The Surf Window

Puraran

Bicol, Philippines

Reef breakAdvanced

Catanduanes' most celebrated wave, Puraran is a world-class hollow right-hand reef break that detonates on typhoon groundswells and earns comparisons to Pipeline for its raw, powerful tubes in a remote Philippine setting.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size4-8ft

Wind

W

Offshore

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

September–February

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Right

Bottom

Shallow coral reef

Shape

Thick, pitching barrel, the wave ledges up hard and throws a round, heavy tube

Length

40–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced
  • •Why: One of the Philippines' most powerful reef breaks, serious wipeouts on a shallow coral reef far from medical care.

Hazards

  • •Shallow coral reef, reef rash and deep cuts are common
  • •Typhoon proximity and unpredictable weather
  • •Very remote, Catanduanes island requires a flight to Virac plus a long drive
  • •Limited rescue infrastructure

Local Tips

  • •Puraran has a small but dedicated surf camp community, book accommodation in advance for the October–January season.
  • •The wave works best on a typhoon that has tracked several hundred kilometres to the north of the island, generating a clean groundswell.

Location

Map showing the location of Puraran in Bicol, Philippines

13.7064, 124.2450