SURFISTA ETIQUETTE – Be a Responsible Surfista!

 

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.

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Surf etiquette

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

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

 

A Peek at Siargao by Yvette Ferrari


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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.

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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

March 2013 Surfista Trip to Baler Highlights

 

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!

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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

Surf Instructors are My Surf Heroes by Elaine Abonal

I just want to say that the real HEROES are the SURF INSTRUCTORS. I’ve seen some of them grow from surf bum kids to responsible hard working men and women who really LOVE their job, their students, and the ocean. They SMILE and push – not only themselves but their students – to stand up, SURF, and HAVE FUN – despite being tired or hungry because of many eager students, despite being under the hot blazing sun, despite being stung by jellyfish, despite shaking in the cold during sunset surf lessons, and despite watching beautiful waves break as they teach. I know many of them have SAVED SO MANY LIVES – children being caught in currents, panic-stricken surfers who lose their boards (like me), non-thinking drunk men who think swimming in their jeans would be cool. They are my heroes.

 

Me (Elaine) in the white Hurley shirt with the instructors of the San Juan Surf School in La Union, Philippines

“One more, one more.” It takes a lot of encouragement and patience to be an instructor in the water.

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When you go take your surf lesson, please know the name of your surf instructor, talk to them, and thank them. They are people with names, lives, and surf dreams – just like you. Be thankful to the person who pushed you into your very first wave because you never know – they could already be changing your life.

All SMILES :)

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I feel honored to be working with you guys and see how professional – in surfing and in instructing – so many of you have become. Let’s keep it up, we’re changing the Philippine surf world. ♥ – Elaine Abonal

 

All photos by Nikka Corsino and Owen Ballesteros of www.two2travel.com

Special Christmas with Special Kids :) December 2012

Elaine Abonal of Surfista Travels Philippines spent December 12, 2012 helping Luke Landrigan, Billabong San Juan Surf School and some members of the La Union Surf Club teach special kids (deaf, with developmental or mental disabilities, etc.) how to surf as a special Christmas celebration.  The first one was done last year and was a success. The kids had fun so this year the number of kids – and smiles – doubled. This event is usually one of the most quiet surf events we’ve experienced but also one of the most touching and rewarding.

Check out the photos!

 

Words aren’t needed to know how much FUN this kid is having!!

Anyone and everyone can surf. We shouldn’t be hindered by our disabilities.

This little girl was so brave despite the big waves. Her dad was watching and was so proud of her!

Elaine Abonal of Surfista Travels Philippines getting to join the crew of the San Juan Surf School of La Union

Head Coach Luke Landrigan explaining the basics of surfing (with a translator at his side) to the eager kids.

What a great day for all the instructors, teachers and of course – the students!

Awardings and photo ops with Elaine Abonal, Luke Landrigan, each child’s surf instructor and Mickey Galang of the San Fernando office.

Each child was given a gift bag with Christmas presents from different sponsors. Each one was able to choose a pair of shoes from Sanuk or Native! Merry Christmas indeed!

This wouldn’t have happened without Mickey Galang, Menchie Par, the instructors of Billabong San Juan Surf School, Mark Dimalanta, Lui Tortuya, Don Cui, Mayor Ortega & the different sponsors! Thanks so much for everyone’s help and participation. We are honored to be part of this simple but memorable event. :)

 

Rappler.com also covered the event. Read their short article and watch their video coverage by clicking  HERE.

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