7,000 tourists, locals expected as Siargao World Surfing Cup kicks off tomorrow

GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte – The best surfers in the world are ready to compete in the upgraded 2017 Siargao World Surfing Cup to be held in the famous “Cloud 9” facing the town of General Luna, in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte province.

Tourism officials are expecting some 7,000 tourists, both foreign and local, to converge in Siargao for the 2017 Siargao World Surfing Cup which is considered to be the biggest international surfing event in the country.

Aside from the best surfers from the different surfing countries in the world, champions in the recently concluded 2017 National Surfing Tournament here are also set to participate in the upgraded 2017 Siargao World Surfing Cup that will run from September 23 to 30.

Upgrading from a World Qualifying Series WQS1,500 to a WQS3,000 will mean not only more qualifying points on offer for competitors but increased prize money.

Up for grabs is the $75,000 prize money for the winners of the 23rd Siargao International Surfing Cup here.

Philippine national surfers led by former event winner and local standout Piso Alcala (PH) is always one to watch when the waves turn on at “Cloud 9” as he has an ability to read its tube like no other.

With the Siargao International Surfing Cup being upgraded in 2017 and attracting its best field to date, the internationals will no doubt be nervous about the prospect of meeting Alcala in a heat as he and the other locals will be tough to overcome in their backyard.

Alcala’s team and other best surfers in the world are set to challenge 2016 champion Central Coast charger 17-year-old Sandon Whittaker (Australia) who is set to defend his title this year. The goofy-footer is all too aware of the work he has ahead as higher seed surfers will be joining him in paradise this year.

“I’m stoked the Siargao surfing cup is going to be a WQS3,000 this year and it is a great contest,” Whittaker said.

General Luna town Mayor Atty. Jamie P. Rusillon, known as the “Godfather” of surfing in the Philippines due to his ongoing support of the Filipino surf industry and surfing events in the area is looking forward to hosting the more than 7,000 tourists, both foreign and domestic, who will flock to their shore.

“We are very happy and proud to be hosting this year’s upgraded WQS here and we welcome all of the competitors,” Mayor Rusillon said.

“We are proud to host a breakthrough event this year. This is the biggest surfing competition ever with a total prize money of $75,000.00 or about 14,050,000.00, and we are positive that this will enable us to reap benefits for the good of the local tourism industry and national tourism program as well,” said Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol F. Matugas. (Mike U. Crismundo)