Skimboarding @ La Union

A guest post from Jus Marbella.

My summers have always been about going to the beach, having picnic, and just spending the day under the sun. But last summer, I added an item to that usual list. I learned that there are actually other things I can do which are more exciting and challenging. Skimboarding, for one.

You see, I am not really the athletic type of a person. I don’t play basketball or other sorts of outdoor games. I don’t know. Maybe sports is simply not my thing.

But last summer, I proved that wrong. It started when my cousin brought home this blue oval shaped plank which resembled a big biscuit, only that it was blue and its wood, hence,  inedible. In short, he brought home a skim board.

Excited, my family and I hit the beach which was just a few minutes away from our home. The nearby shorelines are the best places to do skimboarding, according to the pros. Specifically, we went to neighboring barangay of Quirino in Bacnotan, La Union. The place is also best for novice surfers because the tides are not so tough, not so weak, just right.

Of course, nobody wanted to try riding the board first when we got there. Who would want to be in the hall of shame in no time? After all, we were all first-timers. But no one can resist the call of this exciting sport. One moment, we just found ourselves taking turns to give skim boarding a crazy try.

A try here, a try there. Until we didn’t notice we were already having fun! It only took us few tries before getting our hands, err feet, onto the skimboard. We spent the rest of the afternoon running and splashing along the shores, of course with the company of our new friend named skimboard.

I tell you, skimboarding is easy to learn. Look at me, I don’t have background with any sports whatsoever, yet I easily learned to ride the board (modesty aside). My brother has a background on skateboarding, so he is the first to perfect his skills. He can also do tricks now. So maybe yes, an experience with outdoors sports is an advantage, because it provides improved balance, speed and agility.

But take it from a un-athletic person like me: skimboarding is fun and exciting. But you have to prepare yourself for a lot of running, balancing and of course, falling. Cuts and bruises are inevitable, but heck they are worth more the fun!

So to those who want to try this game out, head to Bacnotan, La Union on your next summer escapade. This province is just a 5-hour bus ride away from Manila. North-bound buses, such as Partas and Viron Bus Lines, would get you safely to the Surfing Capital of the North. These buses usually have their terminals in Cubao, Quezon City and Pasay City.
Don’t worry about places to stay or dine. The City of San Fernando, the province’s capital, can give you just the things you need. Just roam around the city to get the best place to eat and stay. Also, ask from the locals. Don’t worry, Ilocanos are the friendliest people on earth.