All posts tagged adventure

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

by Elaina on April 2, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by Elaina on April 2, 2013

https://surfistatravels.com/2013/04/02/march-2013-surfista-trip-to-baler-highlights/

1st Trip to Baler with Surfista Travels Philippines, December 2012

Beautiful Baler

Our happy Surfistas wearing their Hurley-Surfista rashguards before their surf lessons.

Surfista Travels Philippines went on our first trip to Baler on the long weekend of November 30 to December 2, 2012. It was a SUCCESSFUL and memorable trip for all the Surfistas who participated! We even had participants who flew in all the way from Malaysia and Bacolod/Australia and one took the bus all the way from Bicol just to join this group! They said that their trips were definitely worth it. The weather and wave conditions were perfect for our Surfistas and they also got to see the beautiful Mother Waterfalls in between surf lessons.

Aliya Surf Camp

Beautiful weather and perfect conditions for our Surfistas

We stayed at the beautiful Aliya Surf Camp and had lessons with the Aliya Surf School. Surfistas also received a lot of freebies from our amazing sponsors: Hurley Philippines, GoPro Philippines, VMV Hypoallergenics Philippines, Lightwater, Vitaminboost, Agos Pilipinas, 7107 Island Travel Magazine, Nalgene Philippines and Sea To Summit Philippines.

There were a lot of laughs, smiles, good vibes, and pictures taken and we couldn’t have asked for a better pioneer Baler Surfista group.

Check out our photos!

Surfistas on this trip actually got a full tube of Armada Face Cover from VMV Hypoallergenics Philippines!

Keeping hydrated with Vitaminboost!

Surfistas showing off their freebies from our awesome sponsors!

Surfista Travels LOVES VMV Hypoallergenics Philippines’ Armada sunscreen!

 

Mother Falls in Baler

Surfistas freezing in the cold waters of the Mother Falls in Baler

Australian volunteer in Bacolod Kerry improving her surf skils while she’s still in tropical waters!

Stacy flew in all the way from Malaysia to join this group! She loved surfing!

Repeat Surfista Roma was just in the La Union with us the week before and came back to Baler. Look at her improve quickly!

Hanz is another loyal Surfista who is really serious about improving his craft.

Madeleine is another repeat Surfista who wanted to discover the beauty of Baler with us!

The pioneer Surfista Travels group to Baler with Roy Angara of Aliya Surf Camp

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Of course we had to pose this way!

Check out more photos from this trip on the SURFISTA TRAVELS FACEBOOK PAGE or click HERE.

Want to read what our Baler Surfistas about this experience? Check out their COMMENTS.

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

http://www.surfistatravels.com / surfistatravels@yahoo.com / facebook.com/SurfistaTravels / twitter & instagram: @SurfistaTravels

by Elaina on December 26, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Elaina on December 26, 2012

https://surfistatravels.com/2012/12/26/1st-trip-to-baler-with-surfista-travels-philippines-december-2012/

Surfista Travels Private Group Tour Experience by Shirley Aromin

July 2012

My husband and I had our first surfing experience with Surfista Travels & San Juan Surf Resort. I wasn’t sure about whether it was a good idea because of the weather, but I figured I might as well try surfing once in my life. After a 6 hour drive to La Union, we rested for a few hours before surfing. We were briefed by Ms. Elaine Abonal of Surfista Travels. We were very fortunate to learn the basics from a Pro-surfer, Luke Landrigan. Instructors were assigned to us individually. My instructor kept watching me and giving me encouragement and feedback to help me out.

Shirley & her husbands’ first time to try surfing!

Private instruction by Billabong pro surfer Luke Landrigan

I wasn’t in a good shape for surfing and because I lacked sleep because I was too excited about our surf trip so I struggled a bit to get up. It was maybe an hour of lessons before I got up the surf board. After swallowing mouthfuls of salt water after wipeouts, my arms were so sore and I was a bit tired of falling off. I just kept trying one wipeout after another. It was hard but once you catch that wave, just as I did an hour after my first surfing experience, it’s all worth it. I was still having fun with my husband and friends and I was able to get up several times and rode a few waves.

Clifford making it look super easy!

Shirley with her instructor from the San Juan Surf School

One of the perks of joining Surfista Travels for a surfing trip is having lots of freebies! We were given Armada Sport 70 Sunscreens by VMV HYPOALLERGENICS Philippines. I love the Armada Sport Suncreen because it’s not greasy and it’s gentle for sensitive skin. We even got free facial cards from VMV! Our trip was also sponsored by Lightwater & VitaminBoost and we had a supply of drinks to keep us hydrated & energized!

Surfista perks: Sponsor freebies!

Armada Sport 70 sunscreen from our new sponsor VMV Hypoallergenics Philippines!

I seemed skeptical to try surfing at first but in the end, I had a shared experience with my husband and friends and great memories. Thanks to Surfista Travels and Sponsors for the awesome experience. I will definitely surf with Surfista Travels again.

New group of Surfistas! We’ll be back!

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by Elaina on August 28, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Elaina on August 28, 2012

https://surfistatravels.com/2012/08/28/surfista-travels-private-group-tour-experience-by-shirley-aromin/

A New Set of Surfistas Discover a Passion for Surf and Travel

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.

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by Elaina on April 1, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Elaina on April 1, 2012

https://surfistatravels.com/2012/04/01/a-new-set-of-surfistas-discover-a-passion-for-surf-and-travel/

We did it! First group to La Union was a SUCCESS :)

Surfista Travels Philippines had our first group and surf trip to San Juan, La Union last February 11 & 12. We had a little more than 10 participants, the ThirtySix-O film crew sponsored by GoPro Philippines, and a lot of excited smiles. We left Manila at 5 am and arrived at the San Juan Surf Resort just in time for lunch. The weather and wave conditions were perfect for beginners on Saturday when we had lessons with San Juan Surf Resort. Each person had a surf instructor and everyone was stoked as soon as they stood on their FIRST WAVE! And we must say, everyone was able to stand on their first try! :)

All set on a beautiful day! Surfboards, surf instructors, surf lessons

Each student had their own surf instructor

Already SURFING on the first day!!

Home base: San Juan Surf Resort

After taking a break in the afternoon and while waiting for sunset, we had a beach clean up. We want to emphasize the importance of keeping our beaches and oceans clean. After all, it IS our playground right?  The beach of San Juan is pretty clean and we thought we wouldn’t have to pick anything up, but we realized that there were literally hundreds, if not thousands, of cigarette butts on the sand. Some local surfer girls helped us pick them up and put all the trash we collected in biodegradable plastic bags.

After picking up trash at the beach, we were blessed with THIS BEAUTIFUL VIEW!

At night we had dinner, chilled, hung out at the beach and played models/actors/actresses while the film crew were filming. These Surfistas are artistas!

Hanging out at the beach

The next day, everyone was up and ready for their next surf lessons. The waves were bigger and more intense this time but the instructors from the surf school were very good in making sure that we had fun and stayed safe. Everyone really wanted to improve their surfing. Thankfully we had a lot of supply of Lightwater and Vitaminboost to keep us hydrated!

Lightwater & Vitaminboost kept us hydrated!

The crew of ThirtySix-O hard at work but still having fun!

With all the filming involved, the first group of Surfistas felt like super artistas!

The weekend went by really fast – time flies when you’re having fun they say – and at the end of the trip, everyone wore their Surfista Travels T-shirts sponsored by Agos Pilipinas. The quality of the shirt was very comfortable and the design was classy, colorful and fun – both boys and girls loved it! Then we had our group photo taken, got our certificates and said our well wishes and goodbyes to each other before our trip back to Manila. We didn’t want to leave and wished the experience was longer.

One of the best things about surf trips is making NEW FRIENDS. Laura (on the left) flew all the way to the Philippines from Thailand to join us on this trip!

Surfista Girls

Surfista Boys with Surfista Travels founder & coordinator Elaine Abonal

This is just a short jist of our pioneer group’s experience on our surf trip but to sum it all up, we were blessed with sunshine, waves, the gift of surfing and new friends, a lot of smiles and new memories. THAT is how we can say the trip was a SUCCESS. :)

Want to see more photos? Check out the Surfista Travels Facebook page!

Want to read what our participants had to say? Check out our Testimonials page!

The first EVER group of Surfista Travelers! So proud!!!

Want to join the next trip? MARCH 24 & 25, 2012 to LA UNION. Save the dates to make sure you have a spot! Details at the Tours & Packages page.

We would like to THANK our participants, our friends & families, Luke Landrigan & his instructors from the San Juan Surf School, the awesome film crew of ThirtySix-O media, the ocean for giving us the gift of sea, waves & sunshine & our sponsors GoPro Philippines, Lightwater, VitaminBoost, Agos Pilipinas, 7107 Island Travel Magazine, Yabang Pinoy, Philippine First Aid and My Life on Board.

Photos by Andrea Roxas, Mica Ferrer, Mike Nagrampa, Diego Virata

by Elaina on February 16, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Elaina on February 16, 2012

https://surfistatravels.com/2012/02/16/we-did-it-first-group-to-la-union-was-a-success/

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