Travel | Surfing in Baler, Philippines

I first felt the force of the waves as it slammed against the board. Then my face. Each collision seemed to lift my body. And for a split second, it felt like I was flying.

The late afternoon brought with it a dim sky and cold, strong winds. Sabang Beach in Baler, Aurora was looking gloomy. Walking towards the sea, my friends and I already saw heads, arms, and boards constantly jutting out of the water. Those people were already attempting to do what we were about to do: surf.

It was my first time.

I didn’t know what to expect, except that it wasn’t going to be easy. Like any sport, I knew practice was the key to ride the waves successfully.

Soon enough I would know that for surfing, balance was just as important.

My first few attempts consisted of a lot of flailing, gasping for air, and getting slammed by both the waves and my own surfboard. I had my own guide whom I felt sorry for because I was probably looking hopeless as I tried to surf in vain.

From kneeling and crouching on the board, I started getting the hang of it. I could almost hear and feel the waves just as they started lifting my board. And before I knew it, I was actually standing! But it ended as quickly as it came, because the next second I found myself back underwater.

That's how it was for the rest of the time. Most of the time, I would jump or fall back to the sea almost but not really frustrated with myself. But sometimes -- perhaps once, or twice, or at least a number below than what my fingers can count -- I actually surfed and rode the waves.

Too soon, my other friends were on the shore already signaling to me that the hour was up. How time flew! Just when I was starting to get the hang of it, the sun was already coming down and we had to go.

The next day, my whole body was sore as if it were beaten up badly. Brushing my teeth, brushing my hair, or simply any movement that needed my arms was quite painful. Despite those nuisances, I still consider my experience worth whatever soreness or pain because I knew surfing was something I would do again.

Have you tried surfing before? Or perhaps it’s your hobby? I’d definitely love to hear about your experiences!

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Photos taken by me using my iPhone 6S