Filipina surfers make waves

The Surf Institute (TSI) successfully organized and launched the 1st Stokedinc. Philippine Wahine Classic, a pioneering tradition in celebration of the Filipino surfergirl, last month at the iconic Aliya Surf Resort in Baler. This girls-only event, a first-of-its-kind in the Philippines and the brainchild of The Surf Institute founder, Carla Rowland, saw hundreds of surfer girls from the rapidly-growing Filipina surfing community display grace, style, and some ridiculously fun wipeouts. 

The Philippine Wahine Classic’s vision is to empower Filipina surfers. It is the first to unite and highlight Filipino lady sliders of all abilities. It was sponsored by the Philippines’ pioneer action sports brand and retailer Stokedinc.

“We were honored to have been asked by Carla Rowland to be part of this event,” says Stokedinc. managing director JV Borromeo, “and we’re even more stoked for the lucky ladies who’ll get to win a couple of world-class Zamora surfboards, shaped by our own California-based Filipino shaper Ian Zamora. Our Stoked girls will, without a doubt, articulate their love of life, the beach, the seas, and the ocean riding these beautiful Zamora surfboards.”

It was no surprise that Filipina powerhouse Daisy Valdez from La Union took both open divisions, securing for herself not one, but two surfboards. The Malihini shortboard division saw controlled maneuvering from famous travel blogger Lois Yasay, who took the top spot, and smooth transitions from super-stoked Malihini longboard champion Melai Karaan of La Union.

Alongside the competition, the weekend was host to Surfing Philippines GoSurPH! initiative, which provides anybody free surf lessons from local instructors. Founder Gerard Sison and GoSurPH! campaign director Joncy Sumulong were all smiles welcoming hundreds of participants. “Seeing all the girls totally stoked on catching their first wave gets us totally amped to take our GoSurPH! campaign to many more destinations, and giving many more free surf lessons,” says Gerard Sison. “The spirit of surfing is really for everyone.”