SURF
From barreling bombs to mellower longboard waves, the island has
a few spots for the brave beginners to pros.
History
In the early 90's, Surfer Magazine featured Siargao on its cover and ever since then, pilgrims from around the world have made its way to this mecca. Locals started practicing on broken or borrowed boards from the few surfers who visited. This is how the surf culture in Siargao was born.
Information
It is always recommended for beginners to invest in a licensed surf instructor or guide who will educate you about each surf spots' red flags such as the reef, current, rip tide, wind speed/direction and other seasonal conditions such as the prevalence of sea urchin and jellyfish.
The island does not have any beach breaks, so utmost care must be taken when bailing from your surfboard at all times. Ask reception staff for our recommended surf instructors and rent an 8'0 Wavestorm foamboard, the safest for newbies and easier for smaller days.
Seasons
Surf competitions start August, swell usually gets bigger September thru December and then it gets too windy to surf the more popular east breaks so everyone ends up on the southern side of the island to surf Secret Spot (also named as Paradise Beach), Giwan and Daku. Check Magic Seaweed or SwellNet for swell, tides and wind conditions. Come early to beat the crowds.
Medical Emergencies
Minor reef cuts are quite common. Currently, only emergency medical services are set-up at the busiest surf area called Jacking Horse, close to the Cloud 9 boardwalk during daytime. There is a hospital 45 minutes away in Dapa, but it lacks basic facilities, services and medicine.
Surf Spot Distance Minimum Level Tide Season_
Cemetery * 1.4 km Intermediate mid
Tuazon 5 km Expert mid - high
Cloud 9 6 km Expert mid - high
Quiksilver Inner 6 km Beginner mid - high
Quiksilver Outer 6 km Intermediate mid - high
Jacking Horse Inner 6 km Beginner mid - high
Jacking Horse Outer 6 km Intermediate mid - high
Rock Island* 6 km Intermediate mid
Stimpy's * 7 km Intermediate mid
Secret Spot 10 km Beginner mid - high Dec - Mar
Giwan 12 km Beginner mid - high Dec - Mar
Daku* 1.4 km Intermediate
Salvacion* x km Intermediate
Pacifico 30 km Expert mid - high
Burgos 40 km Expert mid - high
*drive to nearest pier