Surfing Without an Instructor in La Union

The first time I did surfing was in Baler just May this year. It was such a very fulfilling one. I did make a stand on the board on my first attempt. After that, all I could think of was surfing on my own - without the help of an instructor. I thought that the "skills" I acquired in my very first attempt would qualify me to proceed to the next level. And boy I thought it was just that easy...

After Balatoc mines experience and the not-so-fun-trek in Hydro falls, me and marx went straight to La Union. What we did was we went to the bus terminal near the SM Baguio mall and looked for buses that will pass by San Juan in La Union. We get to ride the non-AC/Abra-bound bus and paid 98 pesos. 

It took us almost 2 hours (with amazing sunset view from the window side) to reach the town of San Juan. First thing in mind was to look for a very decent place to stay for the night. It was almost 8:00 p.m. and we didn't know that there was an event at that time - the Surfing Break 2012. With that, all of the resorts were already fully booked. 

It was really hard to look for one (especially when it's way past dinner and we were famished) and just as we were about to give up (much more than me giving up - I am impatient) we saw Hillside View Apartments. It is located along the main road and not beach front (at that time believe me, I would ask anyone to allow us to stay in their homes). We asked the owner if there's ANY room for the night and she gave us a 500-peso apartment. It was a 2-bedroom unit with an AC and Fan room which we get to share with a couple. We were assigned in the Fan room (the AC room was quoted at 1,200 pesos) and the couple on the AC room. The unit was more than we imagined. A living area with TV set, dining area with fridge and cooking equipment and a bathroom. We get to share everything with the couple but it was fine because they were out the whole day (maarte pa ba sa 500 pesos?).

After a few instructions from the owner and a little chat with the couple (who were about to call it a day) we head straight to the kitchen to reheat our take out food from the Good Taste Restaurant in Baguio. We then went out to check the night life on the beach. And because it was Surfing Break we expected that there will be lotsa warm bodies around. And I was right. It was a street beach party on the highest level. Beach, beer and rock and roll. 

We went furhter and looked for a nice place to chill and have a couple of beers. We went to the San Juan Surf Resort and we perfectly loved the chill vibe of the resort. We had some beers and stories to share. We ended up drinking until the bar didn't want to serve any drinks anymore and their toilets were closed - alam na. 

fail

We dedicated the last day of our duo trip on surfing. I had my surfing debut in Baler while marx had prior surfing experience in Bagasbas and Baler too. And because we were yearning for more challenge (at mayabang lang) we rented a surf board. The board alone without an instructor. We paid 200 pesos/hour for the board rental. 

The weather was gloomy and I was wishing the sun was shining just to get me into the groove. Marx went in first and I saw him paddle away. I was looking out for him and check if he can do it. And after an hour he went back at me. He didn't get to stand. And now I was doomed. I am a self-confessed lampa and although my prior experience in Baler revealed that I am a good in balancing, paddling is a very different genre - it requires much more power and endurance.

It was my turn. I went with my yellow board and never looked back. Paddling my way. Looking for the perfect swell. Positioned myself way too far from the instructor-student area. I was with the pros. And so it went on. Paddled. Swell. Stood up. Went down. Paddled. Swell. Almost stood up. Fell. That same pattern everytime. I was so trying not to be frustrated but the impatient me was shouting that I hate it. I hate being there surrounded by all these great people. I was constantly checking the time. I didn't care about the time left but I was checking how much time it needs for me to throw a tantrum - to whom, ewan ko.

I didn't give up. The pros around were wishing me well. And then I talked to myself. Just one long ride. Please. Just one. But that didn't happen. I spent almost an hour trying and trying to make that ride. I was trying to be cheerful but I was not. I was mad and furious. And then after a while I realized that hey, it will be okay. And that IT IS okay to fail sometimes. That the next ride will be more meaningful. And that there is no other way but to move on. Lesson learned - hire an instructor next time it's okay to fail... sometimes. I need a revenge surf soon (may ganun?)

mad and furious

move on agad

We went to San Fernando, La Union via jeepney (10 pesos) and hopped on a Partas bus for our almost 7-hour trip back to Manila (400 pesos? I really forgot about the fare because of a very unfortunate event).

Again, thank you marx for this trip and here's hoping to travel with you again (ikaw ulit sa IT ;p)

Check La Union accommodations here