The underlying culture of the beach life has often influenced the surfers as how the latter similarly affects the former. Focusing on a couple of aspects of the surf culture: fashion and general lifestyle, it’s curious to note how the beach bum stereotype came from qualities that stem from their commitment to the lifestyle that sort of goes hand-in-hand with the sport. Surfers come from different walks of life and, sometimes, the dedication required will take them to a place wherein priorities are set differently from those of an urbanista. Surfers are bound by their desire for the ultimate ride, embarking on quests for great waves and continual stoke. We all know that this may cause them to abandon western comforts so to speak, hence, effecting a difference in their choice of fashion, opting for apparel and accessories more suitable for their chosen lifestyle.

A recent trip to Siargao, the country’s surfing capital, provided a glimpse into a life of a surfer. It had seemed that though frills can be appreciated, it’s not necessary (close to seeming impractical, really). Importance is on high SPF sunblock lathered across your nose and back (yes, all exposed skin for that matter) and a pair of bathers you’d be comfortable surfing in. The sun and activity can dampen your spirit if you’re ill-prepped or had set different expectations since, depending on the level of pleasure derived and endurance, you can spend a couple or so hours out in the water.

Also, you probably may need a decent set of sunnies as you enjoy a bottle of beer or doze off on the sand under the canopy of coconut trees in between waves.

I have to say, it planted a seed of envy esp when I got to experience learning the sport myself. Imagining a life spent by the beach with every surfing adventure, a lifestyle that revolves around finding and riding wave after wave — knowing that that sort of high is simply within reach — and the utter simplified life, consciously relaxing your mind and forgetting all the other life matters as you paddle out to meet that wave you’re going to ride. I’m no longer surprised why there are folks who choose to live to surf. Do you surf?

Photo taken by Tara

Friends from Sassa had sent me a tankini set earlier this year and twas what I wore when I went out to try and ride the baby waves on a long board at Cloud 9.

Though it was acceptably convenient (not to mention, affordable at Php 699.75 a set!), I’d still recommend that you wear a rashguard (which Sassa also carries, btw) or a tight tee which tightly secures your torso (the right size or a knot that prevents the garment to ride up and expose parts you’d rather keep hidden). Of course, make sure that whatever you choose to wear will allow you to swim with ease and won’t be something that will weigh you down when you’re in the water. Yes, I do recognise the want to maintain style but I’d still strongly push you to go towards the option that provides comfort in this situation and just work the former in as you discover other style options with time and experience in participating in the sport.

Thanks for taking my photos, Tara!

For someone who generally don’t swim out in the sea, this surfing experience had caused me to conquer the fear a bit. Still not 100% ok with the idea but, at least, I’m now open to it. Perhaps it’s because I love how it made me feel standing up on a board pushed by a wave. The exhilaration was enough to offset what distress that being in the water may bring.

Have you been to Siargao? I fell in love with the place and I wouldn’t mind going back there again. There is a good chance that I will.

The Boardwalk on Cloud 9, Siargao

Drop-off point, The Boardwalk on Cloud 9, Siargao

Though the locality that houses Cloud 9 is wonderful on its own, there is still much of the island (and its neighbouring islands) that I have yet to explore.

Cloud 9, Siargao

Definitely, I’ll be back to try surfing the bigger waves (after a few more lessons, of course) and go with my good friends who surf. Maybe, as I spend more time with my surfer friends, I’d get to learn the workings of the surf, and more bits about the life in and around the ocean.

What have you observed about the fashion and lifestyle in the surf culture?