Almost everybody wants to learn the basics of surfing. But the first and ultimate question is: where is the best surfing spot for beginners?

Stop wasting your time wondering where in the Philippines you will go just to enjoy and experience surfing 101. Knowing the right destination provides you better travel plan and preparation. Study the tide, rips and current of your destination before packing your bags. You don't want to travel all your way there just to encounter a serene sea breeze.

Starting from the northern part of Luzon, Crystal Clear in Zambales is the easiest surfing site to get to when coming from Manila. It provides left and right gentle beach breaks perfect for beginners. Best time to enjoy surfing is from June to December and when there's typhoon. You can get there by taking access via North Express Way, then San Fernando Exit, followed by Subic which is about 3 hours drive from Manila.

Heading to southern Luzon, Sabang Beach in Baler, Aurora found in Quezon Province has its long coastline exposed to the Pacific Ocean. Sabang Beach has smooth right and left waves in early mornings but these waves are not that huge except during typhoon season which makes it a friendly spot for beginners. Best time to go here is during Aurora Surfing Cup so you could catch the Cup's free surfing clinic open to everybody. They are giving out basic lessons on body boarding and stand-up surfing. Warm and welcoming local surfers will give you a crash course about surfing and additional tips and hints about the waves in the area. Coming from Manila, take NLEX or North Expressway at Balintawak then exit at Sta. Rita Bulacan. Drive to Cabanatuan until you reach signs leading to Baler.

There's always surf in Daet that is good for novice surfers. Bagasbas beach in Daet, Camarines Norte has a glassy left and right beach breaks. Length of rides is about 50-100 meters with powerful and fun waves. It is close to Naga City which you can get by bus from Manila going to Daet. Bagasbas beach is just a 10-minute ride via tricycle.

Boulevard in Borongan offers waves sneak past the offshore island into the bay. Its waves peel off of rivermouth, with short length of ride for beginners. Best waves come in September up to March having bigger swells arriving later in that time. Uncrowded surf, Near Tacloban City, either take a walk or ride a tricycle depending upon your mood and convenience.

Kiamba in Sarangani Island has left and right beach breaks and warm waters with short lengths of ride suitable for surf starters. The spot is within the town center, right beside the fishing jetty. From Cebu City, fly to General Santos City and from there, either rent a car or take the public transportation...your choice. Kiamba is approximately 98 kimometers from General Santos City.

Choosing where to learn your first surfing lessons depends on your budget, convenience and quality of surf. To save time and money, choose the surfing site closer to you. But if you are after the fun and adventure, you can pick out anywhere from the list that offers better waves and amiable crowd that can share you their skills and experience about surfing. Have fun!