The Surf Window

Pagudpud

Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Beach breakIntermediate

At the northernmost tip of Luzon in Ilocos Norte, Pagudpud is the Philippines' "Boracay of the North", a beautiful white sand beach where northeast monsoon swells create consistent beach break in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty far from the main tourist trail.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–N 1.5–2.5m at 10–14s

Wind

SW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Nov–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the curved beach

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent northeast monsoon swell on a beautiful, accessible beach

Hazards

  • •Rip currents in bigger monsoon swells
  • •Typhoon risk in transition seasons
  • •Remote location, 70km north of Laoag city

Local Tips

  • •Patapat Viaduct bridge along the coast road is one of the Philippines' most scenic drives
  • •Bangui Wind Farm (giant windmills) along the coast is a striking landmark
  • •The town has developed board hire and basic surf lessons, ask at the beachside guesthouses

Location

Map showing the location of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

18.5333, 120.7833