Text and photo by IÑIGO S. ROCES
Surfing is quickly gaining popularity in the Philippines and rightly so. All you need is your board, board shorts and an adventurous spirit to start having fun.
The beach breaks might be quite some distance away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a head start while in the city. Philippine Surfing Academy (PSA) offers basic surfing lessons at Club Manila East just 30 minutes from Ortigas Center. Lessons take place in a wave pool where sets come right on schedule and boards are provided for. With all that taken cared of, any beginner can stand on the board within a couple of tries. The coaches themselves are champion surfers with handy techniques to help the beginner quickly improve.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to head out to salt water. Beginners can join PSA’s trips to Quezon or Zambales with the board provided or head out on their own to San Juan Surf Camp in La Union.
It’s a lot harder in the beach as you have to paddle out farther and good waves could take some waiting, but don’t fret. Just keep trying and keep paddling out. Spotting waves and paddling to catch it is one of those things you have to learn on your own. You’ll build your strength and endurance with persistence and commitment.
PSA lessons are at P1,500 for two hours inclusive of board and P2,850 for out-of-town trips. Lessons in La Union are much cheaper but board rental, transportation and accommodations are necessary expenses.
