Riding the Wind: Windsurfing Adventures in Anilao, Batangas
Tucked away on the rocky coast of Mabini, Batangas, the vibrant town of Anilao is renowned for its world-class diving sites—but beneath the surface, another thrilling water sport is gaining wind: windsurfing. With its steady breezes, crystal-clear waters, and easily accessible shoreline just 2.5 hours from Manila, Anilao is fast becoming a premier destination for adrenaline-seekers and ocean lovers alike (Marco, 2022; Santiago, 2023).
🌊 Windsurfing Regatta: A Community Reignited
In March 2025, the beloved Anilao Windsurf Regatta made its comeback at Saltitude Dive & Beach Resort, after a five-year pause due to the pandemic. The event drew over 50 competitors across 11 divisions—ranging from 6-year-olds to seasoned sailors in their 70s (Consumers Advisory, 2025). Organizer Anna Marco emphasized its inclusivity: “It’s a sport you can enjoy at any age” (Marco, 2022).
Participants included members of the Philippine national windsurfing team, hobbyists, and new learners, making the regatta both a competitive and community-driven event (Sports Inquirer, 2025).
🏄 Why Anilao is Ideal for Windsurfing
Anilao offers an unmatched combination of geography and wind that makes it perfect for windsurfing:
- Reliable Amihan winds (Northeast trade winds) from November to May
- Flat, sheltered waters ideal for beginners and intermediate riders
- Proximity to Manila makes it a weekend getaway favorite
However, Anilao’s pebbled shorelines require reef-safe footwear, and beginners may benefit from starting with a certified instructor (Wazup Pilipinas, 2022).
🗣️ Voices from the Water
Many first-time windsurfers describe the experience as humbling but exhilarating. Travel blogger Janni recalls, “You’ll fall over and over again… but when you finally get it, you’ll feel like you're flying” (Janni, 2015). Another adventurer, Yeng V., writes about the unforgettable rush of harnessing wind power across the sea surface (V., 2011).
One notable coach, Kuya German Paz, has mentored both beginners and national-level athletes, helping turn Anilao into a grassroots training ground for Filipino windsurfers (The Restless Firefly, 2014).
- Book a guided session – Expect to pay ₱1,300–₱1,500/day for equipment and coaching.
- Train your legs and core – Balance and endurance are key.
- Pack reef-safe gear – Rashguards, aqua shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Go during Amihan season – Best winds: November to May.
- Expect to fall—often – But that’s part of the fun.
After braving the waves, Anilao offers relaxing options:
- Dolphin sightings occasionally grace regatta days (Marco, 2022).
- Bonfire socials on the beach foster local camaraderie.
- Fresh seafood and local goto Batangas are culinary musts.
- Day hikes to Mt. Gulugod Baboy and snorkeling at Verde Island round out the adventure (Trip101, 2024).
🗓️ Plan Your Windsurfing Getaway
What |
Details |
|---|---|
Best Wind Season |
November–May (Amihan winds) |
Session Cost |
₱1,300–₱1,500 with rental & coach |
Travel from Manila |
2.5 hrs via SLEX and Bauan-Mabini Road |
Where to Stay |
Saltitude Resort, Casa Escondida, AquaWorld |
Next Regatta |
Tentatively March 2026 |
🌅 Final Thoughts
Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned wave-rider, windsurfing in Anilao offers a powerful mix of adventure, community, and natural beauty. It’s a place where wind, water, and willpower come together—proof that some of life’s best rides are fueled not by motors, but by the breeze.
📚 References:
Consumers Advisory. (2025, March 26). Anilao Windsurf Regatta returns after five-year hiatus. https://consumersadvisory.com/anilao-windsurf-regatta-returns-after-five-year-hiatus
Janni. (2015, May 3). Hello, windsurfing! A first-timer’s guide to trying something scary but fun. Jannispaghetti is a Wanderlust. https://jannispaghettiisawanderlust.wordpress.com/2015/05/03/hello-world/
Marco, A. (2022). Anilao Windsurfing Festival: Winds of change and community revival. Saltitude Beach & Dive Resort Press.
Santiago, J. (2023, March 24). Windsurfing rising in Batangas: Anilao as a growing hub. Philippine Outdoor Sports Weekly.
Sports Inquirer. (2025, March 25). Windsurfers from all generations gather in Anilao Regatta 2025. https://sports.inquirer.net/341999/anilao-regatta-2025
The Restless Firefly. (2014, December 18). Trusting buoyancy in the raging sea: Windsurfing at Anilao, Batangas. https://therestlessfirefly.com/2014/12/18/trusting-buoyancy-in-the-raging-sea-windsurfing-at-anilao-batangas/
Trip101. (2024, January 5). Have fun under the sun in Mabini, Batangas. https://trip101.com/article/have-fun-under-the-sun-in-mabini-batangas-philippines
V., Y. (2011, May 15). Windsurfing baby! Anilao adventures. YengV Travel Blog. https://yengv.blogspot.com/2011/05/anilao-batangas-wind-surfing-baby.html
Wazup Pilipinas. (2022, October 3). Top 5 places for windsurfing in the Philippines. https://www.wazzuppilipinas.com/2022/10/top-5-places-for-windsurfing-in.html
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