Surfista Travels Philippines

SURFISTA ETIQUETTE – Be a Responsible Surfista!

Elaina — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:34:08 +0000

There are rules and etiquette for everything – including SURFING. Surfing is a fun sport, but also an extreme one and can be quite dangerous. You have to remember as Surfistas that you are not always alone out there in the water (unless you’re super lucky!) Surfing is getting more popular in the Philippines and around the world and it’s best that we know what we are doing out there. Accidents and mishaps can be avoided by just knowing AND following a few simple rules.

We’ve taken these images from the internet and take no credit for them whatsoever. We think they’re posted out there to be shared. So feel free to share any of these photos or this post. Who knows? You could be saving someone else’s – even yours.

Please be responsible SURFISTAS out there and make us proud to call you one! Feel free to SHARE this!

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A Peek at Siargao by Yvette Ferrari

Elaina — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:58:41 +0000

You’re an ocean dweller at heart and living in the concrete jungle has you coming down with a serious case of the blues. You could really use some beach time and good waves to wash the stress away. You know what that means. It’s time to start planning your next get away and Surfista Travels Philippines can help you get there.

Whether you’re a resident of Southeast Asia or a European looking for relaxation and an escape, Cloud 9 in Siargao, Philippines should jump to the top of your list of surf destinations to check out in Asia. Located about 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, Siargao Island is a part of Surigao del Norte known for its white sand beaches, untouched natural havens, and laid back culture.

If you have never traveled in the Philippines, it can be difficult to figure out where to stay and how to get there. Surfista Travels takes away the hassle of planning offering convenient packages including accommodation, transportation, surf lessons, board rentals, and not to mention a unique experience in a one of a kind place.

Many loyal surfers have already heard of Cloud 9. Popularized in the early 90s by American photographer John Callahan, Cloud 9 is regarded as “the surfing capital of the Philippines” and is renowned internationally for its thick hallow tubes and right breaking reef waves. Travelers marvel at the warm waters and serene environment of Cloud 9 while practicing their surf skills in a current that is not too intense for beginners.
Working with the best surf schools in Siargao, Surfista Travels ensures safety in the water and above all a good time. Other popular breaks on the island that cater to both left and right‐handed surfers at a more intermediate level include Tuesday Rock, Ventura, Pilar Point, and Tuason Point.

Surf and beautiful beaches aside, there are many other reasons to visit Siargao. Among those reasons is the Caob lagoon. Just a 40‐minute boat ride through one of the largest and most well preserved wetland of mangroves in Mindanao Philippines lays Caob lagoon whose natural beauty is only rivaled by its enchanting mystical qualities. Island hopping, parasailing, kite surfing, kayaking and big game fishing are among other popular activities in Siargao. Take an evening out with new friends you will surely meet in your Surfista Travels group and head to any number of bars concentrated along General Luna near Cloud 9. Friendly locals mingle with tourists where the nightlife scene can vary anywhere from a chill café to dancing the night away at Melvinbo Disco.

If surfing is up your alley and you’re ready to experience Philippines in a different way, then get to Siargao ASAP. But don’t take my word for it because words don’t do justice to the paradise that is Siargao. You have to see for yourself.
For more information about Surfista Travels Philippines and testimonials please visit www.surfistatravels.com and contact Elaine Abonal to reserve your spot on the next Surfista Travels trip. For more information on Siargao, Philippines visit www.tourism‐philippines.com/siargao‐island

The 1st Weekend Retreat w/ Surfista Travels & The Surf Institute

Elaina — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 08:57:54 +0000

Last April 13 – 14, 2013, Surfista Travels Philippines teamed up with Carla Rowland* of The Surf Institute to have the first ever Weekend Retreat for INTERMEDIATE surfers in San Juan, La Union. The retreat was targeted for intermediate surfers who can already paddle into their own wave and have had more than the basic surf lessons. There were only 6 students, which is just the right number, because we wanted to have each Surfista be given enough attention and guidance while in the water. We were being filmed the whole time by Ian Zamora and we watched and discussed our individual videos to see what we did right as well as what each surfer needed to do in order to improve our surfing. We learned a LOT and were really impressed by the instruction of Carla Rowland. Not only did she teach us how to improve our stance or pop ups, but she has also given us the encouragement and inspiration that many of us surfers don’t realize we have been lacking. It was an awesome experience and we highly recommend it to future intermediate Surfistas. There WILL be more in different locations so please keep updated to see where we’re going next!

(*Carla Rowland is a native Southern Californian and been a local at the infamous First Point Malibu since infancy. With over 20 years of surfing experience, over 10 years of instructing others; along with her extensive background within special education and substitute teaching, as well as a degree in Communication, Carla has developed a detailed method that is guaranteed to advance wave riders to the next level. She has come to the Philippines with the intention of sharing this knowledge with Pinoy sliders, allowing them to take their surfing journey into places they never imagined!)

In the meantime, enjoy these photos to get a preview of how our weekend went. To see more photos, you may go to our Facebook page or click HERE.

New posters from our sponsors at Hurley

We were so excited to have the beautiful Sabs Bengzon as one of our intermediate Surfistas!

The class of 6 with our Hurley – Surfista rashguards
(Elaine Abonal, Chelle Tingzon, Emily Barriga, Hanz Cubillan, Isabel Bengzon & Nicky Daez)

With Carla Rowland of The Surf Institute – before we went out in the water

A beautifl long ride by Sabs!!

Carla Rowland showing us how it’s done!

Emily and Elaine sharing the Surfista love on this wave – and having FUN while they’re at it!

All done with out morning surf sessons – who are having fun? :)

Individual video analysis – it makes a huge difference to SEE what we were doing!

The intermediate Surfistas

CONGRATULATIONS to these Surfistas for being the 1st group to go on a Surfista – TSI Weekend Retreat!

Elaine Abonal of Surfista Travels Philippines and Carla Rowland of The Surf Institute – joining forces to spread the surf love!

Happy Class Photo! Surfista Travels – TSI, April 2013

JOIN US ON OUR FUTURE SURFISTA TRIPS! Check out our TOURS & PACKAGES.

http://www.surfistatravels.com

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twitter: @SurfistaTravels instagram: @SurfistaTravels

Private Surfista Tour: Graham Family from the Marshall Islands go to Baler

Elaina — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 07:05:51 +0000

On the first week of April, we’ve had the pleasure of working with the Graham Family from the Marshall Islands to go on a Surfista trip and this time to BALER! The Grahams were with Surfista Elaine Abonal in La Union last February and this time, they wanted to explore more and see the NorthEastern part of the Philippines. Ronnie who is 6 years old did such a great job surfing and Lykie, his cousin, was so brave surfing. We worked with the Mahdox Surf School owned by Okoy Rojo and the boys each had their own surf instructor. We also went around touring Baler – to the biggest Balete tree in Asia as well as the Baler Museum. We were there on weekdays to beat the crowd and the conditions were perfect for surf lessons! Check out the photo highlights to see what we were up to!

For more photos from this trip, check out our Facebook page or click HERE.

Surf lessons behind this beautiful setting of mountain ranges!

Ronnie’s 2nd time surfing with Surfista Travels and this time with Mahdox Surf School!

Laiky from the Marshall Islands surfing in the Philippines for the first time!

Go Ronnie! Only 6 years old and already a surfer!!

The view going to Baler is beautiful! The Philippines is amazing!

Finally arrived in Baler after 6-7 hours on the road

Photo opportunity in front of one of the cool surf mosaics in the small town of Baler

We were lucky with the beautiful weather and waves

Visiting the largest Balete tree. Can you see our Surfista kids?

Surfista groms!!

A beautiful Baler sunset in the mountains.

JOIN US ON OUR FUTURE SURFISTA TRIPS! Check out our TOURS & PACKAGES.

http://www.surfistatravels.com

surfistatravels@yahoo.com

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twitter: @SurfistaTravels instagram: @SurfistaTravels

March 2013 Surfista Trip to Baler Highlights

Elaina — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:12:41 +0000

CONGRATULATIONS to the Surfistas during our trip to BALER, Aurora last March 22 – 24, 2013. It was a rainy weekend but we still managed to have fun with an awesome group of people AND we were blessed with beautiful peeling waves and sunshine on our last day. Awesomeness. It was amazing to meet you all! Until the next Surfista trip!

Here are some photo higlights!

Happy group (as you can tell with our smiles) photo for our Surfistas to Baler last March 22 – 24, 2013! :)

We soaked up a little bit of culture by going to the Baler Museum for the rainy weekend.

With our awesome videographer Marc from Canadia and JK when we rented ATV’s to drive on the beach :)

Marc Labrie from Canada was awesome enough to offer his services and help spread the Surfista love!

Francis Arellano surfing!! Yewwww! Good job dude!

Rusty Jorbina flew in all the way from Cebu just to join our trip to Baler! Sweet!

Loyal Surfista Frances on her 4th Surfista trip!! We’ll make sure she waxes her own board next time ;)

They key to surfing is to keep on doing it! Proud of these Surfista chicks carrying their own boards and smiling while they’re at it!

Arthur from CHINA was a man of few words but we heard that he had such a great time! He’s also joining us for our Surfista trip to Siargao! ;)

CONGRATULATIONS SURFISTAS!!!!
Baler, March 2013

We adopted an American and another Canadian during the trip and was helping spread the Surfista love around the world!

Aliya Surf Camp in Baler with our sponsors’ banners

We were so thankful that the sun came out on our last day. It was the BEST surf session for Surfista to date! It pays to wake up at 6 AM!

Surfista looking schnazzy before their surf lessons and sessions with their Hurley – Surfista rashguards

Beautiful Surfista chicks looking classy with their rashguards!

JOIN US ON OUR FUTURE SURFISTA TRIPS! Check out our TOURS & PACKAGES.

http://www.surfistatravels.com

surfistatravels@yahoo.com

http://www.facebook.com/SurfistaTravels

twitter: @SurfistaTravels instagram: @SurfistaTravels