Ten Reasons Why You Should Try Surfing In Guiuan:

1. The waves are amazing and consistent throughout the year. I was told by an Australian surfer, who has been living in Calicoan for a long time now, that they seldom experience flat spells in the surfing spot, even if it's off season. Another professional Japanese surfer told me that the flattest state the surf spot can ever get is 3 feet. And the biggest waves can reach beyond a triple overhead level. Whoa.
2. Even if the waves get really nasty in the outside, surfers can still play in the inside because the waves tend to reform. 
3. Not crowded. There are less than 20 people in the line-up, which means:
1. you don't have to worry too much about dropping in on someone, or not finishing your ride.
2. less fights over a wave.
3. there are less chances of cracking someone's skull with your fin, or running someone over with your board.
4. less clappers and cheerers of your wipe-outs.
5. you can get the waves you want (not just the left-overs)
6. more wave count!
4. When the main surf spot gets really, really nasty and difficult, you can transfer to another surf spot. There are many spots just a little farther from the Surf Camp and one in Banago, Sulangan. You can ask the locals for tips.
5. No touristy vibe. Just chill and organic and very natural.
6. You can feast on silut (coconut) or tayum (sea urchin) after you surf. The place is surrounded by these delicacies.
7. You can choose between two living conditions depending on your taste. If you want a comfortable, royalty-type experience, and you have the funds for it, you can check in at either of the two resorts in the area- one is very majestic and expensive (Surf Camp), the other one is a little less cheaper and a chiller (Villa). Or if you are a survivor, you can choose to live with the locals! We camp and chill in our small kubo located right in front of the surfing area. We only have one faucet for fresh water, a couple of hammock, a set of coal-black cooking materials, the sea, the coconuts, no electricity, and pure local fun!
8. The scenery is simply breath-taking- the tall green coconut trees, the long stretch of white beach, and the clear and unpolluted blue skies. You have to be at the line-up and look at the beach from there to know what I am talking about.
9. The locals are awesome and nice! ♥
10. Finally, you will witness the most graceful and best wahine ever- Cindy Balbuena; and awesome little big-wave surfer kids- ages 10-7 (they can't even carry their boards on their own hahaha!).

Important Information:

• How to get to Calicoan from the town proper: 
•  You can look for a multicab or jeep heading to Sulangan at the public market (near Viva Commercial Center or Rochelyn Botique). Fare is 30php, and travel time is usually 30 mins. Ask to be dropped at the Surfing Area near Calicoan Villa.
• You can rent a tricycle for a fixed price (you have to negotiate w/ the driver).  
• Private vehicle: 20 minutes travel time
• Walk. Just kidding! But really, some pilgrims decide to walk from the town proper to the miraculous Sulangan Church (which is waaaay beyond Calicoan) as part of their saad or panata. Just saying. :)
• Surf Lessons info:
• Visit the local surf club "headquarters" located at the little kubo after the Calicoan Villa. There should be a sign that says: Surfing Area or Guiuan Surf Club. The club is offering affordable lessons. 200 for board rental +200 for the instructor. 
• The Surf Camp is also offering surf lessons. 500 for the board rental and X for instructor.
• Season:
• Peak season: September-First week of November
• There are waves all throughout the year! :)
• Chill waves during the summer ♥
• We recommend you to visit sometime in December to February if you 1) want to commit suicide 2) are a bigwave rider 3) want to be the only one in the line-up. :))
• Reminders:
• The spot has sharp reefs on the ocean bed. It's not really a problem (well, because we've been surfing there barefoot and we still have our feet) but if you want to avoid scratches and pain, you might want to bring with you a pair of booties.
• The nearest cheap eateries and market are 10 mins away (in Sulangan)- the Villa and the Surf Camp tend to serve expensive but delicious food. Near the surf spot are small sari-sari stores nearby that sell junk food, soda, cigarettes, ice, and a limited supply of red horse and gin. You might to buy stuff at the town proper first. Or you can buy raw meat and ask the locals to cook them for you. Eating with the locals in a boodle fight is a priceless experience!
• Bring a flashlight or a lamp if you intend to stay for the night. Don't worry, you'll be alright even if you sleep out in the open. No criminals or anything.
• Bring drinking water and a blanket. You'll survive with just these things if you intend to sleep over.
• There is a shortage of boards on the spot- especially long boards. So you might want to bring your own board if you have one.
• The Calicoan Surfing Experience is a test of your basic survival skills. You might want to bring a prepared self. :)

 PHOTOS: 

(photo by Julius Aranas) me and cindy getting ready to paddle out ♥

 (photo by Myoho) Calicoan in late June

(photo by Myoho) Calicoan in late June

 (photo by Myoho) Calicoan during the start of the season

(photo by Myoho)

 (photo by Myoho) The only person who paddled out that day

 (photo by Myoho) Kiwi taking off one sunny day in Calicoan

jeep that passes by the Calicoan surfing area

local surfers with the European visitor who donated his board to the club

eating survivor style :)

tambayan area

champions of the local competition, Alvin & Cindy, w/ MSA peeps and the little surfers

(photo by Myoho) Cindy ♥

 Locals in a drinking sesh

boodle fight

local surfers before the inauguration of the Surf Club officers

♥♥♥