CLAVER, Surigao del Norte ― Aside from the surfing mecca of Siargao, Mindanao is also home to dozens, if not hundreds, of surfing spots awaiting to be discovered. After decades since the birth of Philippine surfing, the spots in the south remain uncharted to many surfing enthusiasts.
But as the country gears toward economic recovery post-Covid-19, the rise of surfing tourism in Mindanao will likely be a vital component of the local travel industry. The inclusion of surfing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has also spurred great interest in the sport among Filipinos.
In Mindanao, provinces facing the Pacific Ocean are home to diverse swells for beginners, intermediate, and sometimes professional surfers. Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental offers hundreds of kilometers stretch of various surf breaks.
“We have different kinds of swells in Mindanao. The key for visitors is for them to keep in touch with the locals so we can guide them properly as to where to best surf during a particular season,” said Jake Planillas, a surfing enthusiast who helps introduce surfing to the local kids here.
Head of Bayod Surf Club of Claver, Planillas is at the forefront of training local children in surfing taking into consideration the future potential of the sports in the community. Currently, there are over 60 children under his tutelage with some already competing in various local events.
“There is a need to prepare and orient the youth, the next generation of surfers, and the communities as direct participants in achieving the project's sustainability for them to embrace development without risking any negative impacts on the environment,” he said.
Amid the pandemic, the Global Industry Analysts, Inc. reported that the global market for surfing was estimated to be at US$2.7B in 2020, and is projected to reach US$3.1B by 2026. The Asia-Pacific is forecasted to reach a projected market size of US$600.4 Million by 2026.
Pushing the development of surfing in the south is the most advantageous scenario given the huge opportunities the global market for surfing entails.
With his full-time advocacy of training the children, Planillas pointed out the challenges in procuring surfing equipment with most of the surfboards in his club were purely donated by other surfers who have the same passion as him.
“Our advocacy is to our children. We prepare them because sooner or later, Mindanao will rise as a prime surfing destination. And our children must be there for whatever opportunities the sports may bring.” (JP Pasaylo, Contributor)
