SURFING HUB. Surfers get ready to ride the waves in Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte in this undated photo. A national surfing event will be held to promote Pagudpud as a surfing destination from Sept. 1 to 5, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Alaric Yanos)
LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte on Thursday called on surfing enthusiasts to ride the waves in the coastal town of Pagudpud and join a national surfing competition from September 1 to 5, 2022.
Faivo Bartolome, Ilocos Norte provincial government's sports consultant, said Thursday they have teamed up with the Pagudpud municipality and the Ikani Surf Resort in Barangay Balaoi to host the five-day surfing tilt, dubbed as "surfIN: INtayon Ilocos Norte."
“The results will be included in the national ranking,” Bartolome said.
He said interested participants can register by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or contacting the Pagudpud municipality or the Ikani Surf Resort.
Known for its crystal-clear waters and fresh breeze, Pagudpud, located more than 500 kilometers from Metro Manila, is popular among surfers, particularly during this time of the year when intermediate and pro-level surfers get to play with waves reaching two to 10 feet high.
Pagudpud offers several surfing spots, mostly located near the famous Blue Lagoon in Barangay Balaoi and at Saud Beach, also recognized as one of the world’s best beaches.
As part of the province's tourism recovery plans, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, together with the Department of Tourism, has started pushing Pagudpud as an alternative surfing destination in the far north, aside from San Juan in La Union.
In October, Pagudpud is also set to host an international kiteboarding event to entice more visitors to experience world-class surfing. (PNA)
