Last updated on November 20th, 2023 at 10:46 am
In this post you will find the best surf spots in the Philippines for beginners, where you can learn, practice, and improve your surfing skills.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in the Philippines
The Philippine Islands are situated in South East Asia and face the Pacific Ocean. Along its coastline, countless surf spots are spread over thousands of small islands. It is a true surf paradise with beautiful beaches, consistent waves, and warm water. In fact, some of the best breaks in the world are found here, such as the famous “Cloud 9”. Although many spots offer punchy barrels over a shallow reef, there are also good beginner surf beaches in the Philippines.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in the Philippines for beginners:
General Luna, Siargao
The Island of Siargao is the surf capital of the Philippines. Although it is pretty far from the International Airport of Manila, it attracts surfers from all over the globe. Apart from being a home for “Cloud 9” and other world-class waves, Siargao also offers several beginner surf spots.
Most of the tourist scene of Siargao is centered in the General Luna area. This is where you will find the best hotels, restaurants and bars. Moreover, it is a perfect place to rent a surfboard or take a surf lesson. Most novice surfers hang out in Lloret, Little Pony, and Jacking Horse. On these beaches, the waves are always small and mellow, so there is no danger in practicing here.
For details about surf camps for beginners in the Philippines, please click here.
Puraran Bay, Catanduanes
The island of Catanduanes is famous for its stunning bays and blue lagoons. It got its nickname “The Happy Island” for the natural beauty of its landscape. Puraran Bay in Baras is definitely the best surf spot in the area. The main break here is a hollow right-hander, but this is a challenging wave for experts only. As a novice surfer, there is a soft break over a sandy bottom just next to it in the shallow water.
“Puraran Surfing Cap” takes place here every October, and many surfers and tourists come to participate in the Festival, so this is the best time to be here.
For details about surf camps for beginners in the Philippines, please click here.
Bagasbas, Daet
Bagasbas offers a long beach strep with many peaks to choose from. The waves here are very consistent all year long, and the break here is suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers. Its proximity to Manila and the soft waves made Bagasbas a pretty popular spot, and some claim it is the best beginner surf beach in the Philippines. Therefore, surf shops, board rentals, and surf lessons are easy to find here.
For details about surf camps for beginners in the Philippines, please click here.
Baler, Luzon
Belar is where the Philippine surf scene started back in 1979, right after the movie “Apocalypse Now” was filmed here. After the famous surf scene in the movie, there was no way back, and ever since, Belar has turned into a full-time surf town for both locals and foreigners. Sabang Beach is probably the most popular beginner surf beach in the Philippines, but there are other good spots for intermediates as well. Located only 2 hours drive from Manila, Belar is a very accessible spot, so yes, it can get crowded sometimes, but there are enough waves for everybody, and also a nice variety of restaurants and hotels.
For details about surf camps for beginners in the Philippines, please click here.
San Juan, La Union
Unlike the previous spots, this one is situated on the West Coast of the Philippines and faces the South China Sea. Therefore, the surf conditions here depend on different swells and winds. Most of the beaches in this area are beginner-friendly, and many surf camps are found around here. San Juan is where most of the surfers go when they come to the area. It offers 3 major surf spots: “The Point”, “The Bowl”, and “The Beach Break”. While the first 2 are suitable for experienced surfers, the third one is perfect for beginners.
For details about surf camps for beginners in the Philippines, please click here.
Prepare Your Body for a Surf Trip With Online Surf Training
As a beginner surfing in the Philippines, you are going to face several challenges. The waves breaking on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be tough to handle. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to face the ocean:
1. Take an online surf course– You can practice specific online surf exercises to work on the relevant muscles and improve your surf fitness. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to the Philippines.
2. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can be surrounded by people just like yourself and get advice from professional surf instructors? To find the best beginner surf camps in the Philippines, click here.
What Should You Bring for a Beginner Surf Trip to the Philippines?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
4. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the best surf spots in the Philippines for beginners. However, this archipelago has about 7,000 small islands, so there are more undiscovered breaks than the ones we know. In other words, you can find perfect waves in the Philippines with no one riding on them. From beginner-friendly beaches to hollow barrels, there are waves of all kinds. So, regardless of your skill level, the Philippines is a wonderful choice for your next surf trip.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in the Philippines, or the one about surf resorts in the Philippines.
