HomeAsiaPhilippinesLuzonIlocos NorteSurfing in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte By Marcos Detourist on April 15, 2012I couldn’t contain a sudden gasp of excitement when I found out we were suring in Pagudpud during Lakbay Norte.Getting drawn into surfing culture thanks to movies like “Surfer Dude,” “Blue Crush,” and “Into the Blue” convinced me (and I know most people share the same sentiment) that surfing is one of the coolest things to do on this earth.It was exciting to know that I may be one wipe out closer to actually learn how to surf! Inching closer to surfing nirvanaThe Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud“There’s a surf spot in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte?” was first question that popped into my head.During my first visit to the Blue Lagoon, I did notice and experienced first-hand how powerful the waves were in that area. I didn’t know back then that the place was actually blessed with the perfect mix of ocean geography that made “surfable” waves. Captivating coast of Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud, Ilocos NorteIn the Philippines, there are known surf spots in San Juan (La Union), Bagasbas (Daet, Camarines Sur), Siargao (Surigao del Norte), and Calicoan, Guian (Eastern Samar).Blue Lagoon is definitely a worthy addition to the list of amazingly beautiful places where I’d love to stay for weeks and have something like a surf camp.Surfing LessonsAfter a fulfilling lunch at Kapuluan Vista Resort and photo-ops of the Blue Lagoon, we assembled at the beach for some Surfing101 action.Our instructors were Pagudpud locals led by Mike Oida, the owner of Kapuluan Vista Resort. Mike Oida leading our surf lessonsThey taught us the basics of paddling the surfboard, standing on the board correctly, and keeping safe while on the water.When all of us got the hang of doing “the pop-up,” we packed up our boards and walked to the main surfing area of the Blue Lagoon. On our way to the surfing locationThe setting and weather was perfect! Spending the afternoon at the gorgeous beach was amazing in itself but to surf while enjoying the scenery and great company of friends put the icing on the cake and a cherry to top it all off. Me and the surfboardSurfing in PagudpudWe took turns on the water since we were on a big group. It was fun to see our friends struggling to conquer the waves and cheering them on when they did get to stand on the surfboard without wiping out.When I got my turn, I got to stand a few times on the board. So cool! Thanks to Gael for taking my photos while attempting to surf. My uncoordinated body looked awkward trying to balance on the board. So, this is the only photo I’ll post for now :)After all of us had our fill, our instructors got into the water and showed us how it’s really done.If those pictures still doesn’t get you packing, here’s a video I found of the excellent surf in Pagudpud:Of course, we couldn’t leave the Blue Lagoon without the ubiquitous group souvenir photo with the surf boards. (L-R) Me, Gael of ThePinaySoloBackpacker), Ed of SoloflightEd, Kara of Traveling-up, Angel of Lakwatsero, Christian of LakadPilipinas, and James of JourneyingJames.Final goodbye at Kapuluan Vista Resort, Blue Lagoon, PagudpudWe left Pagudpud during sundown and traveled for an hour to Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte, for a night out in the city.Don’t leave yet. There’s more!Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and Lunch at Kapuluan…Saud Beach Homestay in Pagudpud, Ilocos NortePlaza del Norte Hotel and Convention CenterPaoay Lake Paddle Boarding, Ilocos Norte8 Days North Philippines (Lakbay Norte) ItineraryIlocos Norte Itinerary - My 4 Day DIY Tour of Pagudpud,…Comments mervz | pinoyadventurista.com saysApril 15, 2012 at 4:12 pmthis is what i missed when i went to Pagudpud last year… i would definitely go back just to experience surfing here…thanks for sharing! :) Marcos saysApril 18, 2012 at 1:21 pmsama tayo mervz! Journeys and Travels saysApril 15, 2012 at 6:39 pmlove this post! I am never the adventurous buff when it comes to the sea but this one perhaps will be my exception haha. Il just gonna find a surf board that is a little bit smaller hahaha :)Thanks for this marcus. Marcos saysApril 18, 2012 at 1:36 pmHehe, kaya yan! Micamyx|Senyorita saysApril 16, 2012 at 1:59 pmI miss Pagudpud! Marcos saysApril 18, 2012 at 1:37 pmMay araw din babalik tayo dyan! josie saysMay 14, 2012 at 7:13 pmhey surfer!!;-)maganda din sa samar.. calicoan island;-) sa surf camp. try nyo din dun. Ryan saysSeptember 11, 2012 at 7:01 amBoss, pwede po ba malaman rates ng Surfing lessons and surf rental? Thanks buy exclusive beats saysMarch 8, 2013 at 11:39 amWow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say fantastic blog! Best Places saysJune 6, 2013 at 12:56 pmThis is really a great blog! awesome pics. Posting of new comments is disabled temporarily.Connect with Marcos on:Detourista.comMarcosDetourist.comFacebookInstagramTwitterDetourista.comDiscover more travel guides and blogs about the Philippines and beyond by Marcos DetouristChoose your next destination: Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
mervz | pinoyadventurista.com saysApril 15, 2012 at 4:12 pmthis is what i missed when i went to Pagudpud last year… i would definitely go back just to experience surfing here…thanks for sharing! :)
Journeys and Travels saysApril 15, 2012 at 6:39 pmlove this post! I am never the adventurous buff when it comes to the sea but this one perhaps will be my exception haha. Il just gonna find a surf board that is a little bit smaller hahaha :)Thanks for this marcus.
josie saysMay 14, 2012 at 7:13 pmhey surfer!!;-)maganda din sa samar.. calicoan island;-) sa surf camp. try nyo din dun.
Ryan saysSeptember 11, 2012 at 7:01 amBoss, pwede po ba malaman rates ng Surfing lessons and surf rental? Thanks
buy exclusive beats saysMarch 8, 2013 at 11:39 amWow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say fantastic blog!