Ain't No Rest for the Wicked

I'm no goofy but I have always loved the south swell. For two years now, the promise of waves after the summer drought arrived on my birthday. It's far from an epic swell but I've had my surf fix on my birthday weekend, and it's consistently satiating. Satiating and reassuring.

But south swell tends to overpromise at times. It's like seeing a long-lost friend, catching up over the weekend only to find him missing come Monday. It's like a game of all or nothing - either you score a session that's one for the books, or you go back to Manila short of your much needed stoke. 

Or you can make the most out of whatever the ocean gives you.

Ana Abad Santos

The forecast for the Maui and Sons Surf Kalikasan Project looked good enough. We at the Manila Surfers Association consulted the locals and all possible forecast sites. We've discussed the swell, the logistics, the pros and cons of moving the event date before coming to a decision - let us risk it than wonder if there will be any waves in the next weekends. 

Camille Pilar

Come Saturday, we were welcomed by knee to waist-high sets, at best. No matter how hard I tried to get a good angle and make the waves look a bit bigger, perspective can only do so much. But we all tried to look at the brighter side of it - it could have been flat. Given the right mindset, those ankle-snappers were gems. 

Paddle battle. Tin Terible, Barbi Cruz, Julie Tagulinao, Ana Abad Santos

Our respect goes to all the competitors last weekend. We know that given the right swell, you all could have given us a visual spectacle of cutbacks, cross-steps and soul archs. But to surf tiny waves during low tide and still kill it? Mad, mad respect for everyone.

Sean Nino

All my co-officers would agree that organizing a surf competition can be extremely tiring. But cliche as it may sound, loving what you do makes you wake up at five a.m., run around to get things done and sacrifice some surf and drinking time.

Vinni Sanchez

Saying we had good waves would be pushing it too far, but the support and participation shown by everyone more than made up for the lack of swell.

Kim Jones

I am ending this blog entry with a few of my favorite surf shots, and the feeling of pride to be part of such an amazing team. See you guys in the post-party!

Paco Fernandez

Buji Libarnes

Ejay Ventura

Paolo Soler

For the official set of event photos, please click here.

Like the Manila Surfers Association page and the Maui and Sons page!

Now, to work on my watermark and a proper blog lay-out. :)

Miccah