Magasang (Biri)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Empty
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Magasang is a remote, right-hand reef break off Biri’s rock formations, characterized by fast, powerful, peeling waves and long rides. The break is described as exposed and reef-based (reef/coral and sharp rock), so the wave line-up is unforgiving for falls or tide mistakes. The surf starts working from roughly 1.0–1.5 m (around 3–5 ft) and can hold up to 3 m+ (10 ft+) depending on conditions. Riders report typical long ride lengths around 150 to 300 m, with waves peeling for significant distances along the reef edge. Optimal swell direction is NE, and wind from the south or east is reported to provide more favorable offshore or cross-shore conditions for the NE swell. Tide choice matters: best results are reported around mid tide, particularly a rising mid-tide to avoid shallow reef impacts. Access is not straightforward—sources indicate you typically need a 20+ minute paddle or a boat to reach the line-up, often involving a walk across tidal flats. Safety is the key constraint at Magasang. Expect sharp coral/reef, submerged rocks, and sea urchins, along with strong tidal currents and limited emergency support due to remoteness. Crowds are generally empty/very low year-round, making it feel like an uncrowded destination, but self-sufficiency is essential.
- Long, fast right-hand reef break near the Magasang rock formation
- Works from about 1.0–1.5 m and can hold larger swell (up to ~3 m+ reported)
- Typically very low crowd
- Right-hand reef wave with long, fast, powerful rides.
- Swell window reported to start working around 1.0–1.5 m and hold larger sizes.
- Typically very low crowd due to remoteness.
- Sharp reef and sea urchins create high physical risk if you fall or misjudge tide/reef depth.
- Remote access (long paddle or boat) and limited medical/rescue support.
- Tidal currents can be strong, and the takeoff/line-up involves challenging logistics across tidal flats.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, E
- Offshore directions
- S, E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Amihan / northeast monsoon trade-wind pattern; optimal winds noted from south/east.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Significant turbulence and wind shadows behind the large rock formations.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed beach/shore composition with reef and sand elements.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Big — Starts working around 1.0–1.5 m and can reach 3 m+.
- Launch
- Medium — Tidal flats and rocky shore near the rock formations.
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only — Difficult access and reef hazards; sources indicate difficult launch and advanced-level surf context.
Through the year
Generally empty or very low crowd year-round.
Typhoon season typically runs from June to December.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A powerful right-hand reef break near the Magasang rock formation, known for long, fast, and challenging rides over sharp reef.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NE
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Reported best at mid tide (mid-rising), with preference for rising mid-tide to reduce risk of shallow reef impact.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed open-water reef setup; not sheltered from the main swell/wind exposure.
- Wind Effect
- South or East winds provide offshore or cross-shore conditions for the NE swell.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size up to 10 feet or more; becomes very heavy on larger swell.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Described as excellent / regionally classic.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Fast and powerful; holds significant size.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Right-hand reef break that peels.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Peels for significant distances along the reef edge; described as fast.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long rides along the reef edge.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves can peel for significant distances along the reef edge; typical long ride lengths reported.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Magasang (Biri) in the full forecast view.
Magasang (Biri) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–12 ktsGusts 17 kts
- Direction
- NE56°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2712 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.3 m8s period
- Temperature
- 27–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Magasang (Biri) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.6–1.3 m with a period of about 8s. 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
- Sea urchins
- Submerged rocks
- Strong tidal currents
- Remote location with limited medical facilities
- Large rock formations
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No organized professional water rescue reported; group context notes only limited/informal help.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest basic medical facilities are in Biri town; major hospitals require a boat and land transfer to Catarman.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Surf with significant self-sufficiency due to remote access and limited rescue/medical coverage; avoid shallow/reef edges and be prepared for strong tidal currents.
- Limited practical access; consider boat support due to long paddle across tidal flats.
- Do not enter without reef protection (sharp coral/sea urchins).
- Best surfed on a rising mid-tide to avoid hitting the shallow reef.
- Requires a long paddle (20+ minutes) or a boat to reach the line-up.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Catarman
- Nearest Town
- Biri
- Nearest Airport
- Catarman National Airport
- Parking
- Limited parking for motorcycles near the entry to the rock formation park.
- Public Transport
- Jeepneys and vans from Catarman to Lavezares, then a motorboat (banca) crossing; access is limited and dependent on local schedules
- Access
- Accessible by habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) from Biri town, followed by a walk across tidal flats and a long paddle.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Waray, Tagalog, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and small resorts are available in Biri town.
- Food & Drink
- Local eateries (carinderias) in Biri town; no facilities at the break itself.
- Equipment Rental:
- No specialized surf rentals; surfers should bring their own gear. Regional baseline also notes equipment rental is extremely limited.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Biri is known for dramatic limestone rock formations and clear coastal water, with tidal pools and island-hopping activities that match the remote, nature-focused feel.
Six massive limestone formations including Magasang and Magsapad, carved by the Pacific.
Historical church in the Biri town center.
Crystal clear natural saltwater pools formed at low tide behind the rock walls.
Boat tours around the smaller islands and surrounding mangroves.
Small local eateries serving fresh seafood and traditional Filipino dishes.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Magasang (Biri)?
The best overall months at Magasang (Biri) are November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Magasang (Biri)?
Magasang (Biri) works with S, E winds. Offshore directions are S, E.
What skill level is Magasang (Biri) suitable for?
Magasang (Biri) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.