaches and big waves make it a haven among surfers worldwide.

Surf Lingo

A whole new nation with a whole new language.  Surfers have their own lingo and you might find yourself getting lost in translation at times.  Here are some of the most commonly used terms to help you out when you cross the boarder.

• Amped - Overdoing it; excited; stoked.
• Awesome - Great; fantastic
• Beach Bunny – A chick who watches surfers and pretends they can surf
• Bogus - False; lame; ridiculous; unbelievable
• Boogie Board - A soft, flexible foam body board invented in the 1970s (unlike a surfboard, a boogie board is ridden lying down).
• Bummer - Too bad; a total drag.
• Deck - upper surface of surfboard
• Dude - A male surfing enthusiast (women are referred to as "dudettes")
• Gnarly - Treacherous; large and dangerous
• Grommet - A young /beginner surfer
• Hang Five/Ten - To place five (or ten) toes over the nose of the surfboard
• Hit the Surf - to go surfing
• Hot-Dogging - Fancy surfing done by a skilled surfer.
• Kahuna -The Hawaiian god of sun, sand, and surf, a big wave.
• Kamikaze - Riding the board at the nose with arms held straight out to each side.
• Leash – Urethane cord which attaches the board to the surfer by means of a Velcro strap
• Long board – a surfboard eight to ten feet long
• Massive – 1 big wave
• Men in Grey Suits - sharks
• Nose - The bow or front end of a surfboard.
• Off the Richter - Used to describe something that's very good, excellent, "off the scale"
• Pop-up – Quick jump up on to your board in a standing or crouched position
• Poser - A surfer "want to-be"; someone who only dresses the part.
• Primo - The best
• Psyche – Just kidding dude.
• Psyched – Thrilled by surfing the wave, excited, stoked, amped.
• Quasimoto - Riding forward in a hunched-over position
• Rad/Radical -Very good; tops; excellent
• Rails - The rounded edges of the surfboard.
• Rippin’/Ripping – Surf hard and energetically making excellent maneuvers and controlling the wave
• Surfs Up - Waves are breaking and surfable.
• Stoked - Happy; excited; contented.
• Surfari - A surfing trip; a hunt for good surf.
• Switch-foot – A surfer who can surf with either foot forward
• Tail - The stern or rear end of a surfboard.
• Wax - Substance applied to the top, or deck, of surfboards for traction.
• Wicked – Something really good, totally awesome,sweeeet

Surf lingo has evolved and you can check out more modern terms commonly used at www.Riptionary.com.  Even surf music has evolved from the Beach Boys, the Revelaires, Surfaris to an upbeat/pop Gwen Stefani, louder Gorillaz, and more amped almost to a shockwave  Dare Devil Jane.

Where’s the GRUB at?

After a physically punishing activity under the sun, I was spent and hungry.  After trying several food establishments on the stretch, I was belly satisfied with the food served at Sebay Resort/Restaurant. Plating was primo, hefty and superbly tasty yet the price was right. I would recommend eating there all meals of the day. Must try’s are the wonderful omelets and toast for breakfast P100, literally not for the faint of heart crispy pata P300 or their house specialty bulalo which my friends from France tremendously enjoyed for lunch and the pancit bihon P100 with generous amounts of “sahog” meat and vegetables for dinner, all good for sharing. I ate as I watched the goings-on by the beach, the summer breeze blowing away my aches and pains.  Fruit shake or ice cold beer at hand calming the senses for a relaxing siesta.

--------------------------

Side-Bars

Air Lines:

Zest Air

Domestic Road, Andrews Ave., Pasay City

Tel. (632) 8531957 / 8547158

Cebu Pacific

NAIA T3 Andrews Ave., Pasay City

Tel. (632) 7020888

www.Cebupacificair.com

PAL (Philippine Air Lines)

PNB Financial Center, President Diosdado Macapagal Ave.,

CCP Complex,  Pasay City

Tel. (632) 8558888

www.webmgr@pd.com.ph

Tel: (072) 720-0340

Sebay Resort/Surf Central

www.sebay.cjb.net

Email: sebayresort@yahoo.com

Tel: (072) 2425484

Bus Lines:

Partas

Pasay City, EDSA

Tel.(632) 8514025

Or

Bernardino St., Aurora Blvd.,Cubao

Tel.(632) 7257303, 7251740; 7251256; 7249820

Farinas

Lacson St., Sampaloc, Manila

Tel. (632) 7438582

Resorts/Accommodations in San Juan,Urbiztondo, La Union:

San Juan Surf Resort/Billabong Surf School

www.sanjuansurfresort.com.ph

Email: landrigan@sflu.com

Tel: (072) 720-0340

Sebay Resort/Surf Central

www.sebay.cjb.net

Email: sebayresort@yahoo.com

Tel: (072) 2425484

Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union

Part 3 of 3 La Union Surfing (Summer Surfari in San Juan)

Chill Pill? No?

Kids play with San Juan, La Union sunset in the background

I just didn’t feel like taking a chill pill or just sleep on the beach.  I don’t really indulge on siestas so I scouted the stretch for some other things to do.  I had a fun-filled day engaging in different beach activities like beach volleyball, kayaking, fishing, trekking/hiking, boogie board, drink Basi with the locals, Scuba diving at Fagg reef where visibility is excellent most of the time. 

Fishermen enjoying a round of gin and "basi"

If you have more time on your hands, discover other tourism attractions.  One can go retrace the pages of History as you visit sites like Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Marker for the Battle of San Fernando, Luna Watchtower.  Immerse yourself culturally and go to Museo de La Union where pre-Spanish archeological finds are showcased or go to Brgy.Taboc in San Juan and witness how clay potteries are made. The very popular Basi, Ilocano native wine is made from sugar cane juice and the bark of “duhat” tree that gives Basi its deep rich color can be visited in Lioac, Naguilian.  On a religious tour, the Agoo Basilica of Mexican-Baroque architecture houses the image of the miraculous “Lady of Charity”, century old Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan houses the miraculous image of “Our Lady of Namacpacan” patroness of Ilocano travelers located at the town of Luna. Macho Temple in San Fernando is a Chinese temple where the image of the Virgin of Casasay, patroness of Filipino-Chinese residents is enshrined.

Beach volleyball - a popular after surfing sport

If these historical, cultural and religious sites are not enough, climb up the Mountain Province of Baguio which is just an hour’s drive from La Union, bus rides are not hard to find, simply hail a ride on the hi-way.

Good news for those who don’t enjoy long rides and might not want to face nature’s force just yet, 2 words…Indoor surfing! Located in Taytay, Rizal just 30minutes drive from Ortigas, OceanWaves a man-made wave pool awaits. 2 million gallons of water in a pool equal to the size of 10 basketball courts. 

To know more about OceanWaves log onto www.clubmanilaeast.com, to learn about the sport log onto www.philippinesurfingacademy.com.

A Force To Be Reckoned With

A surfer taking a fall

La Union is no Boracay or El Nido when it comes to white-powdered beaches and other luxuries. La Union is pure Spartan way of living and all about the sun and the surf.  


Raging waves are a force of nature to be reckoned with and at most have a good compromise.  Show perseverance and endurance and nature will respect you enough to let you ride its waves.  The challenge of surfing brought out the best in me and until now it amazes me how I kept on trying no matter how many times I’ve fallen and no matter how nasty the falls were. 

A young surfer about to take on the waves of San Juan, La Union

Surfing challenged me physically but it also gave me a  bodacious philosophy to live by.  I will surely frequent La Union for its sons, sand, the sun and the surf and soon surfari south of the Philippines.  Hang Loose and Surf’s Up!

Side-Bar

Air Lines:

Zest Air

Domestic Road, Andrews Ave., Pasay City

Tel. (632) 8531957 / 8547158

Cebu Pacific

NAIA T3 Andrews Ave., Pasay City

Tel. (632) 7020888

www.Cebupacificair.com

PAL (Philippine Air Lines)

PNB Financial Center, President Diosdado Macapagal Ave.,

CCP Complex,  Pasay City

Tel. (632) 8558888

www.webmgr@pd.com.ph

Bus Lines:

Partas

Pasay City, EDSA

Tel.(632) 8514025

Or

Bernardino St., Aurora Blvd.,Cubao

Tel.(632) 7257303, 7251740; 7251256; 7249820

Farinas

Lacson St., Sampaloc, Manila

Tel. (632) 7438582

Resorts/Accommodations in San Juan,Urbiztondo, La Union:

San Juan Surf Resort/Billabong Surf School

www.sanjuansurfresort.com.ph

Email: landrigan@sflu.com

Tel: (072) 720-0340

Sebay Resort/Surf Central

www.sebay.cjb.net

Email: sebayresort@yahoo.com

Tel: (072) 2425484

Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union Surf Surfing Surfari Billabong Surf School San Juan Surf Resort Surfer Surf Guru Landrigan Sebay Resort Urbiztondo La Union San Juan La Union