Town making waves in world of surfing

SURF’S UP It’s surfing time in La Union province this time of the year. The so-called north swell, which begins in October until May, is when waves are high and suitable for board riders. October is also San Juan town’s annual surfing break, the biggest water sports event in La Union from Oct. 24-27. CRISTINA ARZADON/INQUIRER N. LUZON

SAN JUAN, La Union, Philippines—With oversized boards on their backs or heads, bare-chested men walking along the national road in this coastal town in La Union province have become a familiar sight as residents prepare for the single, biggest water sports event here from Oct. 24 to 27.

San Juan town has been making waves in the international surfing scene following its annual surfing break that has attracted local and foreign board riders since the event was organized eight years ago.

This year’s event, billed Soul Surf, continues to capture the hearts of surf enthusiasts who have helped La Union draw tourists and generate economic activities for locals.

Event organizer Lemon Dines, La Union Surf Club vice president, said this year’s goal was to peel the roots of surfing and strengthen the image of La Union culture by combining surf, arts and music.

“Surfing in La Union has come a long way. We were merely known for our beaches. Today, we have established San Juan as the surfing capital in the north,” he said.

The club expects to attract a huge crowd from different regions flocking to the shores of La Union for the four-day event.

Days before the competition, hotel operators have reported high room bookings from the high-end resort hotels down to the homestay facilities in this town.

Tourism officials said hotel bookings were placed months before the surfing competition.

The event is more than sports as it aims to present the province’s tourism and culture by combining surf with music and the arts.

San Juan is the most accessible and nearest surfing site north of Metro Manila next to Baler town in Aurora province, Daet town in Camarines Sur province and Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte province.

The surfing event won the 2012 Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines and Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT) best tourism event for sports and wellness category.

The award was given during the ATOP national convention on Oct. 4 in Legazpi City. It was the second time that the surfing event brought home the same award. It won its first award in Palawan province last year.

“We are eyeing the Hall of Fame award if we win the same title next year,” Dines said.

This year’s event courted bigger public-private partnerships with the entry of more corporate sponsors that teamed up with the provincial government and the DOT.

Dines said the event incorporated environmental preservation as beach cleanup is undertaken before, during and after the event.

The event has also provided livelihood for residents of the coastal village of Urbiztondo who set up small businesses like souvenir shops selling key chains, T-shirts and other items and snack counters.

Dines said La Union’s young surfers had generated income as well by becoming tutors for beginners. “They have made use of their earnings in going back to school as education still comes first,” he said.  Cristina Arzadon, Inquirer N. Luzon