Boracay Island Sports Travel Tips by bike_packer

Theme: Surfing

Skimboarding is a sport similar to surfing which takes place near the shore. The skimboarder wait for that wave that would bring at least 3-inch deep spread of the water over the flat sand surface. When a perfect wave breaks, the skimmer run towards it with the skimboard still in hand. Planing the board on the water surface upon dropping it, the skimmer jump onto it as quickly as possible. Once on the board, the skimmer must remain as stable as possible and balance as the board speeds in parallel with the sea shore.

Skilfull variations are like when the skimmer then glides out into the ocean toward the oncoming wave, banks off of it, and rides it back into shore. I even saw somebody doing a hand-stand skimming. There are many possibilities for riding the waves and this is where skimboarding gets really fun and interesting.

Equipment: Locally-made skimboards are sold at P1000+ by the white beach area. Shaped like surf boards but smaller in size of 1meter long by half meter wide, these boards are made of marine-type plywood and finished with polished painted surface. Artwork designs on the board are expressive of the freestyle and thrill of the sport.

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Address: White Beach, Boracay
Directions: Warning: It is not easy as it looks and it takes a lot of falls and practice to master the sport

Theme: Scuba Diving

There are many snorkelling sites around Boracay Island but where we love most is the coral reef at the northeast coast of the island at Yapak. The place eventually becomes full of boats bringing divers as they come and go for an average of 1 hour snorkel activities all day long. The more the merrier, I feel, with this kind of activity.

What makes snorkeliing here a hit? Our tour guide advised us to bring bread to feed the fishes. We didnt know until we were on it that the fishes would have a bite of that bread right upon releasing them in your hand. (It is a scary feeling to hold on anticipating the fishes would bite your fingers). Surely, it was a very close encounter with these rainbow-colored tropical fishes.

Equipment: We brought our own gears but these could be rented from the boat operators at about P100 per set. Also, for the not-so-athletic bodies, wearing a life vest would be a plus.

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Address: Yapak, Boracay
Directions: A tour around the island would definitely pass by this area

Theme: Scuba Diving

A handful of dive shops dot the stretch of White Beach offering down from the basic beginner PADI-accredited courses just by the shore and/or up to the adventurous professional dives at nearby dive spots dotting the water around Boracay.

Around Boracay and the surrounding islands/islets are well recommended dive spots.

Equipment: It is no problem to find and rent scuba equipment in the island which the shops have a-plenty to offer that suits anybody's preference.

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Theme: Kayaking/Canoeing

Dragonboat racing, being an Asian sport, is but natural to influence Boracay to have a rowing team ready for competition on international races around the region. Much more, the island hosts the annual Boracay International Dragon Run sometime in month of May or June.

Being at Boracay in the month of April, I have the opportunity to watch the rowing team doing their daily tune-up practice along White Beach. It is very admirable watching the team rowing in rhythm as their boat swiftly slicing through the water. The team is made up of locals and some expats, I observed.

Equipment: A dragonboat long enough to accomodate 24 rowers and a sturdy set of paddles and brawn power.

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Address: White Beach, Boracay