Map
Sulingan Beach
Today's Surf Conditions at Sulingan Beach
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Sulingan Beach on Calicoan Island, just a short bridge hop from Guiuan in Samar Province, is a spot where history and surf intertwine. Once home to the largest US military base in the Philippines, this stretch of coast now offers a long, narrow channel that funnels energy into distinct left and right breaks on either side. The setting is raw, with a live coral reef shaping waves that can handle swell from about 1 foot up to an impressive 8-foot face before closing out. The call to paddle out is best answered when the northeast swell is pumping and the wind blows from the southwest, creating clean, punchy lines that test intermediate skills. Tides play a crucial role here: aim for mid to high tide to avoid the shallow coral heads and the occasional sea urchin lurking in the clear water. Booties aren't a bad idea, especially at low tide when the paddle out becomes a careful negotiation over reef. The central section, often referred to as ABC, offers a friendlier, less powerful wave that's ideal for beginners looking to build confidence. While the reef here isn't as riddled with crevices as other Philippine breaks, it still demands respect—keep an eye on the tide and the urchins. About a two-hour drive from Borongan, Sulingan is a worthy detour for those chasing variety and a slice of surfing history.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (June - September)
The southwest monsoon (Habagat) takes hold across the Philippines during these months, bringing a consistent flow of offshore winds from the SSW, SW, WSW, and W to Sulingan's northeast-facing shores. While average swell heights dip to the fun-sized 0.9-1.0m range, the wave period remains in the punchy 8-10s zone, offering clean, rippable lines without the chop that plagues the peak of the NE monsoon. The percentage of ideal wind skyrockets from 34% in June to 49% by August and September, making this the most reliable window for groomed waves. When a stray typhoon or tropical depression spins up in the Pacific, it can deliver short bursts of longer-period groundswell, lighting up the peak. This is the season for logging sessions with glassy conditions under sunny skies, though you will need to be patient for size.
Fair Surf Season (May & October)
These transitional months offer a tantalizing mix of building or fading swell and improving wind windows. In May, the NE monsoon is in retreat, and the SW monsoon is just ramping up; ideal wind percentages climb to 18%, while swell averages 1.0m from the ENE and E. October sees the opposite shift as the NE monsoon returns, pushing average swell heights up to 1.3m and periods to a more powerful 10.2s, yet the offshore wind window remains open 27% of the time. These months can deliver the best compromise of the year – solid, long-period swell with a decent shot at clean offshore breezes. Keep a close eye on synoptic charts, as the timing of monsoon transitions can unlock epic sessions.
Low Surf Season (November - April)
The heart of the northeast monsoon (Amihan) dominates from November through April, hammering Sulingan with a relentless barrage of onshore winds out of the NNE, NE, and ENE. While the average swell height is at its peak – ranging from 1.3m in April to a pumping 2.1m in January – the wind is ideal for surfing only 1% to 8% of the time. The vast majority of those powerful, long-period northeast swells (with periods averaging 9-10s) are accompanied by choppy, wind-ruined conditions. Occasionally, a strong high-pressure system over mainland Asia can shift the gradient enough to produce a brief offshore window from the west, but these are fleeting and rare. For the dedicated surfer with a flexible schedule, these months offer the biggest waves of the year, but you will need to chase the narrow windows of clean conditions, often at dawn before the trades strengthen.
Detailed Surf Information for Sulingan Beach
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Sulingan Beach with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
