I have to admit, I was never one to jump at the chance to try surfing in Siargao. All my travel buddies had done it at least once, but I figured I was better off sticking to beach bumming and island-hopping. That all changed when I found myself in General Luna, the heart of Siargao’s surfing scene.
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Surfing in Siargao
Siargao is widely recognized as one of the best surfing destinations in the world, with warm waters, consistent swells, and a variety of breaks suitable for surfers of all levels.
Surfing Lesson for Beginners
After our half-day tour of Magpupungko Rock Pools in Pilar, my friends and I decided to take a surfing lesson in Cloud 9. Beginners can definitely surf in Siargao. However, it’s important to note that the waves in Siargao can be quite powerful and challenging, especially during the peak season. It’s recommended for beginners to take lessons from a qualified surf instructor and to start with smaller waves in order to build your skills and confidence.
There are lots of surfing instructors that you’ll run into in Cloud 9. Some of them might be a little pushy, but please be nice to them. Teaching surfing in Siargao might be their primary source of income so let’s not be snobby, okay? If you don’t want to get their service, say no in a polite manner. If you’d rather arrange your lesson ahead of time, you can also book your surfing lesson online.
My Surfing Experience in Siargao
With my main fear behind me, I was there lying down on my surf board, mock paddling in the sand and learning how to spring from a prone position to a standing position. My surf instructor said that I just have to keep paddling until the wave comes, then stand up and try not to fall in. It was a short lesson on the shore.
Catching my first wave in Cloud 9
While my friends and I struggled for our lives, all I could think of was my first wave. My surf instructor yelled at me to paddle and to position my body properly on my surf board. When my first wave arrived, I did my best to maintain my balance. In just a second, I was up on my board. It was the best feeling ever! After a few seconds, I fell off and warm salty water entered my nose. My head emerged above the water with the biggest grin possible. I did it!
My first wave could have given me a cool photo to share in social media, but because we don’t have a GoPro surfboard mount, here I am telling my story in this blog post. Lol! But seriously, the adrenaline rush I got from my first successful wobbly stand all the way to shore was awesome!
Sure, I wiped out a few times and swallowed more seawater than I care to admit, but the thrill of catching a wave and riding it to shore was an experience like no other.
Paddling and riding the waves on my own
Learning the basics of surfing if easy but the execution is a lot tougher to master. You might feel a little dumb after your first wave. You will tumble into the water many times, but you will get the hang of it eventually. I managed a few successful attempts after the first 30 minutes of our lesson. I did not finish the entire 1 hour though because paddling was really a tiring business!
By the end of it all, our goals to stand up on our surf boards were reached. Vince stood up on the board. Jerome had a true surfer vibe coming off him and killed the lesson. He was so thrilled he wanted to join the professional surfers in Cloud 9! I, on the other hand, loved surfing in Siargao but I realized it was not for me. I had neck issues so falling hard in the water would put pressure on my spinal column.
Anyway, if you are headed to Siargao and want to experience some really thrilling stuff, give surfing a try.
Surfing in Siargao: Things to know before you go
Best month for surfing in Siargao
The best time for surfing in Siargao is between September and November, when the waves are at their peak and the weather is generally dry and sunny. However, this is also the peak season for surfers, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. For a more budget-friendly and less crowded experience, consider visiting during the shoulder season from December to May.
What time of day is best to surf in Siargao?
The best time to surf in Siargao depends on the break and the tides, but generally early morning and late afternoon are ideal weather for catching the best waves. The winds tend to be calmer during these times, creating better conditions for surfing.
Where to stay in Siargao
Siargao has a wide range of accommodations to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hostel or a luxurious resort, you’ll find the perfect place for you with just a quick online search. If you prefer to stay near the beach, I recommend beachfront resorts in Siargao such as Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao, Las Palmas Villas and Casitas Siargao and Himaya Siargao.
Got any questions? Let’s chat down below! Feel free to share this post on Facebook! 🙂 Have an awesome week, everyone!
