ELYU | Surfing into the Waters of San Juan

ELYU | 

One of the four provinces in Ilocos Region - La Union - bring diverse people together to do similar interest – surfing. It is closely situated to the provinces in the north: Ilocos, Abra, Pangasinan, but is also accessible by a seven-hour land travel to those who are coming from Manila. For the past years, it has been called as the surfing capital of the North, fostering amity among tourists and locals, and realizing dreams of the young and young at heart. And, whether surfing is a juvenile curiosity or an established skill, you’ve got the full coastline of San Juan – its waters and big waves – willing to give you that kind of stoke you’ve been chasing.

COMMUTE AND GETTING AROUND |

San Juan Bound

** Partas buses, located in Cubao, bound for Abra depart hourly. Get off at Urbiztondo; fare is Php 442; travel time is about 7 hours. **

Manila Bound

Option A: Several Bus companies coming from the northernmost point of Luzon pass by the road of Urbiztondo; hail one as it drop and get passengers on an hourly basis; Make your selection route (Cubao, Pasay or Avenida)

Option B: Ride a jeepney bound for Partas Terminal in San Juan; travel time is 10 minutes; fare is Php 10.

Urbiztondo Beach is a small locality in the north and can be roamed conveniently: by motorcycle, jeepney and for those people who find awesomeness in wandering – the best way is to explore the place by foot.

**and, as always, get lost **

STAY | - THE CIRCLE HOSTEL -

Beach front resorts can go as steep as Php 5000, while an average room would normally costs around Php 2000-3000. Backpacker accommodation ranges from Php 450-600/pax.

One hostel, adjacent to the beach, greets nomads on the go. Either you get yourself a hammock for Php 450/pax/night or secure a bed for Php 550. Common areas are built to encourage interaction with fellow travelers: solo or group. The hostel's balcony has been consistently converted into a stadium of arts where freedom of expression is highly welcomed. Painters, musicians and basically people from all walks of life, huddle up to enliven oneself or others.

• A surfer's breakfast is served at 7 AM for in-house guests (banana, peanut butter and different types of spreads)
• Clean shared toilet and bath with hot shower
• Kitchen area with available condiments can be used for Php 50/use
• Lockers are for free to use but make sure to bring your own padlocks
• 24/7 electricity
• Daily supply of towels, toilet paper and bed sheet 
• Day tour rate is at Php 150 that starts from morning until 5 PM; guests who are arriving past midnight can spend the night in the common area and wait for the reception to open come daylight
• Reservation is not necessary except during summer and holidays

FOR EVERYTHING ELSE, HANG LOOSE AND ENJOY THE RIDE, THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE |

Being afraid of the water is one of the too many challenges beginners have to deal with surfing. If you are ready to be tossed from pole to pole - take the plunge and give it a try. Remember to cover what needs to be covered once you decide to take the waves, and when I say this, I mean - wear appropriate clothing as to avoid any wardrobe malfunction. 

Depending on your eagerness to learn surfing, either experienced or professional instructors can be of help to geared you up. As cliche as it may sound - practice can refine the skills - perfection no,  as the term varies dramatically: subjective or objective. Unavoidable circumstances can add all to the fluidity of the ride - rule number one is - nothing trumps knowledge and experience. So you need to listen to what your instructor has to say. For everything else, hang loose and enjoy the ride, the ride of your life.

If waves are too strong, a photo walk along the coastline of Urbiztondo can be as equally entertaining as riding the waves.

glorious sunset waving behind the waves

And, watch how weekends are normally spent by locals with their families

Or, build sandcastles against the tide, love

Build.

Destroy.

Repeat.

Some places either mend or rip us, we terrorize or trespass.

Some books we read, preface to conclusion, ignite us - our illusion.

While rarely, we encounter people who wrap up parts of our world, and just like a song, strip us naked and jaded or wicked: mind and soul