by Maria Christina Buo
Some of the epic discoveries around Gen. Luna include the following breaks, namely Pansukyan or Pancit Reef, Daku Horseshoes or Tuason Point, Pilar Point, Cloud Nine and the Rock Islands. A group of islands across the channel about one hour by motorbanca south of Gen. Luna also have isolated breaks like Teardrops or Antokon Island, La Januza Island and Man-on Point. There are more good waves out there on the reefs, points and sandbars around the area. Most of them are still undiscovered, unnamed and unchallenged.
Any one planning a trip to Siargao Island should bring at least two boards. One board that is versatile for daily surfing and one board that is a little narrower and longer than you'd use at your local break, with emphasis on control and speed. There are no surf shops anywhere near the area, so it is best to bring extra leg ropes and a repair kit. A helmet would be advisable for the days when the surf is 3 meters and larger.
Gen. Luna is 81 nautical kilometers from Surigao City. It sits upon 4,126 hectares and supports a population of 12,500. It is situated at the southern tip of Siargao Island, off northeast Mindanao within the province of Surigao del Norte. Siargao lies 10 degrees North, 126 degrees East. It faces the Philippine Deep. Siargao has an approximate land area of 67,726 has., including Bucas Grande. It consist of 9 municipalities with 131 barangays. The commercial and trade center is Dapa, where the main wharf is located. Siargao has a population of 83,100. Most people head to the white-sand beaches of Union, Gen. Luna and Sta. Monica. These areas are difficult to get to, accessible only via long, dusty, bumpy jeepney rides or by hired motorboat along the shoreline.
Temperature ranges from a low 25.4 C in February to a high 27.9 C during August and September. Located 10 degrees north of the equator, Siargao is therefore tropical year-round. Heaviest rainfall occurs in December and January. Surfing conditions are seasonal, so it is important to go at the right time of the year. The northeast monsoon begins in late November and continues through March or April. The southwest monsoon predominates July through November, being offshore at most surf spots. You can expect waves between 2-8 from September through March, though it can be 10 feet plus during typhoons. Those that give Siargao its best surf occur September through November.
GETTING THERE
Surigao del Norte is accessible through Surigao City from Manila, Cebu and other places in Visayas and Mindanao. It can be reached by a 45-minute plane ride from Cebu. The Lipata Ferry Terminal links the province and the city to Luzon through Eastern Visayas. From the port of Surigao City, motor launches depart from Siargao Island every morning at eight o' clock (expect delayed departures), at P40.00 per person. There are many motorboats available for charter in Sabang Beach, Surigao City at P3,000 - P3,500, depending on the speed and condition of the craft. The towns around Siargao are difficult to get to, accessible only via long jeepney rides or by hired motor banca along the shoreline. Gen. Luna is a 15 km, 30-minute ride from the port of Dapa municipality, the point of entry to the island.
ACCOMMODATIONS