- Level
- BeginnerIntermediate
- Wave
- Rights and lefts, shallow, with hidden rocks
- Access
- Drive
- Season
- Winter, when the northeast wind blows
Guiwan has lefts and rights on the south side of Siargao, about 15 to 20 minutes’ drive from General Luna. It is rated beginner to intermediate, with a qualification: the take-off is difficult for a complete beginner.
The wave and the rocks
The water is shallow and there are hidden rocks. A smaller wave here still needs careful assessment, particularly if standing up and catching a wave are new to you.
The difficulty of the take-off matters as much as the size. Fat Lips specifically warns that a complete beginner would struggle with it. For a first session, Jacking Horse is a more useful starting point to discuss with a coach.
Who it’s for
Guiwan can be an option for beginners who already have some experience, and for intermediate surfers. A beginner rating covers a broad range of ability. Tell the coach what you can currently do, including whether you catch waves on your own.
Finding the right place
Allow about 15 to 20 minutes to drive from General Luna. Confirm the meeting location before setting off.
The naming can be confusing. Guiwan is also written Giwan. Fat Lips describes Giwan, Union and Secret Spot as separate breaks a few hundred metres apart. Calling all of them Secret Spot can send a conversation in the wrong direction.
Why winter matters here
Guiwan is a winter option when the northeast wind blows. From late December to March, that wind can make Cloud 9 onshore while the south-side beginner spots stay smaller.
Ocean 9 also has an October-to-March season. Daku offers a slower right reached by boat; compare their details in the spot guide.
Surfing Sirago
Guiwan is the kind of place we consider for beginners with some experience when conditions fit. The coach chooses the spot on the day by your level, tide and wind.
A two-hour lesson is ₱1,200 with the board. A boat out on good-wave days costs an additional ₱300 when the chosen lesson spot requires that option; Guiwan is reached by road. See prices and book by WhatsApp with Michael.
Is Guiwan good for a first surf lesson?
It is a poor default choice for a very first session. Although rated beginner to intermediate, its take-off is difficult for complete beginners and there are hidden rocks in shallow water.
Is Guiwan the same as Secret Spot?
Fat Lips treats Guiwan, Union and Secret Spot as three separate nearby breaks. Confirm the actual meeting place instead of assuming the names refer to one wave.
When is the surf season at Guiwan?
Guiwan is mainly a winter option when northeast winds affect other spots. The south side can have smaller waves during the late December to March period.