Riding the Waves

Each surf trip is different. After a little bit more than a year of hiatus, I was finally to go on one again.

Yep, still in La Union, San Juan to be exact. Surf Camp changed a lot since I have been. It is continuing to develop. The room’s furnishings, beds, and the bathroom changed. The room on the ground did, where we stayed, at least. It was great. The bathroom in particular is more spacious, though I would still suggest for a hot shower, it already is a big improvement. 

Even if the forecast is predicting almost flat waters, I decided to go because long weekends these days are rare to come by. Upon arriving, I peeked at the sea, and I suddenly felt excited as there were pretty 5-ft-ish waves. I figured, that might be gone soon though but since we were hungry, we hurriedly checked-in, left our stuff in the room and grabbed some lunch in, where else? Midway Grill. 

After we were stuffed, we rested a bit, lounged by the benches at Surf Camp. When the sun suddenly decided to hide, we figured, it was best to surf even if it was just 2:30 PM.. Especially that the waves were amazing; pretty wild, thick, powerful and a little scary (okay, a lot scary). Going back to the line-up was such a chore (even if I was spoiled by Jeff). Jeff was actually choosing a board for me and shouted, “yung soft-top na lang na 7”x’ ha” (“7”x’ soft-top” sorry, I can’t remember the exact measurement). I responded saying that as long as he thinks I may be able to balance it, then I’m game. He mentioned that it will be a little hard to balance but once it does, the ride is smoother and longer. 

Ride number one was funny. I refused to even stand up. Haha. I got scared. The second one was too big for me, I was tumbled in the water which gave me ample work out for the rest of the week. Ride number three, I was finally able to glide and wall a little. But the wave was a bit weak for me. The fourth until I don’t know how many, each was just pure bliss. I was surfing and walling each and every time, long ones, on a little bit lower than 5-ft waves. Had my rides been captured in video, it would be ideal to put some sound effect for background and I would be happy watching over and over again (but that is just me). 

I have no intentions of going pro (haha, as if). All I want is to be able to read the waves, catch one on my own and have long rides (short ones are okay too). So I know I have to work on my paddling skills because as I type, I have absolutely none. My arms ached like hell the next day because surfing was the most exercise my body got after a long time. Two days after, my inner thighs gave up as well. These are the “battle scars” I got for not stretching at all prior. 

This on and off affair with surfing will not end, as long as I have the energy to subject myself to an adventure and body aches, I will love to surf. But what comes after pain? Good thing I got to stay at Thunderbird Resorts again to relax.

This time, I got to play a little bit by the hotel’s beach (which has a lot of dried seaweeds by the shore, but the sand is okay, not fine but the water is clear and the texture is bearable). Also, I got to swim in the pool and drink a vanilla milkshake while in the pool. That was just awesome. The hotel’s bed soothed my aching body which worked wonders as I absolutely love their sheets. 

Vacations are always amazing. If only I have unlimited funds, I will surely go on one each and every weekend. 

Also, Thunderbird Resorts is giving away Php100,000, grand Thunderbird vacation, an iPad and Enjoy card! :) Know more about it here.

Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point
VOA Compound, Pennsylvania Avenue
San Fernando City, La Union
(63 72) 8887777 in La Union or (63 2) 8865555 Makati Office

San Juan Surf Camp
Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union
(63 72) 7200340 / fax (63 72) 2420822
+63-9178803040
sanjuansurfresort@yahoo.com