Surfing in Phuket

Karon Beach

As the Phuket local bus passed by Karon beach in Phuket town, I took a peek of the ocean and my heart throbbed… dubdub dubdub dubdub…. The waterboy in me was leaping with joy as soon as I saw the blue water kissing the white shore. I think that is normal for me as I haven’t seen the beach for more than 2 weeks.

Kata Beach

After a few more kilometers, I saw the next beach- Kata. This is what Jang, the local Thai girl, suggested me to go visit. She said it is less touristy compared to Patong Beach and Karon. I was expecting a few tourists but it turned out that Europeans mostly Greeks and French are enjoying their Thailand holidays here. I got off from the bus and started walking to the beach. Lined with reclined beach chairs chairs and big beach umbrellas, the 4 kilometer beach brighten my eyes. Most if not all wear bikinis, trunks or boardshorts bathing in the Oriental sun. If I saw this in the Philippines I might pass but because I have been sea-deprived for the past weeks I have to take a dip.

 

Surf’s up Thailand!

November is considered flat season for surfing in Phuket but miraculously Titan woke up waves for me. One Australian surfer on the line-up said it was flat the day before.

I rented a longboard from one of the surf stalls and wasted no time paddling out. They are at least 10 people out there on their surfboards waiting for the set. Knee-high waves are better than no surfing at all.

An hour of surfing cost 150Baht and just before the sun set I finished my session in Kata Beach. I’m so happy because I was able to surf not only a new spot but also a new country- Thailand. Although most beach lovers go here for the beach, Kata and Karon beaches have nice glassy waves. Plus its not that crowded said the German girl I surfed with the next day.

 

Meeting Sek, a local surfer

When I returned the board, I met Sey, a local surfer, and he easily pointed out that I’m from the Philippines (must be the accent?). He told me that he loves the Philippines and was happy that I visited Phuket. He even told me that he just sent some goodies for Typhoon Haiyan victims 2 days ago and was sorry for the devastation it brought to the Philippines.

 

One more surfing sesh

I thought it would be better to stay for the night since the locals said the waves will be bigger the next day. So I looked for a cheap guesthouse (when I say cheap its like Boracay cheap- 400Baht). The next morning I rented a longboard again. The waves are bigger 3-5 feet and glassy, perfect for beginners like me. I initially rented the board for an hour but I think I enjoyed it too much that I didn’t thought of the time. Turned out that I surfed for more than 2 hours. Anne, the one who rents surfboards, was kind enough to give me discount and just let me pay 250Baht for almost  3 hours of surfing.

 

Flow Surf

I also saw another attraction for those who want to try another water board sports- Flow Surf. It’s at Quicksilver Surf House which can easily be seen on the corner road before you see the beach. I wish I have enough budget but 800Baht is just too much for me. Maybe next time if this comes to the Philippines.

Isn’t amazing to spend your last days in Thailand doing what you love most? I wonder where’s next? Bali?

 

Some important infos:

Surfing season: May-October. But maybe you get lucky like me, I surfed 3-5ft November 3rd week.
Board Rental: 150Baht – 1 hour, 250Baht – 2 hours. The longer you rent the board the cheaper it gets. You can also haggle if you want.
Surf Forecast for Kata Beach: http://magicseaweed.com/Kata-Beach-Surf-Report/3475/

Can get really crowded especially during high season. Locals say to avoid surfing after rains because the beach would be polluted. Some opt for Kata Noi, Kalim, Kamala and Nai Harn beaches when Kata and Karon beaches are crowded.

 

Planning to visit Phuket from Manila? Cebu Pacific now flies directly to Phuket, Thailand.

For bookings and inquiries, go to www.cebupacificair.com or call (02)7020-888. The latest seat sales and promos can be found on Cebu Pacific Air’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages (/cebupacificair).