Why Beginners Are No Longer Allowed at Cloud 9 in Siargao

 

Siargao reinvents how it shares Cloud 9. A local rule now blocks beginners from lessons and surfboard rentals at this iconic reef break. The ban responds to safety risks, reef damage, and surf-line chaos. Cloud 9 remains reserved for trained and respectful riders.

A Local Move for Respect and Safety

Cloud 9 has long been Siargao’s most powerful and visible surf break. It pulls in pro surfers and casual tourists for its famed barrels over shallow reef. But the reef is jagged and unforgiving. In recent years, more accidents involving beginner surfers forced a course change. That shift revived a municipal ordinance that had lain dormant. The local surf community, schools, shops, and the new government rallied behind it. Each breaking peak now has a designated steward to enforce rules. Beginner surfing sessions no longer happen at Cloud 9. Shops must decline rentals to novices unless they come with certified instructors. This ensures surfers know etiquette, can manage their own rides, and don’t endanger others. Cloud 9 stays legendary, but now safer, more orderly, more respectful.

Bryan Waverider, local surf photographer and former instructor, put it plainly: “Teaching people in a crowded, reef-charged spot was depressing. Now Cloud 9 can be a space for experienced surfers again.” His words echo as “The Cloud 9 ‘shit show’ is over,” in local vernacular.

Beginner Surf Spots in Siargao

The island still welcomes new surfers, but at gentler breaks. Zones like Jacking Horse, Pacifico, Guiwan, Daku Reef, and Secret Beach now receive most learners. Jacking Horse is just steps from Cloud 9. It breaks over softer reef, easier to read, and ideal for moving from whitewater to green waves. Pacifico draws regular praise online for being less crowded, gentler, and better controlled for lessons. Guiwan, sometimes called “Little Cloud 9,” offers sandy bottom breaks and softer waves, more forgiving than Cloud 9 but still a step of progress. Daku, accessed by boat, serves slow, soft right-hand waves, set against a tranquil island backdrop. Best taken with an instructor, especially for newcomers. 

On Reddit, locals and visitors share firsthand advice:

“Cloud 9 is popular, but go early, around 5 a.m., to avoid crowds. Pacifico and Burgos are better for beginners. Water stays shallow. Board floats help. Instructor equals safety.” 

“I learned at Jacking Horse. No need to question it, perfect for learners.” 

One reminder stands out: “Get an instructor first. Surfing is extreme. A beginner without an instructor risks hurting self or others.”

What This Means for Tourism

This decision reshapes surf tourism in Siargao. Cloud 9 remains a draw for experienced surfers, preserved in its majesty and safety. New surfers get a clearer, safer learning path. Surf schools are now encouraged to channel students to appropriate breaks. Over time, this may ease crowding and preserve reef health at Cloud 9, while enhancing local pride and surf culture.

Lessons with boards now cost around PHP 500–600 per hour. Rentals alone range from PHP 250 to 400 per hour or day, depending on spot and duration. This directs beginners to reliable lessons and lowers mistakes from untrained surfers.

Cloud 9 history and local tradition get reinforced. It remains one of the world’s top surf barrels, celebrated but now more guarded. This change refocuses Cloud 9 as a spot of professionalism rather than a catch-all.

Looking Ahead for Island Surf Culture

Siargao proves it respects its waves and its people. Policies like this show intention behind tourism growth. It values safety, local voice, reef care. Blogs and social media voices back this up. It crafts a future where visitors engage responsibly and with guidance. Beginners surf safely. Experts surf with focus. The reef recovers. Surf culture thrives.