Puraran Bay Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
Anything from NNE to E, ideal from the NE-ENE
Wind
Calm or any southerly wind. SW "habagat" monsoon wind is straight offshore.
Surf Height
Head high-2X overhead-plus
Tide
Medium to high tide is best. Low tide is rideable, as the wave has a perfect line, but super shallow.
Puraran Bay Surf Guide
A thick, hollow right, exposed to typhoon swell from the western Pacific and offshore on the prevailing southwest "habagat" wind, Puraran at 6 feet and bigger has been compared to Backdoor Pipeline for board-snapping power and scary hollowness. The island of Catanduanes is known for its exposure to typhoons and catches a lot of swell from distant storms. Puraran is in the southern part of the island, there are many more high-quality waves in the north of Catanduanes, but they are very difficult to access without a boat.Also known as Majestics, the wave at Puraran was discovered by traveling Aussies in the early 1980s and a surf camp operation was established shortly thereafter. As the first surfing location in the Philippines to receive major international coverage, Majestics enjoyed a brief period of fame then declined into relative obscurity.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate when small, advanced when its overhead.
Local Vibe
Doable
Good and bad. Local surfers are welcoming but some of the long-term expats may attempt to intimidate visiting surfers, photographers, and journalists.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Rarely crowded -- some good local surfers ripping on old, yellow boards, and resident expatriates.
Spot Rating
Perfect
Fun wave up to head-high, the becomes a heavy grinding barrel when it goes overhead+.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Easy paddle over the lagoon, and it's a fairly short wave.
Water Quality
Clean
Remote area with few people.
Hazards
Surfing during low tide with super shallow reef. The wave when its big.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Bodyboard
Access
Easy, take a jeepney from the airport at Virac. If you have a boardbag, they know where you are going. Resort right at the spot.
Bottom
Flat coral reef shelf with some seaweed to cushion the impact in some places.
Best Season
Summer, or the SW monsoon season from May to October. Typhoons season, which is all year round, but most active June through November.
Do you have local knowledge about Puraran Bay?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]