San Juan Surf Resort is where I was able to try my first surfing experience. A five-hour drive from Manila, La Union beach is one of the sought after destinations thriving with surf resorts. If you want to have fun surfing at La Union, don’t think twice visiting the place.
Memento, our photography club at work, decided to have fun photo ops at San Juan beach La Union. But it became more than just a photography or club event for us as we were able to try and immensely enjoy La Union surfing.
About San Juan Surf Resort
A popular beach resort in La Union, San Juan Surf Resort was established in 2003 at Urbiztondo beach in the town of San Juan. One of the notable endeavors from its team is its initiative to help children with special disabilities connect with the ocean by means of teaching them how to surf.
San Juan Surf Resort provides affordable, nice accommodations and of course, an amazing surfing ground. It’s one of the best places to stay if you are looking for a La Union beach resort.
Surf season starts around October and ends in March. Our group was fortunate to visit San Juan Surf Resort on the month of November when waves were pretty good.
Urbiztondo Beach
There are several La Union resorts you can find out there if you want to try surfing. You can highly consider San Juan La union resorts along the stretch of Urbiztondo beach because waves here are suitable for beginner surfers.
San Juan Surf Resort Surfing Lessons
For beginners like me, San Juan Surf resort offers lessons with trained surf instructors. Rate is at per hour basis which included the use of rashguard and surfing board. If you already know how to surf, San Juan Surf Resort also provides surf board rentals.
San Juan Surf Resort has a tent along the beach area where you can register and pay for the surfing lesson fees. Actually, no matter which among the San Juan La Union beach resorts you choose, you can easily find surfing lessons along the beach.
Once settled, an instructor will get you a board and will start guiding you to a fun San Juan surfing adventure.
Surfing 101: Practice at the Shore
At the shore, we were taught of the basics of surfing. My instructor, Mandy, helped me attached the leash on my foot which at the other end was tied to the surf board.
He then taught me how I will be able to stand at the surf board in three simple steps. Lying belly-down on the board with both hands at the sides, you should (1) lift your hands to your chest, (2) push your body up with your arms, and (3) stand with one foot in front of the other.
Surfing 101: Surf Proper
At the waters, we found a spot and waited for the waves. Once a wave was approaching, Mandy will push the surfing board and will shout at me to signify me to stand up. Once standing, I kept my knees bent with my arms extended while leaning a little forward to keep my balance. Lastly, I enjoyed the ride through the waves.
Surfing Board
I tried two surfboards and I preferred the wider one that had a rougher texture because I was able to stand better with it. Mandy also rubbed some wax on my surfboard to improve my foot grip. Good balance and timing are very important factors to be able to get though the waves.
Restaurant
San Juan Surf Resort also has a restaurant where we tasted some scrumptious dishes. Yum!
Overall
Overall, surfing at San Juan Surf Resort was really one of my unforgettable experiences. There are several La Union beach resorts but not all of them were created equal. San Juan Surf Resort has a refreshing and chill atmosphere suitable for group of friends wanting to have fun. Conveniently located along Urbiztondo beach, the waves are literally waiting just in front of you.
For those who do not know how to swim, you can still surf. Starting point can be at chest-deep or waist-deep waters only. Surf early in the morning or in the afternoon to get good waves.
If you want more than just the usual getaway from Manila, explore what San Juan beach resort La Union has to offer.
San Juan Surf Resort Rates (As of November, 2021)
Surf Lesson (inclusive of board rental and an instructor) – PHP 500/hour
Surf Lesson (Advanced Lesson) – PHP 600/hour
Surfboard Rental
1 Hour – PHP 250
Half Day – PHP 500
Whole Day – PHP 800
Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) – PHP 400/hour
Kayak (for 2-3 people) – PHP 400/hour
Body Board – PHP 200/hour
Skim Board – PHP 100/hour
For updated rates, click here.
San Juan Surf Resort
Address: Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union
Contact Nos.: ((+63) 917-887-5470 | (+63) (072) 687-9990
E-mail: sanjuansurf@yahoo.com.ph
Website: https://www.sanjuansurfresort.ph/
Looking for other La Union resorts? Check out Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa and Thunderbird Resort.
