Exclusive Interview w/ the Local Wahine Champ: Cindy Balbuena

Cindy is a 17-year old local surfer at ABCD Beach in Calicoan Island of Guiuan. She recently bagged the 1st place in the Odyssey Waves Surfing Competition last September, 2010, with competitors from the Manila Surfing Association and other local wahines. She has been surfing for almost 4 years in the local surfing spot with other local surfers.

Here is an exclusive interview with her about her surfing experience in ABCD Beach:


How did you learn how to surf?
I was taught by my cousin, papa Jun-Jun, during a free surfing clinic at ABCD Beach. It was during a competition.

How was your learning experience?
 It was fun and I enjoyed a lot! But of course, you can never get away with body pain and wounds from the reef. But it was an awesome experience!

What are your favorite tricks?
Roundhouse, Floaters, Cutback.

What do you love about Calicoan?
Not crowded, it's near my house, and the waves are great!

What do you hate about it?
The sea urchins.

How many local are there?
More or less, there are 32 local surfers.

When is the best time to surf in Calicoan?
September and October.

Is it hard to surf in Calicoan?Yes, sometimes. Because the current can be strong or the waves can be really big.

What is the smallest wave you have ever seen/rode in Calicoan?
Waist level..2-3 feet.

Do you recommend Calicoan to other Wahines like you?Yes, because the waves are good. And so that I will not be the only wahine in our place. But bring your own jetski if ever you drown. Just kidding! :)

How will you feel if Calicoan suddenly becomes a popular surfing spot?
I will be bothered because the line-up will become crowded, and people will flock to the place all the time. But it is also fine because it will be less boring, and I will get to meet a lot of new surfers. And we will get to watch new tricks from visiting surfers.


(translated from Waray-Waray)