Beginner Surfers Banned from Philippines’ Premier Wave

Bryan (aka SiargaoSurfPhoto) wrote: “If you know surf etiquette, can catch waves on your own, and won’t put other surfers in danger, then you’re welcome to surf Cloud 9.”

Specifically, the new rules include:

1. Beginner surf lessons and NOT ALLOWED at Cloud 9 surf spot.
2. Surf shops are NOT ALLOWED to rent out surfboards to beginner surfers without instructor.

This comes on the heels of a few incidents involving beginner surfers infiltrating spots beyond their abilities, and a widespread lack of surf etiquette. Last season at Pipeline, there were calls to regulate beginners from the lineup. And from a recently released clip of their sometimes on, sometimes off podcast, Nathan Florence and Koa Rothman discussed the issue of surf etiquette. Nathan explained from a specific incident:

“I don’t know where they learned their surf etiquette, but for a basic example, if you’re going down the wave, you have limited options. You can only go one direction at a point break, down the face of the wave. But if you’re paddling back out, you don’t have the right of way. You get out of the guy’s way.”

As for Cloud 9 in the Philippines, it sounds like things are changing for the better. Bryan added:

“With the new local government in place and the emergence of dedicated surf leaders within our community, it is time we uphold a higher standard of professional surfing - one grounded in respect, discipline, and genuine value for our home, Siargao. Together, let’s protect the spirit of surfing and ensure it reflects the pride and professionalism our island deserves.”