Stormrider Guide to surfing Catanduanes

Phillipines, EAST ASIA

Jurassic Point, John Callahan

Summary

+ World-class righthander	- Long flat spells
+ Empty waves	- Lack of quality spots
+ Exotic, tropical paradise	- Unsuitable for beginners
+ Cheap and mellow trip	- Difficult access

Located just off the coast of South Luzon, Catanduanes island juts out into the Pacific as an ideal swell magnet for the NE typhoon swells. Surfer magazine published the story of a 1988 trip showing photos of a barreling righthander dubbed Majestics. However, the pictures were deceiving, not showing how quick, shallow or inconsistent the wave was. Many surfers end up spending weeks waiting for Majestics to do its thing, but those that do score it good, rate it as the PhilippineÕs best barrel.

When to Go

Swell exposure is not great, coming only from typhoons travelling in a W-NW direction towards Japan. They can form at any time, but the majority occur between July and Nov, the peak months being Aug-Sept. ThereÕs an estimated 15-20 typhoons a year, each one providing 2-4 days of swell between 3-8ft, with peak swells hitting 12ft. From July to Oct the swells are cleaned up by the offshore SW wind. By Nov the wind is shifting round to an onshore, NE direction, although this transition period sees quite a lot of swell activity. The NE monsoon only brings small, onshore windswells. The May-June transition period will bring E-S winds, which fluctuate in strength and direction all the time, but generally itÕs quite calm and a good time for beginners. The tidal range is large and most of the shallow reefs are only rideable from mid to high tide.

Surf Spots

Puraran Bay is the local name for Majestics, which hits an angled coral shelf, stands up beyond straight and vortexes off for a short, but intense ride with an impressive power to size ratio. Needs at least a 2-3ft swell to clear the coral and it is best surfed from mid to high tide on the push. Having a light SW wind to hold up the lips is also a crucial factor, limiting the season to habagat months, which luckily coincide with the typhoons that bring the ideal E-NE swell direction. Intermediates might have fun on small days, but once it gets overhead, only tube-jockeys with an air-drop game will get into the heaving pits. Low tide can be ridden, but cuts are guaranteed to fallers and often result in infections and fevers, a long way from any hospital. Locals are usually cool and any hassles in the line-up may come from zealous regulars and transplants, irked by the waveÕs fickle nature. If conditions are too sketchy at Majestics, try Point B further to the S, but beware of the exposed rocks. It can be a brilliant wave but itÕs not suitable for beginners. By renting a boat you can reach Lucky Point, an exposed fringe of reef that needs E swell to line up properly. When Majestics and Point B are onshore go to Moning, a tidy right peeler that only works at high tide. Hire a boat in Baras to get out there. On big stormy days there can be a fun left inside Virac Harbour, which has plenty of opportunities to bust out some big moves. An hour south on the tip of the island, Twin Rocks has some fun lefts and rights and easy accommodation in a chilled-out atmosphere. None of the spots here ever get very busy, as there are only a handful of local and visiting foreign surfers. The island is big and certainly hides more spots. Hire a boat in Virac and go and explore.

Statistics

dominant swell

-E

swell size (ft)

1-2

3-4

consistency (%)

dominant wind

N -E

E -SW

S -W

SW -NE

N -E

average force

F3-F4

consistency (%)

water temp (C)

wetsuit

boardshorts

Travel Information

Weather
Hot and extremely humid year-round. The NE monsoon (amihan) lasts from Nov-April and not only brings onshores, but also huge amounts of rainfall. After the May-June transition period, the SW monsoon (habigat) starts blowing, bringing drier weather and offshore winds. Even though the swell comes from typhoons they rarely make landfall in the Philippines, although there is always the risk between July-Nov. If they do hit be prepared for devastation; super typhoon Loleng flattened every beach hut in Puraran in 1998.

Lodging and Food
Puraran Surf Beach Resort, Puting-Baybay Resort and Majestic Resort have beachfront local nipa huts on stilts fr $12/n and various rooms for less. Food is also cheap at $4-5 for a basic meal. Lots of seafood and rice.

Nature and Culture
DonÕt miss the 2500m Mayon volcano near Legaspi. The beaches here are some of the best in the world and the crystal clear water makes for excellent snorkelling and diving conditions. Climb up to the Puraran pass for some amazing views.