Surfing after the Storm

No less than President GMA tested the waves in La Union last year and found them perfect for local surfers as well as portions of the world surfing circuit. And this so-called “presidential dry-run” was the bait that lured surfers to participate in the recent 4th La Union Surfing break.

While the local weather bureau flagged the region with a storm signal No. 1, the attendees felt more excited than worried about their weekend getaway. Yes, they got drenched by the popular waves of Urbiztondo beach and not by the expected torrential rain of tropical storm Santi.

“We were really worried people wouldn’t come with PAGASA’s storm announcement. But surprisingly, the number of people who came exceeded our expectations. It only shows how much people really love to surf here in La Union,” said Martin Valera, Regional Director for Region I of the Department of Tourism (DoT).

Urbiztondo beach has been hosting surfers and those who want to learn the sport since 2006. Aside from having a splendid surfing weekend, attendees also enjoyed numerous activities on the shores - Bike Race Competition, Surf Board Design Competition, Beach Volleyball Competition, photography contest and an Amazing Race Challenge.

Unfazed by the Storm

La Union was among the provinces that were damaged by both typhoons Ondoy and Peping. As a result there were less people from Manila who came for this year’s event.

“Of course the news that we were damaged by previous typhoons affected the number of people that came for the event, especially those who would be coming from Manila. We still had some guests from Manila and even foreigners but this year has the lowest (number of participants) compared to previous years,” explained Valera.

But the province remains optimistic. “Even with the lowest turnout in surf break history, we are very happy with the number of guests that came from the nearby provinces. More than the surf break, people come to La Union to learn surfing and they come in the whole year long,” he added.

Over the years, movie stars have been making annual trips to La Union to ride the waves, among them actor Jericho Rosales. But the most important guest on the sands of Urbiztondo beach was none other than President Arroyo who is considered the No. 1 endorser of the country’s top tourism spots.

Growing in waves

The DoT noted the growing number of surfers in the country and said that the trend will continue to grow. With numerous curious wave riders waiting for their chance to learn the sport and other surfing spots in the country, it will only be a matter of time before we become a surfing country.

“There are already a lot of surfing communities and groups dispersed in all parts of the country all looking for new spots to surf. The growing number is truly remarkable as well as the regions’ return on investment. It has been a really big push for the regions,” Valera said.

Aside from income-generation, local businessmen also feel optimistic with their investments despite the devastation wrought by the recent series of typhoons.

“There has been a decline in the number of tourists coming in because of the typhoons but we are already on our way to recovery especially with this year’s Surf Break. By observing the trends, this one is just a phase and we expect people to continue coming to La union to surf,” said Atty. Rodolfo Yabez, owner of Sebay hotel and restaurant, one of the beachfront hotels in La Union,

“One of the main differences that visitors immediately notice in La Union is how peaceful it is here. For three years now, the surf break has not (incurred any) major incidents. Another one is price. The place is safe and the accommodations are reasonably priced,” Valera said.

But there is more to La union than surfing. It’s one of the most complete destinations in the country where good food and great culture are found. The province is surrounded by sites of historical and cultural importance.

“People just have to move on and don’t have to worry about the damage from previous typhoons. La Union is physically okay. The province is still accessible even if some major roads were damaged. But the quality of enjoyment is still the same as well as the thrill from surfing,” added Valero.