With sun-kissed cheeks and a bit of sand on their flip-flops, another group of fun-seekers returned to Manila as Surfista Travels Philippines concluded its latest surf trip to San Juan, La Union last March 25 & 25, 2012.

Surfista Travels Philippines is a surf tour company that arranges trips for surfers and travellers that include accommodation, transportation and surf lessons for groups. Surfista Travels makes going to the best surf spots, resorts and schools easy, convenient, and fun.

“Surfista Travels is about helping people discover what they are passionate about,” said Elaine Abonal, Surfista Travels owner and founder. “With every surf trip, we make sure participants try new things, meet different kinds of people and make new friends, and have an enjoyable and unforgettable time.”

Elaine Abonal of Surfista Travels and Luke Landrigan of San Juan Surf School

A full weekend’s worth of activities awaited trip participants, comprised of first-time and beginner surfers not only looking to learn a new sport, but also indulge in new experiences.

Upon their arrival at La Union’s San Juan Surf Resort, participants each received a goodie bag containing freebies from Surfista Travels and its sponsors such as a Surfista Travels shirt by Agos, a magazine from 7107 Island Travel Magazine, a Hurley sticker set, a lanyard and stickers from Lightwater and Vitaminboost, and a Yabang Pinoy bracelet. Surfistas also had access to free-flowing healthy drinks from Lightwater and Vitaminboost throughout the trip.

So much stuff from our sponsors: Hurley Philippines, 7107 Islands Travel Magazine, Vitaminboost

Repeat customers got sand-repellent beach mats from Lagu!

Gift certificates from Footzy shoes!

Beautiful clothes from Brown Belly for these ladies!

Energized by breakfast at the San Juan Surf Resort and eager to hit the beach, Surfistas slipped into their rashguards and headed to the shore for the first surfing lesson. Surf instructors from San Juan Surf School paired up with each Surfista for a one-on-one session. This covered basics such as how to handle and take care of your surfboard, how to paddle and pop-up, and how to protect yourself in the water. Within an hour, Surfistas were riding their boards and conquering waves.

Stoked by their initiation to surfing, the group then visited the neighbouring towns of San Juan and had lunch at the River Farm Restaurant. Before gearing up for their second surfing lesson, Surfistas relaxed by the beach and even had an opportunity to meet YouTube-personality Bogart The Explorer and participate in the filming of his upcoming video—this is just one example of the one-of-a-kind experiences in store for trip participants.

The Surfistas filming with recent Filipino YouTube celeb & comedian Bogart The Explorer

During day two, Surfistas hunted and chased waves like long-time surfers. After stuffing beach towels into bags and tying surfboards on top of the jeep, Surfistas went to Cement Factory in Bacnotan to try the waves in this site. A 15-minute ride away from San Juan, this spot got its name from the cement factory near the beach and is the venue for the Surfistas final surf session (for the weekend, at least).

The third surfing lesson wrapped up and after lunch, Surfista Travels presented each participant with a Certificate of Attendance. Group photos were taken as well as with professional surfer Luke Landrigan who is the head coach of San Juan Surf School and good friend of Surfista Travels Philippines. Surfistas packed up and prepared for the trip back to Manila, but not before taking another round of photos and saying “See you soon!” to their instructors and newfound friends in San Juan.

Repeat customer Ghoul gets another Surfista Travels certificate

Surfista Travels March 2012 in La Union, Philippines

Visit www.surfistatravels.com or e-mail surfistatravels@yahoo.com for more information about tour packages and schedules, and like and follow Surfista Travels on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.

This recent trip of Surfista Travels was sponsored by Hurley Philippines, GoPro Philippines, Lightwater, Vitaminboost, Agos Pilipinas, Lagu, Brown Belly, Yabang Pinoy, 7107 Island Travel Magazine, Footzy Shoes, Philippine First Aid, and My Life On Board.