Ulap Surf

Siargao’s Cloud 9 is where surfers go to learn the rhythm of waves, and this private beginner lesson makes that world feel doable. You get structured teaching right on-site, plus a team member capturing your best angles so your progress is not just a memory.

Two things I really like about Ulap Surf are the private coaching (your instructor stays with you and coaches every wave) and the video/photo review after you surf. That after-session breakdown is huge when you are new, because you stop guessing and start adjusting.

One possible drawback: the lesson depends on good surf and weather, and the company says the activity needs those conditions. If your timing in Siargao is tight, you will want to keep some flexibility.

Ulap Surf at Cloud 9, the 2-hour format that actually helps beginners

This is a private beginner surf lesson at Cloud 9 on Siargao Island. Price is $190 for about 2 hours, and the session includes a surf guide, soft-top board rental, a beginner safety guide, a certificate, and photos and video.

For first-timers, the value is not just that you get time on a board. It is that the coaching is structured. You get a fast, safety-first briefing, then real practice time in the water, and then you review footage to understand what clicked and what needs adjustment.

The other big reason this works is the equipment. The lesson is built around a stable, sturdy 9-foot longboard that makes it easier to pop up and find balance than trying to start on something twitchy.

What I like most: private coaching plus video feedback (Ana Mae and Loloy)

If you care about learning, private instruction is the difference between random progress and real progress. With Ulap Surf, your group gets an instructor focused on your stance, your paddling, and your pop-up timing. You are not waiting your turn while someone else gets coached.

I also like the way the team uses feedback you can see. A photographer shoots photos and video, and afterward you review the footage to spot what needs to change and what worked. In the past, people specifically called out the impact of video analysis with Ana Mae Alipayo and the way her teaching helps technique feel more natural.

Another named coach who comes up often is Loloy, and his role shows up in the coaching style too. The theme is consistent: they do not just teach the mechanics, they explain safety and surfing etiquette alongside technique, so you are learning to surf in the real environment, not just practicing on a calm patch.

A fast, practical lesson flow: briefing, beach warm-up, 90 minutes in the water

Here is what the experience looks like from start to finish, in the order you will feel it.

First, you meet at the Cloud 9 surfing area near the Cloud 9 Surfing Tower. The team has you sign a waiver, then you get a quick briefing about what is included. They also cover the surf area and how the ocean moves, with safety being a core part of the talk, not an afterthought.

The pacing is efficient. The plan is about 10 minutes of straight-to-the-point safety and setup, then you shift to the beach to warm up. This matters because beginners often get thrown into the water too soon, and then frustration replaces learning.

Next comes the beach warm-up and fundamentals. You practice popping up, where to place your feet, and how to find balance before you paddle out. If you have never stood on a board before, that part is your chance to get the feel of it while you are still on dry footing.

Then the main session is in the water for about 90 minutes, with your instructor coaching you on the waves you catch. The lesson is designed so you understand what you are doing and why, instead of copying moves without context.

After the surf, you review your footage. The team breaks down what needs changing, what worked, and what you can focus on next. For a beginner, this is the moment where it starts to click, because you get a clear picture of your form.

Cloud 9 Surfing Tower stop: why this location matters for beginners

This lesson is centered at Cloud 9 on Siargao, and the meeting point is at the Cloud 9 Surfing Area (listed as R578+F36 Siargao Island, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Philippines). Cloud 9 is famous, but for beginners the real question is whether the coaching approach fits the setting.

The answer here is yes, because the instruction is structured around safety, reading the ocean, and getting you onto waves with the right board choice. The stable 9-foot longboard helps you focus on pop-up mechanics and balance rather than fighting for control.

One practical note: Cloud 9 is a surf spot, so conditions can change. The company explicitly says the experience requires good weather. If conditions are off, your session may be adjusted or canceled, so do not schedule a strict same-day departure unless you have buffer time.

Equipment and teaching tools included for your whole learning arc

You are not just borrowing a board and hoping for the best. Ulap Surf includes several things that support learning beyond the 90 minutes in the water.

You get:

• Soft-top surfboards rental (paired with longboard-style stability for beginners)
• A surf guide
• A beginners course certificate
• A beginners safety guide in Google Slides
• Photos and videos from your session

That Google Slides safety guide is surprisingly useful. Surf safety is not only about what to do in the moment. It is also about remembering things after you get back to your hotel, when you are planning what to practice next.

The certificate is a nice bonus too. It is not what makes you surf better, but it is a tangible reminder of what you completed and can be motivating if you are building a routine.

Photos and video: how it changes your learning, not just your memories

This lesson includes photos and video, and the team uses the footage in your post-surf review. That is a big difference from a typical add-on where you just get a few pictures and no coaching.

When you watch yourself, you can compare your body position to what your instructor is telling you. That makes it easier to spot the small issues that keep beginners stuck, like foot placement during the pop-up or balance during the first seconds of the ride.

If you are someone who learns visually, this format gives you a shortcut. People have also specifically praised the detailed feedback and the way video analysis helped them change how they surf and build confidence.

Who this is best for, and who should consider a different surf option

This is a strong fit if:

• You are truly a beginner and want a structured approach
• You want private coaching so you are not waiting in line
• You would like photos and video plus an instructional review
• You want a stable longboard to help you progress faster

You may want to consider other options if:

• You are looking for the cheapest way to try surfing
• You want a lesson with zero weather sensitivity (this one explicitly needs good conditions)
• You do not have moderate physical fitness for paddling and ocean time, since the experience lists a moderate fitness level expectation

Also, if you want your instruction with a female coach, the service has strong signals in that direction, including mentions of booking for a female instructor and praise for Ana Mae’s friendly, knowledgeable coaching style.

Price and value: $190 for private coaching, gear, and a filmed feedback loop

$190 for about 2 hours can sound steep if you are comparing it to group lessons. But you are not paying only for board rental and a quick tutorial.

You are paying for:

• Private instruction for your group
• Stable longboard-style equipment
• A planned safety and technique structure
• 90 minutes in the water
• Photos and video capture
• A post-session review where footage is used for feedback
• A beginner safety guide and a certificate

For many people, the video feedback is where the value shows up. If you go home with clear notes based on what you actually did, you can practice smarter on your next session.

If you already surf at a basic level and want advanced maneuver work, this might not feel like the best match. But for a beginner, it is designed to help you gain confidence quickly and ride with better form sooner.

Logistics that matter on Siargao: start time, meeting point, and getting there

The activity begins at the Cloud 9 Surfing Area, near public transportation. Opening hours are listed with Monday hours of 6:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and you will want to confirm your specific session time after booking.

The experience ends back at the meeting point. Since private transportation is not included, plan to handle your own way to Cloud 9. If you are staying in General Luna, you will likely find it manageable with local transport options, but you should still factor in travel time.

The lesson is about 2 hours. That makes it easier to slot into a Siargao day without turning your whole schedule into a surf marathon.

Should you book Ulap Surf? My decision guide

Book Ulap Surf if you want beginner surfing at Cloud 9 with real coaching and feedback you can act on. The combination of private instruction, stable longboard-style equipment, and a photos-and-video review is a smart setup for learning faster.

Skip or rethink if you are mainly trying surfing as a one-off and do not care about coaching details or footage feedback. Also, if you cannot be flexible because you have a hard travel schedule, the weather dependency is something to take seriously.

FAQ

How long is the Ulap Surf beginner lesson?

It runs for about 2 hours (approx.).

Where does the lesson meet?

The meeting point is at the Cloud 9 Surfing Area (Cloud 9 Surfing Tower area).

Is this lesson private or shared?

It is private. Only your group participates.

What surf equipment is included?

Soft top surfboards rental is included, and the lesson uses a sturdy longboard suited for beginners.

What is included besides the surfing itself?

Included items are a surf guide, beginners course certificate, beginners safety guide (Google Slides), and photos and videos.

What is not included in the price?

Private transportation is not included.

What fitness level do I need?

The experience lists a moderate physical fitness level.

What happens during the lesson timeline?

You meet, sign a waiver, get a short briefing on safety and what is included, warm up on the beach (including pop-up and balance), then spend about 90 minutes in the water with your instructor coaching, and finish with a footage review.

When should I expect confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

What if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.