Check out these awesome surf spots on Cebu island!
(Photo by louwel nicolas on Unsplash)
Cebu may be primarily known for having some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia, but did you know that it has some terrific surf spots too?
The high-octane sport remains rather niche around the island, with a Sunstar Cebu article explaining that Cebu has much shorter and slower waves compared to surfing capitals like Siargao Island. (2013)
However, these waves are perfect for practice or just for a slow, chill ride.
Today, the island has a dedicated and headstrong community of adrenaline-fueled daredevils eager to catch some waves.
Their passion spawned surf camps where beginners learn the basics, as well as training camps and local sports events highlighting the sport. There are even groups for different variations of surfing such as paddleboarding and skimboarding.
More and more surf spots are being discovered around Cebu every year, but only a handful know about them. Who knows, the island might just add “surfing destination” to its list of titles and accolades in the near future.
So, for starters, here are a few of the best surf spots in Cebu where you can catch some waves.
WHERE TO FIND CEBU’S TOP SURF SPOTS
- San Fernando
San Fernando is a peaceful town known for its lush forests and beautiful beaches, but a surfing camp based in the municipality is aiming to make it one of the country’s top surfing destinations.
A group of Cebuano outdoor enthusiasts established Go San Fernando in 2013, offering surfing lessons in the town’s waters. The group is led by Ian Bacalla, a Cebuano skateboarder who fell in love with surfing after visiting Baler in Aurora.
After he discovered several areas in San Fernando with good swells for surfing, he established the surfing camp together with some of his friends. They now teach their students at “Spitting Toms”, a beginner-friendly surf spot a few minutes away from the main highway.
- Argao
Another southern Cebu town famous for surfing is Argao, which is the home of Torta and Hablon. Here, surfers from around the island ride the waves at Lawis Point near Mahayahay Beach.
Lawis is mostly known for skimboarding, which is easier since riders only surf waves close to the shore. Since both activities deal with waves, Argao as a result has been considered a notable surfing spot.
Locals can be seen surfing here, especially during the Habagat season when waves are at their strongest. They hold several surfing and skimboarding competitions as well, and the town is often cited as the “Surfing Capital of the South”.
- Mactan Island
Mactan Island is home to several surf spots that only the locals know about.
While initially popular with paddle boarders, many experienced surfers have also visited these spots to catch the massive waves. Their obscure locations make them peaceful hangout spots as well.
Punta Engaño and Maribago are just a few locations that have been highlighted on platforms like TikTok. Several videos show you that you can indeed enjoy surfing in Cebu–you just have to ask around.
- Kota Beach
Bantayan Island is home to several beach resorts that offer all kinds of recreational activities like island hopping, skydiving, and underwater exploration. However, it is also one of the best places to experience kite-surfing.
At Kota Beach in Santa Fe, guests can try this exhilarating activity where they glide on the water while being pulled by a huge kite. This requires a lot of balance from the rider and strong winds to move better.
The official Bantayan Island website mentions that it is best to visit the beach from October to April, wherein you can experience safer wind conditions of around 12 to 25 knots.
Subsequently, the Habagat season can be risky, with winds going up to 35 knots.
WHAT MAKES CEBU A GREAT SURF SPOT
The first question that may come to mind upon discovering this article is “Can you surf in Cebu?”
SurferToday states that “with the right equipment and good company, a wave rider depends on Mother Nature to get the quintessential surfing arena.”
In Cebu, there are a few natural factors that support it as an adequate ground for surfing in the Philippines.
However, here are a few things to keep in mind before you go out in the open.
- Favorable winds and swells
Surfers usually wait for wind swells, which are groups of short-period ocean waves created by local winds blowing close to shore. All of the aforementioned places in this article experience wind swells often, albeit inconsistently.
The Habagat season–which is known to bring in massive waves–is considered the best time to surf in the Philippines. However, you will need to have constant wave checks to make sure they are big enough for surfing.
You can check out the Cebu Surfing Facebook Page to learn about the island’s swell times, as well as where you can find them.
- Beginner-friendly wave heights
Ideally, surfers should aim for wave heights depending on their experience level. Beginners usually need around one to two feet, while more experienced surfers should enjoy around three to four.
It’s difficult to pinpoint the average wave height in Cebu, but a quick weather forecast will show that they don’t usually get past one meter, which is around three feet.
Add to this its slower movement, and Cebu will have more beginner-friendly waves for surfing.
- Less crowded
Since surf spots in Cebu are lesser known, there are fewer people to share the waves with. Cebu would be a great spot for surfers who prefer some peace and quiet while riding aboard the waves.
It is still recommended that you go with a group though, as some of these locations may be a bit far and hard to track down. It’s also a way to get much closer to the island’s budding surf community.
- Long stretches of beach
SurferToday mentions that it is important for a surfer to have the convenience of paddling their way to a comfortable sandy beach when they are tired after surfing.
As beaches in Cebu are famous for their soft white sand shores, surfers can expect comfort and convenience every time they go out to catch some waves.
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As it stands, surfing in Cebu has yet to be fully recognized by tourism offices and its adjacent agencies. However, its surfing community has a strong dedication to making the island one of the best surf spots in the country.
With different locations supporting different skill levels, Cebu has the potential to be recognized as a premier vacation spot, especially for those who are interested in surfing in the Philippines. Knowing these surf spots and spreading the word might just give it the support it needs.
REFERENCES:
Cantonao, Mara. 2013. “Surfers find new haven in Cebu.” Sunstar Cebu.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-articles/surfers-find-new-haven-in-cebu.
