Cover Surfing in La Union offer distinct wave experiences, from gentle rollers to challenging reef breaks. (Photo: John Seaton Callahan / Getty Images)
Surfing in La Union offer distinct wave experiences, from gentle rollers to challenging reef breaks. (Photo: John Seaton Callahan / Getty Images)
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Surfing in La Union means discovering breaks that cater to every skill level, from first-timers to advanced surfers
Known as the surfing capital of the north in the Philippines, La Union stretches along the island of Luzon and faces the West Philippine Sea. Its proximity to the capital of Manila—four to five hours by car—makes the province a favourite weekend getaway, with two La Union surf seasons spanning nine months of the year.
The recent Typhoon Co-may, locally known as Emong, battered the province, but La Union is bouncing back with the south swell season in full swing. October brings in the north swell season, drawing both beginners and experienced surfers from across Asia.
Where to surf in La Union? What visitors might miss is that surfing in La Union extends far beyond the crowded shores of San Juan. Municipalities along the province’s coastline offer distinct wave experiences, from gentle rollers to challenging reef breaks.
The sunset views are consistent wherever you paddle out, and the best surfing spots in La Union include both famous breaks and hidden gems. La Union surf schools maintain standard rates across the board, with surf equipment rental readily available.
Read more: Surf’s up: here’s where to go for your next surfing holiday in Asia—no matter your skill level
1. San Juan
Among the most popular La Union surf spots is Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, with the Main Beach Break near the San Juan Surf Resort area. During the north swell season, it accommodates everyone from first-timers to seasoned surfers. The crowds here reflect its accessibility—expect company during peak season.
Within this beach break lies The Bowl, a fast section that breaks near Kahuna Beach Resort. The steeper drops and occasional small barrels make this spot worth the paddle for intermediates and up.
Read more: 5 things we miss about La Union: surfing in Urbiztondo, cliff diving, and more
A quick walk up north is Monaliza Point, a right-hand point break that has hosted international events like the World Surf League. It has been home to Single and Unattached, a locally organised and globally known competition, where surfers ride single fins and ditch their leashes entirely. This point demands advanced to expert skills, breaking over the reef during amihan swells.
A bit further north is the break near Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel, with beginners learning the basics closer to the shore and advanced surfers working the outside sections. This north swell spot maintains the friendly vibe that made surfing in La Union famous among backpackers, perfect for those wanting to learn to surf Philippines style.
A 10-minute ride from Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel, Taboc breaks near the seawall by the local barangay hall. All skill levels find waves here, though advanced surfers typically walk or paddle out to the outer reef for more substantial waves during the north swell season.
German Sunset switches the script during habagat season, offering beach break waves near Sunset German Beach Resort. When the south swells arrive, this becomes one of the few spots in San Juan that comes alive, adding yet another dimension to surfing in La Union.
2. San Fernando
San Fernando, the capital of La Union, lies just south of San Juan and is easily reached by car or tricycle (yes, even surfboards can ride on top).
In this city, you’ll find Car-rille or Jesus Point, named for the huge weathered statue overlooking the break. This spot produces some of the longest rides in La Union—over 300 metres when conditions align. The right-hand wave works best during the north swell season and favours longboards.
The amihan season also brings surfers to J-Break in Lingsat. Its inside sections attract beginners with instructors, while the outer reef holds more serious waves for experienced surfers.
Nirad presents a trickier proposition near Charlie’s Hangar. The rocky bottom and challenging waves make this an advanced to expert venue, where local knowledge proves invaluable for safe sessions.
Come south swell season, William’s in Dalumpinas offers a change of pace when many other breaks go quiet.
3. Bacnotan
About a 30-minute ride north of San Juan, Bacnotan offers diverse waves for surfers of varying skill levels. Among the most popular is Quirino, which breaks near the local cement factory (you won’t miss its towering presence) and offers a sandy-bottomed alternative to the reef breaks found elsewhere along the coast.
The north swell season brings the best waves here, suitable for all experience levels, from beginners learning their first turns to experts looking for uncrowded sessions.
4. Luna
A bit further north of Bacnotan, Luna shows another side of surfing in La Union with breaks such as Darigayos. This right-hand reef break works best during the south swell season for intermediates and up, and typically entails a boat ride. Short boards work best for the steeper waves that break over the reef.
Dyan Zarzuela is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. A former managing editor at Netflix Philippines (social media) and Cosmopolitan Magazine Philippines, she has covered everything from culture and entertainment to food and travel. Now based in the surf town of La Union, she continues to tell thoughtful stories for brands and publications across Asia.
