Asia's best surfers compete in Baler

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The inaugural

World Surf League (WSL) Baler International Pro kicks off, drawing over 100 of Asia's most talented surfers to the iconic waves of Baler, Aurora from 1-7 February 2024.

The sports event is sanctioned by the WSL together with the United Philippine Surfing Association (UPSA).

The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Luzon said that Aurora Surf Riders Association, Incorporated (ASRAI), and the Local Government Unit of Baler, the Baler International Pro take action in the high-performance beach-break peaks along Sabang Beach, promising an exhilarating competition for both shortboarders and longboarders participating in the WSL Qualifying Series (QS) 3000 and Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) events.

Delivering his message during the competition’s opening ceremony Wednesday

(Jan. 31) evening, Department of Tourism Region III (DOT-3) Regional Director Richard

Daenos expressed support for the staging of the competition in Baler.

He said the event bodes well with the effort of DOT, under Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco’s leadership, to develop and promote the country’s sports tourism product offerings.

"The WSL APAC is excited to be in Baler for this new event," WSL APAC Tour Manager Ty Sorati remarked.

"We laud the initiatives of the WSL, UPSA, ASRAL, and the Local Government of Baler in staging and bringing this world-class competition f or the first time here in the majestic town

Baler — the birthplace Philippine surf ing. As we strengthen Sports Tourism in Central Luzon, we see surfing as one ir our assets d m to position Baler, Aurora among the country's leading surf destinatio," Regional Director Daenos said.

Baler holds a special place in the country’s surfing history, recognized as the "Birthplace of Philippine Surfing" through a bill that lapsed into law last August 6, 2023.

On its opening day (Feb. 1), the inaugural Baler International Pro greeted participants with glassy conditions and two-to-three feet of swell, marking the beginning of the WSL Qualifying Series (QS) 3000 event with the men’s Round of 48, followed by the women’s Round of 24 and men’s Round of 32.

Adding to the thrill, Baler is also hosting the first-ever Southeast Asian (SEA) Skateboarding Competition, with international and local athletes showcasing their skills from 1-6 February 2023. For live updates on the WSL Baler International Pro and thrilling surf action, visit www.worldsurfleague.com and download the free WSL App.