My unplanned trip to La Union + Wakeboarding tips for first timers

Its been 9 months already since the first time I first step foot at La Union. I was (willingly) kidnapped by friends last January 1, to do an unplanned trip to the beach. Making this posts 9 months late already. Nevertheless, unplanned travels are always fun to write, memories still lingers and I can’t wait to be back again really soon.

Also: Trips to Pangasinan

As I recall, it was 9 in the evening when Yuki Tansengco, called me telling me that they were heading to La Union along with a few friends. And because I’m a bit “kaladkarin” specially when it comes to travel, even if I was home with the family in Valenzuela,  I said yes! I was picked up in EDSA around 11pm, it was my first time to meet Yuki’s friends; Denise Villanueva who were seated at the front, she is also called Nesi for short and Jaffy Gotauco or Jaf, who was the one driving the car. Rhea Bue was also with us on the trip.

I was still hesitant to talk to them at the first few hours,  not because I don’t know what to say, but rather I was still testing the ground, observing how I can fit in. Remember I was the newbie in the group. Good thing, they were all game and so easy to get along with.

With Nesi, Rhea and Jaffy

The trip going to La Union coming from Quezon City took us around 4-5 hours. Jaffy got the wheels, Rhea plays the beat, Nesi hold the snacks, while Yuki and I navigate via waze and/or google map, which ever is working. It was funny that when we arrived in the La Union, that was the only time that we were able to browse the net to check for a place to stay. It was difficult doing so, specially that it was a holiday (so don’t do that). At 4 in the morning,  Yuki and Nesi were knocking on doors visiting a few resorts and hotel checking if there were rooms available. Luckily, we ended up booking a room at Sebay Surf (MacArthur Hwy, San Juan, 2514 La Union / (072) 888 4075).

But here’s the catch, the next available room would be at 12nn, so we were like stray dogs on the road, waiting. We thought of sleeping at the beach but ended up sleeping in the car parked at Flotsam and Jetsam Artists hostel.

It was hard to sleep because we were laughing all night with the following key words: Lovelife, Spa Music & Carlos … Lol! (inside joke!)

Eight in the morning when we decided to have breakfast at 7-11. Afterwards we headed straight to SEBAY and decided to do a sidetour at Tangadan Falls. That was almost a 2 hour walk away from the resort, good thing the team was so game to do this! It was a never ending photoshoots, with me ending up with some bruises. Here are some photos from our short side trip.

With Rhea, Yuki, Jaffy & Nesi

It was tiring but a very worthy place to visit specially if you love trekking and waterfalls. We were so hungry right after that we decided to head straight to enjoy Pizza and Rice meal at Surf Shack.  The rest of the afternoon were spent chilling at the beach and doing some photo shoots (again).

The thriller movie we watched (which I forgotten already) kept us up past midnight making it harder for us to get up in the morning. Even too lazy, we manages to start the day at 6. It’s a big day because it will be our time to do Wakeboarding. I did wakeboarding before in Papa Kits, Cebu but this one is different.  It’s going to be my first in the open see, making me a bit excited and worried (knowing that I’m not a good swimmer).

Wakeboards and surfing instructors are charge separately. Renting a Surf Board per hour costs around Php 200, and the instructors charges the same (Php 200). Some do give extra discounts but most are on that same amount.

Before you hit the waves, a short tutorial will be demoed at the shore, which is very helpful.

I feel that I got a little advantage in wakeboarding because I know how to use a skateboard (Check out: Chaser Cloud 9) making it easier for me to stand on my 2nd try. Though difficult to master, wakeboarding gets too addictive specially when you were able to stand and surf for minutes. Here are some of my unforgettable moments.

I know its a bit weird for a first timer to give some tips, but I guess what I’m about to share are just guidelines and things I’ve experienced that can help first time wakeboarders. Here it goes.

Wakeboarding tips for first timers

1. Wakeboarding is best to be done early in the morning where the sun rays is not yet hard and the water is on high tide.
2. It is recommended to get a wakeboard instructor specially for first timer. He can guide and assist for you to be able to learn faster. 
3. The weather/wind is a very important factor in safely do wakeboarding, if there are storms coming or the wind is blowing inconsistently it is recommended not to push through with the activity. 
4. Wear appropriate water attire, this activity gets a bit tiring as it progresses and having a comfortable fitted clothes will help you move easily in the water. 
5. Prepare yourself. Do a lot of leg exercises weeks or even months before wakeboarding. Your leg muscles place a big part in controlling the board better. 
6. Be always aware of your surroundings, the water gets to be crowded by wakeboarders as the sun rises, possible collision is inevitable.
7. Enjoy and have fun!  

I can’t wait to go back really soon. Thanks Yuki, Rhea, Jaffy & Nesi for tagging me along.  Here’s a video compilation of our trip to La Union. Hope you enjoy it!

Also Read: Aureo Beach Resort La Union

 

Until our next discovery in the City!

またね Mata ne! 

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