Cloud 9 (General Luna)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Peak crowds in September during the surfing cup; very busy year-round.
December to February marks the peak of the rainy season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Advanced wave-kiting during the NE monsoon season; technically demanding due to shallow reef and proximity to the surfing lineup.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Rarely windsurfed due to sharp, shallow reef and specialized wave conditions; expert wave sailors may visit during peak NE winds.
Generally not recommended directly at the main break due to extremely shallow reef and heavy breaking waves.
- Foil Friendly
- No
A world-class, heavy reef-coral break with hollow barrels. Works best at high tide and rising tide; extremely shallow reef demands careful timing.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- Kitesurfing is generally discouraged during peak surfing hours for safety.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.