I’ve been dreaming (and writing) about Lanuza for quite some time now. During my second visit to the town last month, it was still the swell season and with a low pressure area (LPA) around the waves were always pumping in all the spots.
The only problem was to find a spot that wasn’t too challenging for me to surf in. I think I had a solid three days surfing in the spot in front of Mami’s Surf Camp. If you made the sections, it would result in a long ride up to the shore and very near the left-hander break.
One of the miracles I realized when I was able to stay on a wave I took. My stoked face was so evident, smiling from ear to ear with my tongue sticking out on the paddle back to the lineup.
That got me really hooked. I craved to get the same long ride every time I’d try to catch that wave. I can’t remember how many times I almost got to ride that long but I never stopped trying… until I got scared by a crazy wipeout and had my face touch the reef bottom. Almost too sweet.
More wipeouts than epic long rides but I loved every bit of the moment spend surfing in Lanuza in different weather.
There would be a few times that the sun would come out to shine especially after the storm disappeared after almost half a week of rain and gnarly waves.
It was also during my second visit in Lanuza, I stayed for a week and didn’t surf for 2 days. The waves were too big and the current too strong for me. I wanted to but decided against paddling out because I didn’t want to risk myself and damaging my board.
We had a 9 foot longboard cut cleanly in half during that trip so it was THAT big. Not to mention how strong the current was at that spot that day, I was contented watching from the safety of the shore.
Aside from a wide assortment of different surf spots, the town of Lanuza has one of the best barbecues I’ve ever tried. On my third visit, I actually craved eating barbecue out from Bam-Bam’s place. If you’re wondering where this is, you can ask the locals. Everybody knows everybody since it’s a really small town.
Aside from barbecue worth remembering, there’s only one local fish ball and kwek-kwek vendor that sells street food during the weekdays. It’s a blue stall near the market and terminal. I’ve tried eating locally made fish balls in Davao City, Tandag City, Dipolog City and Kidapawan City.
So far, for me Lanuza’s fish balls taste the best and it only costs PHP 1 per piece. The last I remember eating was as much as 15 pieces in one standing! Maybe it was their batter and sauce that made it flavorful compared to the other local vendors in other places.
I haven’t explored the entirety of Lanuza and the nearby municipalities where I’ve heard of great spots too. I’m crossing my fingers and am consistently on the lookout for another excuse to come back here. Don’t forget to check out my blog: www.millennialmermaid.com for more stories!
