Beyond The Beach: Board Sports of Siargao

27 Oct

Think Siargao is just for surfing and island-hopping? Think again.

You might be surprised by just how many other ways there are to get on a board in Siargao, Philippines. From flying above the water on an e-foil to wakeboarding through a coconut-lined lake, kitesurfing across a tropical lagoon or dropping into a skate bowl in General Luna, there’s a whole other side to Siargao’s board sports scene.

E-Foiling?

Ever wondered what it feels like to fly over the ocean on a board? E-foiling uses an electric-powered hydrofoil that lifts the board above the surface of the water as you gain speed.

E-Foil Siargao, located outside Bravo Beach Resort in General Luna, gives you the chance to try one of the newer additions to the island's watersports scene. Unlike surfing, you don't need to wait around for the perfect wave, the electric motor provides the power while the foil creates that distinctive floating-above-the-water feeling.

It’s a completely different way to experience the coastline and a good option for anyone looking for something beyond the usual Siargao Island activities.

Located Outside Bravo Beach Resort
Instagram @efoil_siargao

Skateboarding

No waves? Get on a board anyway.

As the heat of the day begins to fade and sunset approaches, Malinao Road transforms into an informal gathering place for Siargao’s skating community. Dubbed Malinao Skate Road, beginners and talented road surfers come together to cruise, practise and share the road, creating a relaxed social scene that’s as much about the community as it is about skating. It’s a popular place for people to film, dance, sing, drink, set up stalls and come together in the name of island vibes.

The Bravo Skate Bowl is located at Bravo Beach Resort on Tourism Road in General Luna, bringing skate culture into the heart of Siargao. The bowl is open to the public, with skateboard and safety equipment rentals available for anyone who hasn't travelled to the island with a board under their arm.

It’s a great alternative when you want a break from the water, or when the surf isn't cooperating. Bravo also hosts skate events and jams, adding another dimension to the island's growing board sports community.

Malinsao Skate Road
Bravo Skate Bowl

Kitesurfing

Surfing uses the waves. Kitesurfing puts the wind to work.

Siargao Watersports operates directly on the beachfront at Bravo Beach Resort in General Luna, where its sheltered lagoon offers flat water, consistent winds and warm tropical conditions for learning and progressing.

Lessons are available for complete beginners through to experienced riders, covering everything from learning kite control to getting up on the board, riding upwind and eventually jumping. Equipment is included with lessons, while experienced kitesurfers can also rent gear.

And if you want to take the foiling route without a motor, they also offer wing foiling.

Located Outside Bravo Beach Resort
www.siargaowatersports.com

Wakeboarding at Siargao Wakepark

Head inland and you'll find another board sport you might not have expected to find on Siargao Island.

Siargao Wakepark is built around a lake surrounded by coconut palms, creating a pretty spectacular setting for wakeboarding. The park welcomes beginners as well as experienced riders, and describes wakeboarding as relatively easy to learn — particularly if you're already comfortable with surfing or other board sports.

It’s also more than a wakeboarding facility, with food, mini golf, basketball and other activities available, making it an easy place to spend a few hours away from the beach.

Located off Dapa - General Luna Rd
www.siargaowakepark.com

Four boards. Four completely different experiences.

If surfing brought you to Siargao, there’s no reason it has to be the only board you ride while you're here.

E-Foiling — fly above the water on an electric hydrofoil
Skateboarding — drop into the Bravo Skate Bowl in General Luna
Kitesurfing — harness the wind across a tropical lagoon
Wakeboarding — ride a cable wakepark surrounded by coconut palms

Make Kawayan Hostel your base

Staying at Kawayan Hostel puts you in General Luna, close to the island's restaurants, nightlife, beaches and activities, and within easy reach of all four of these board sports.

Whether you're already comfortable on a board or want to try something completely new, ask our team for more information during your stay. Come to Siargao Island for the surf. You might leave having discovered a completely different way to ride.