I'm not a big fan of Christmas.
I don't like cold weather. I detest shopping even for myself. I don't like the the idea of stuffing myself silly with fruitcake and
lechon. Christmas carols make me cringe.
Bah! Humbug!
So instead of doing the usual rounds of family gatherings and
Noche Buena, last year
I started a Christmas tradition for myself. Surfing. The last quarter of 2009 had been tough for me. I had to
leave Europe, the guy I loved at the time and start over in my home country. With no job and no idea of what's next, it was definitely not the season to be jolly. Not for me, at least.
So I decided to skip Christmas altogether and escape to the beaches of La Union.
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| Surfing can be one of the best therapy there is |
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| Wobbly after not being able to surf for 2 years |
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| The sunset in Urbiztondo Beach is breathtaking |
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| It was starting to feel a lot like Christmas |
This year was slightly different. Hutch and I readily agreed on 2 things. One, that we would spend Christmas together and that it would be on the beach.
So off to Baler, Aurora we went.
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| Waiting for the perfect wave |
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| These waves were pretty strong |
It was the same as any other day on Sabang Beach. Save for the caroling and occasional fireworks. No one took a holiday from surfing.
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| The locals doing what they do best |
I managed to convince my younger sister and her small family to join us on Christmas Day.
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| My sister Lesley and I feeling the Blue Crush vibe |
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| Manchos, my sister's husband was the one who got us into surfing |
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| Their daughter Summer is definitelty a surfer girl in the making |
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| It's Summer's first time on the beach and she's right at home |
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| The waves got pretty high during this season |
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| A year later and still continuing the surfing tradition |
Should you consider breaking tradition and surfing on the holidays,
the guide can get you started.
Did you celebrate Christmas in a unique way this year? Have you started any Christmas tradition? Share your story with us by leaving a comment below.
Sole Sister Lois
Posts
wow a family that surfs together. Does Chi-Chi surfs also? then if yes, I better put my surf shorts on and start to learn surfing.
That's right Marky, my family loves to surf. Si Chichi kelangan ko pa i-convince. Medyo nag alangan siya after she saw my gash. But I guess kelangan lang niya ng kasama matuto ehehe
So, it's already a surfing tradition. Maybe we and the Castano's can try a new spot. Anybody up for a Butuan surf trip and a Davao holiday? ;-) ;-)
Where did you learn to surf Lois? Maybe I should try first the waves at La Union before braving the big waves here. I am only good at floating when it comes to my swimming skills ;)
Hey Pishy, I've been wanting to try those Mati waves in Davao Oriental. They say the waves are great there. I'm up for a Butuan surf trip and a 'back to the roots' holiday for sure.
Hey there Claire! I started in surfing Zambales actually. But yes, La Union is a great place to start. This might get you started:
http://www.wearesolesisters.com/2011/01/sole-sisters-guide-to-surfing-in.html
Let me know how it goes!