Surf, Sisterhood & Filipino Pride: Elaine Abonal on Surfing Siargao in the Philippines
- Laura Day
- 4 days ago
- 38 min read
Elaine Abonal is one of the first women to teach surfing professionally in the Philippines—and she’s still breaking barriers. In this episode of Confession of a Surf Lady, The First Women's Surfing Podcast™, we talk about brown skin, bikinis, culture, confidence, and the quiet strength it takes to carve out your place in a surf lineup that wasn’t built for you. From her start in Manila to leading all-women surf trips in Siargao, Elaine shares her story with humor, warmth, and pride.
🎧 Listen to the Episode of Elaine Abonal on Surfing Siargao in the Philippines on Women's Surfing Podcast
YouTube version also available below.
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📝 Episode Summary of Elaine Abonal on Women's Surfing Podcast
In this heartfelt conversation, Elaine Abonal shares what it means to build a surf life rooted in culture, community, and purpose. We talk about the rise of Filipina surfers, the impact of surf tourism in the Philippines, and how surfing helped Elaine embrace her body, her voice, and her identity. She opens up about lineups shifting, boundaries strengthening, and why she’s no longer playing small to keep others comfortable. This episode is a celebration of Filipino surf culture and a reminder that confidence doesn’t always sound loud—but it shows up in every paddle, every wave, and every story told.
🔥 Standout Quotes from Elaine Abonal on Women's Surfing Podcast
“Surfing helped me love my brown skin in a way I didn’t growing up.” - Elaine Abonal
“If you’re coming to the Philippines to surf, respect the culture. Learn five words. Eat local food.” - Elaine Abonal
“Siargao should still feel like home—for the locals who’ve been here all along.” - Elaine Abonal
🏄♀️ About Elaine Abonal
Elaine Abonal is a Filipina surfer, surf coach, and founder of Surfista Travels, a surf travel company based in Siargao, Philippines. With over 15 years of experience teaching and guiding surf students from around the world, Elaine is one of the first women to coach surfing professionally in the Philippines. Her mission? To make surfing more inclusive, culturally aware, and empowering—especially for local women. Whether she’s leading all-women retreats or mentoring the next generation of Filipina surfers, Elaine’s work blends travel, education, and deep pride in her heritage.
📜 Transcript of Episode with Elaine Abonal on Women's Surfing Podcast
⬇️ Below is the full transcript of the Women's Surfing podcast Episode with Elaine Abonal, lightly cleaned for readability.
🔗 Mentioned in This Episode
Dip Already – Hair & Body Dry Oil (sponsor – use code CONFESSIONSOFASURFLADY for 15% off)
The Surfing Copywriter – Lachlan (sponsor – authentic storytelling & marketing for surf brands)
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