Five years ago, you might have passed by and paid little attention to La Union on your way to Vigan, Ilocos Sur or Hundred Islands, Pangasinan. Yes, it wasn’t that popular before. But now, the place is teeming with tourists thanks to the beaches frequented by high quality waves. It is a favorite destination of surfing enthusiasts, next to Siargao. Some people even prefer it to Siargao because it is more accessible and more affordable.
A Brief Surfing History
During the early 60s, American military servicemen from the nearby Wallace Air Station (which is now turned into a business district) began surfing on the beaches of La Union for fun and recreation. They rode their boards while the local kids watched in awe and admiration.
But, the real trend-setter was Kazuo Akinagi, now fondly called Aki or Aki-san by the Urbiztondo surfing community. He learned about the place from an American surfing magazine featuring good surfing spots in Aurora and La Union. He went to La Union in 1981 and fell in love with the good waves, swells, and breaks coming from the China Sea. He pioneered surfing in the province (specifically in Urbiztondo Beach), then farm and jungle, now the surfing mecca of La Union.
Aki also taught a lot of locals how to surf. It was the time when surfing was still all about passion – being connected with the wave and feeling the contentment when riding a good break. Now, those locals are earning different awards and recognitions in surfing. In turn, they pass on their knowledge to other surfing enthusiasts who are eager to learn how to ride the curls. Aki has made La Union his home since he got here in the 80s. He and his family are now living by the beach he first fell in love with.
The Best Time to Surf
La Union is blessed with two surfing seasons: July-October and November-March. You can actually surf all year round. The best time is one week after a typhoon because the waves are strong, high, and consistent.
As for the time of the day, early morning and late afternoon until night are the best. You should avoid the scorching hotness of the sun at noon.
Surfing Spots
There are wide stretches of beaches that you can choose from. The friendly swells of San Juan and Urbiztondo towns, with their equally amiable and well-established surfing community, are both best for beginners with its beach breaks (San Juan Beach Break; Bacnotan with a right-hander) and reef breaks (a right-hander in Monaliza Point – popular among the locals). Carille, featuring waves that can be up to 300 meters long and 15 foot high in best conditions, is best for the more advanced surfers and is one of the most accessible surf spots if you are coming from Manila.
Surfing Competitions
The Surfing action here actually kicks off in January for the Manila Surfer’s Cup, followed by the Mabuhay Longboard Cup in February or March, which is the longest running international surfing competition in the Philippines, then the Surfing Break between October and November in time for the short school break, and topping off the year’s surf activity is the Rimat Ti Amianan (Treasure of the North), a month-long Expo in December with surfing as its highlight. It is open to all local surfers and you’ll get to see the best of the best surfers.
Surfing for Newbies
For newbies or those who want to start surfing, there are surfing clinics available offered by various resorts. In one surfing school, the popular multi awarded surfing icon, Luke Landrigan, actually gives out instructions. An hour’s demo is enough and you can spend a few hours practicing.