Ulap Surf

Ulap Surf: A Close-Up Look at Siargao’s Beginner Surf Experience

When it comes to surfing in the Philippines, Siargao Island is often top of mind—and for good reason. This tour, offered by Ulap Surf, promises a hands-on introduction to surfing, tailored specifically for beginners. It’s a chance to learn the fundamentals from top-tier local instructors, ride a reliable longboard, and capture your first waves on video.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the private instruction ensures personalized coaching, which can accelerate your progress. Second, the professional photos and videos are a fantastic way to remember your first surf. And third, the accessible location at Cloud 9 provides one of the most famous surf breaks in the world.

That said, this tour does not include transportation, so you’ll want to arrange your own ride to the meeting point. Also, it’s best suited for those with a moderate level of physical fitness and a genuine interest in learning to surf safely. If you’re after an authentic, high-quality beginner lesson with expert guidance, this could be just the thing.

Key Points

• Private, personalized instruction helps beginners learn faster and with confidence
• Pro photo and video coverage offers great memories and sharing potential
• Sturdy longboard enhances stability for new surfers
• Flexible schedule with morning hours, suitable for early risers
• High review scores (5/5 from 8 reviews) reflect consistent quality
• No included transport means planning your arrival is necessary

The Ulap Surf Experience: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Booking and Meeting Arrangements

Booking this tour ahead of time is recommended—on average, travelers reserve about 170 days in advance, highlighting its popularity. The activity starts at the Cloud 9 surfing area, a renowned spot on Siargao known for its world-class waves. The tour’s location is accessible near public transportation, but travelers need to organize their own ride to the meeting point, which is at R578+F36, General Luna.

First Impressions and Introduction

Upon arrival, the Ulap Surf team greets you with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach. The initial steps involve signing a waiver and paying the fee of $105 per person—a price that covers a lot of value in terms of instruction, gear, and professional media. The team keeps things efficient, with a brief safety and orientation session lasting about 10 minutes that quickly gets to the core of what’s needed.

Learning the Basics on Land

Before getting into the water, you’ll warm up on the sand, learning how to pop up and find your balance on a sturdy, 9-foot longboard. One of the top-rated aspects from reviews is the clarity and professionalism of the instruction. A reviewer shared, “Ana Mae is so friendly and knowledgeable. I was riding waves like a pro,” highlighting the quality of the coaching.

In-Water Practice: Riding Your First Waves

The core of the experience is approximately 90 minutes in the water, where your instructor will be right beside you, coaching every wave. This close guidance ensures you understand what you’re doing and why, which is crucial for building confidence. The longboard’s stability makes it easier for beginners to catch their first rides, and the focus on safety helps prevent common beginner mishaps.

Video and Photo Review

After your water session, the team reviews the footage—photos and videos taken during your time in the water. A reviewer praised this aspect: “Ana Mae’s video analysis really changed the game for me,” noting how seeing yourself in action helps identify what to improve. This review session helps you understand your progress, what techniques need adjusting, and sets you up for future success.

Building Confidence and Surfing Smarter

The Ulap Surf approach isn’t just about riding waves; it’s about building a foundation—reading waves, understanding ocean movement, and developing proper technique. Several reviews mention how the lessons helped them feel more capable and readier to tackle surfing on their own. Many guests leave feeling they’ve gained not just skills but also a new sense of confidence.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

The $105 fee includes essential gear like soft-top surfboards, guidance from experienced instructors, a beginners course certificate, safety guides, and professional photos/videos. When you compare this to other beginner surf lessons worldwide, the combination of personalized coaching and media coverage makes it a compelling package.

One review highlights: “Her video analysis is what really changed the game for me,” emphasizing how this added value makes the experience worth every penny. Plus, the focus on safety and tailored coaching means you’re not just pushed into the water without guidance—you’re guided every step of the way.

The Guides: Local Experts with Passion

The reviews consistently praise Ana Mae Alipayo and her team for their professionalism and deep knowledge. Guests mention how Ana Mae’s expertise elevates the experience—her detailed technical instruction and focus on safety make all the difference. Some comments note her friendly, approachable manner, which creates a relaxed learning environment.

The Setting: Cloud 9 and Its Famous Waves

Located at the iconic Cloud 9, you’re learning at one of the best-known surf breaks in the world. This spot offers consistent, manageable waves perfect for beginners. The scenery is stunning, and the vibe is energetic yet supportive, making it easier to stay motivated and engaged.

The Media: Photos and Videos that Count

Having professional footage of your first surf adds a huge bonus. Many reviewers say they cherish the photos and videos as keepsakes and shareables. The footage also helps you visualize what you did right, reinforcing learning, and boosting confidence for future surf sessions.

Additional Considerations

While the experience is structured to maximize learning, it’s worth noting that transport isn’t included—you’ll need to organize your own ride to the meeting point. Also, the tour runs daily from 6:00 AM to 3:30 PM, giving plenty of flexibility for early risers or afternoon learners.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re a beginner eager to learn the basics with expert guidance. It’s perfect for travelers who value personalized instruction, want to capture their progress on camera, and prefer a structured, professional approach. Those with a moderate physical fitness level will find it easier to enjoy the water session, though the team emphasizes safety throughout.

If you’re seeking an authentic, high-quality surf lesson that emphasizes technique and safety rather than just riding waves, this tour from Ulap Surf offers great value. It’s a fantastic way to kickstart your surfing journey, especially at one of the world’s most famous surf spots.

The Sum Up

Ulap Surf’s beginner surf tour in Siargao provides a well-rounded, professional introduction to surfing that balances instruction, safety, and memorable media coverage. The personalized guidance from Ana Mae and her team means you’re in expert hands, gaining confidence step by step. The inclusion of photos and videos creates lasting memories and helps you see your progress clearly.

While you’ll need to handle your own transportation, the overall experience offers excellent value, especially considering the quality of coaching and media included. This tour is best suited for first-timers with a genuine interest in learning to surf in a supportive environment, making it an ideal choice for those who want an authentic and enjoyable introduction to the sport.

For travelers who want to learn the fundamentals, get inspired by the surf scene at Cloud 9, and walk away with professional footage of their first rides, this Ulap Surf experience ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own ride to the meeting point at Cloud 9.

What is the duration of the surf lesson?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, with approximately 90 minutes in the water and the rest on land.

What equipment do I get?
The tour provides a soft-top longboard, which is sturdy and ideal for beginners, along with safety guides, photos, and videos.

Can I join if I’ve never surfed before?
Absolutely. This tour is designed specifically for beginners, with personalized coaching to help you get started safely.

What does the instructor teach during the lesson?
You’ll learn the basics: how to paddle, where to place your feet, how to pop up, and how to read waves—all crucial for surfing independently.

Is the tour suitable for people with moderate fitness levels?
Yes, most reviews mention that it’s accessible for those with moderate physical fitness, as the focus is on technique and safety.

How many people are in each group?
Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention.

What is the cost of the tour?
The price is $105 per person, which covers instruction, gear, and media.

Are the lessons suitable for children or teens?
While not explicitly mentioned, the focus on safety and beginner techniques suggests it’s suitable for younger surfers with appropriate physical fitness and supervision.

What is the best time of day to do this tour?
The tour operates from early morning to mid-afternoon (6:00 AM to 3:30 PM), with mornings often offering the best wave conditions for beginners.

Ulap Surf’s beginner surf tour at Siargao’s Cloud 9 offers a comprehensive, fun, and safe way to dip your toes into the surfing world. Whether you’re looking to finally stand up on a wave or just want to experience the thrill with professional guidance, this experience is well worth considering.