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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
26–30 °C
Water Temperature
25–33 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: none (rash guard only)
Crowds by Season

Generally empty or very low crowd year-round.

Storm/Rain Season

Typhoon season typically runs from June to December.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A powerful right-hand reef break near the Magasang rock formation, known for long, fast, and challenging rides over sharp reef.

Reef break
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.
Forecast

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.

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
  • Sea urchins
  • Submerged rocks
  • Strong tidal currents
  • Remote location with limited medical facilities
  • Large rock formations
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBootsWetsuit

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.

Restrictions
  • Limited practical access; consider boat support due to long paddle across tidal flats.
  • Do not enter without reef protection (sharp coral/sea urchins).
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

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.

Best time to visit: February and March for a balance of dry weather and wind.
Biri Rock Formations0km

Six massive limestone formations including Magasang and Magsapad, carved by the Pacific.

St. Vincent Ferrer Parish2km

Historical church in the Biri town center.

Natural Pool Swimming0km

Crystal clear natural saltwater pools formed at low tide behind the rock walls.

Island Hopping1km

Boat tours around the smaller islands and surrounding mangroves.

Local Carinderias2km

Small local eateries serving fresh seafood and traditional Filipino dishes.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.