Crystal Beach is one of the nearest surf spots from Metro Manila. A surfer describes the surf conditions as: "waves can range from really small to overhead with some occasions of double overhead during surfing season - varying wave breaks, left and right handers and A frame peaks."
In layman's terms: it's got a little bit of everything for everybody.
Don't be intimidated: Crystal Beach loves introducing surfing to people. It's been around since 2001, after all. Back then, they started out with just a couple of boards and a lot of heart. Finally, in 2005, Five Forty Surf Co. brought in boards and a surf school was created under Dodo Ramos and Lui Tortuya. From 2007-2010, surf instructors were trained by the Philippine National Red Cross, and are certified ASI (Academy of Surf Instructors) Level 1. By 2010, the first batch was trained by the Philippine Lifesaving Society and Surf Life Saving Australia (Mark Ramos and Virgel Ramos graduated as Bronze Medallion Lifeguards and Lifesaving Instructors.
In Feb 2011, Quiksilver partnered with the school, and Crystal Beach is happy to announce that Virgel Ramos has reached ASI Level 2.
Undeniably, Crystal Beach is the place to go if you've always wanted to try surfing and need a safe place to try it. Here, the surfing instructors will make sure that you get up on that board, and have the ride of your life. And you never know, maybe it will end up with you being just as addicted to the Zambales surfing
Level 1: Introduction
• Basic balance
• Posture
• Foot stance
• Arm position
• Understanding ocean currents, ocean bottom and waves
• Basic safety & emergency procedures
Description:
Eliminates distractions by initially just pushing you into waves and focusing on your balance and posture. Correct posture is a must for developing a good style in more advanced classes. This level also covers all of the basic surfing skills. Your Quiksilver Surf School instructor will also give a basic overview of different ocean characteristics and give you basic water safety tips.
Level 2: Advanced Beginner
• Paddling and control
• Reading waves
• Turtle Turn
• Understanding different types of waves
• Understanding surfing equipment (regular personal use & emergency situations)
Description:
Teaches basic skills for reading and catching your own waves so you'll know when and where to paddle for them. The turtle turn is a surfing skill used when paddling back to the lineup almost energy for beginners is spent getting back out past the white water. A correct turtle turn helps reduce 70% of the energy spent fighting the waves and white water.
Level 3: Intermediate
• Knowing your environment (dangers of known Philippine surfing spots)
• Catching your own waves (North vs South Swell)
• Varied foot placements
• Basic bottom turn
• Types of turning
• Riding the wall of the waves
• Basic first aid for surfers (Bandages and splints)
Description:
Gives you space to get your own feel of surfing. Here you are encouraged to catch your own wave, applying what you learned in earlier levels about balance, paddling, foot placement and control. Your Quiksilver Surf School instructor will teach you the basic bottom turn, explaining its importance as the first step toward pulling off a good top turn. This level also covers riding the wall and generating speed on different types of board.
Level 4: Advanced Surfer
• Trimming
• Bottom turn to Top turn
• Duck diving
• Understanding & riding bigger waves
• Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
• Handling emergencies without EA
Description:
Develop your take-offs and bottom turns to set up trimming for speed and top turns. Here you will be introduced to smaller boards and learn the duck dive to get out past white water. As this level of surfer generally starts to explore less crowded spots, your Quiksilver Surf School instructor will give you an overview on what to do in dangerous situations using your surfing equipment and the knowledge of ocean conditions.
Level 5: Exploring Surf Spots
In this level we customize for surf trips to more advanced places like Siargao, Samar or Pagudpud. Here we introduce you to the local guys who will take care of your needs and guide you as you try your skills in more intense waves to bring your urfing to the next level. This level is mostly video assessment of your surfing and guiding you around to introduce you to different waves and different areas.
RATES
Php500 per person per hour (*Inclusive of VAT) Includes rash guard, board rental and Quiksilver Surf School instructor's fee Subject to surf equipment availability
