Cloud 9 (General Luna)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Wave, Shortboard
Best for
Advanced
Skill Level
Big waves
Spot Type
Crowded
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Cloud 9 in General Luna is a world-class reef-coral surfing destination centered on a shallow, sharp coastline. The break is known for powerful, hollow barrel sections, with right-hand wave shape and fast, intense rides. Water quality is described as crystal-clear, but access and safety depend strongly on tide because the reef is very shallow—particularly at low water. Surf conditions are most reliable at high tide (often described as high tide only, and rising tide). Working swell starts below 1 meter and can build to well over 3 meters, with the wave able to hold significant size. As swell increases, the wave becomes extremely heavy and dangerous, and the shallow reef amplifies impact risk. The break is also noted as exposed, meaning conditions are driven by swell and reef depth rather than shelter. Wind for kite use is seasonal, with best months in the late dry season/Amihan window (notably November through March). Typical kite wind is described around 15–25 knots, with wind direction frequently matching NNE to ENE. However, kitesurfing is technically demanding here due to the shallow reef and because the launch/playing area can overlap with the surfing lineup. Crowds are a major factor: weekend and peak periods are described as very busy to ultra crowded, and strict etiquette is required. Hazards include sharp coral/reef, shallow water, and strong currents/rip currents possible during large swells. There are no lifeguards, and rescue is described as limited—so planning around tide and conditions is essential, and it’s generally safer to avoid kitesurfing during peak surfing hours.

  • World-class hollow right-hand reef barrels
  • Boardwalk access to the main peak
  • High-tide-only reef access
  • NE monsoon season wind window for advanced wave kiting
Great for
Surfing shortboardKitesurfing waveKitesurfing straplessAdvanced riders
What's great
  • World-class, hollow reef barrels with consistent high-tide performance
  • Warm water year-round reducing need for heavy wetsuits
  • NE monsoon season supports wave-oriented kitesurfing for advanced riders
Heads up
  • Extremely shallow reef with sharp coral—low-tide sessions are high risk
  • Very powerful, heavy barrels that can become dangerous on bigger swells
  • Extreme crowding (especially weekends) complicates safety and right-of-way
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NNE, NE, ENE
Offshore directions
W
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Northeast trade/wind season influence (Amihan), with strong reliability during Nov–Mar.
Reliability
Moderate during the Amihan season
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
January, February, March, November, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Big waves
Beach
Mixed
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Big — Works from under 1m and can hold up to 3m+.
Launch
Small — Narrow sandy sections and a long wooden boardwalk used primarily by surfers.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Technically demanding due to shallow reef and proximity to the surf lineup.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
27–30 °C
Water Temperature
28–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: Rash guard or thin 1mm top (for sun and reef abrasion)
Crowds by Season

Peak crowds in September during the surfing cup; very busy year-round.

Storm/Rain Season

December to February marks the peak of the rainy season.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Advanced wave-kiting during the NE monsoon season; technically demanding due to shallow reef and proximity to the surfing lineup.

WaveStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Rarely windsurfed due to sharp, shallow reef and specialized wave conditions; expert wave sailors may visit during peak NE winds.

Wave
WingfoilingSkill Level

Generally not recommended directly at the main break due to extremely shallow reef and heavy breaking waves.

Foil Friendly
No
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A world-class, heavy reef-coral break with hollow barrels. Works best at high tide and rising tide; extremely shallow reef demands careful timing.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
NE, E
Swell Height
1–3 m
Optimal Tide
High — High tide only (and rising tide).
Shelter
Exposed — Open reef break with no strong shelter noted; conditions are dictated by swell and reef depth.
Wind Effect
Best with light offshore West winds (wind directions matter for surf quality).
Bigger Swell
Holds significant size but becomes extremely heavy and dangerous.
Wave Quality
World class
Wave Power
Very powerful — Powerful, hollow reef barrels.
Wave Shape
Barreling — Heavy, hollow right-hand barrel.
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Short
Typical Ride Length
40–60 m
Ride Length Details
Fast, intense rides focused on the barrel section.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cloud 9 (General Luna) in the full forecast view.

Cloud 9 (General Luna) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–8 ktsGusts 13 kts
Direction
ENE60°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 278 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.7–1.1 m9s period
Temperature
27–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Cloud 9 (General Luna) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 13 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.7–1.1 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Sharp coral reef
  • Corals
  • Shallow water over reef (especially at low tide)
  • Extreme crowds
  • Strong rip currents possible during large swells
  • Heavy barrels
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsImpact vest

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No centralized professional coast guard rescue for all reef breaks; safety relies heavily on local support.
Emergency Info
General Luna clinics exist; the nearest major hospital is in Dapa (Siargao Island Medical Center in Dapa).
Localism / Vibe
Moderate

Rules of the spot

Strict surfing etiquette is required due to high crowds; priority is given to those deepest in the peak. Kitesurfing is generally discouraged during peak surfing hours for safety.

Restrictions
  • Kitesurfing is generally discouraged during peak surfing hours for safety.
Local Tips
  • Only surf at mid to high tide to avoid the sharp reef.
  • Use the boardwalk to access the peak.
  • Watch out for a nearby beginner break that can cause congestion.
  • Strong rip currents are possible during large swells.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Surigao City
Nearest Town
General Luna
Nearest Airport
Sayak Airport (IAO)
Parking
Limited roadside parking for motorbikes and vans near the boardwalk entrance.
Public Transport
Limited; tricycle taxis and rented motorbikes are primary, with boat transfers for nearby islands.
Access
Accessible via the famous Cloud 9 boardwalk at the end of the main road in General Luna.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Tagalog, English, Surigaonon
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Near — Numerous resorts and guest houses within walking distance in General Luna.
Food & Drink
Many surf-themed cafes and bars located at the boardwalk entrance.
Equipment Rental:
Extensive surf board rentals available along the beach front.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard ding repair available at local shops.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Cloud 9 (General Luna)?

The best overall months at Cloud 9 (General Luna) are September, October, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Cloud 9 (General Luna)?

Cloud 9 (General Luna) works with NNE, NE, ENE winds. Offshore directions are W.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Cloud 9 (General Luna)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Cloud 9 (General Luna): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Cloud 9 (General Luna) suitable for?

Cloud 9 (General Luna) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Expert · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Advanced.