Monaliza Point (La Union)

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Medium waves
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Monaliza Point is known for a right-hand point break that peels over a rocky reef, producing long rides well-suited to both longboards and shortboards. When the wave is on, it can deliver extended, step-by-step sections rather than just a short burst, with the inside offering a different, calmer feel compared to the faster take-off area. For performance, the spot is described as fairly exposed, so conditions can change noticeably with swell and current. The working swell window is reported as roughly 1.0–3.0 meters, with the most favorable swell direction coming from the west and northwest. Offshore wind (reported as East-Southeast) helps groom the wave faces, supporting cleaner, more rideable waves. Timing matters for safety and quality. The spot is best around mid-tide (and mid to high tide is emphasized to avoid the sharpest parts of the reef). At low tide, rocks become a more serious hazard. On larger swells, the break can hold its shape, but it may become very powerful, with a strong current noted as pulling toward the rocks. Crowding and hazards are recurring themes. The area can get sometimes crowded, and safety risks include sharp rocks, sea urchins, and strong currents (especially along the reef edge during larger swells). Lifeguards are reported as seasonal, and rescue availability is limited, so swimmers and beginners in the impact zone should be especially cautious. Kitesurfing is described as possible but restricted during peak surfing hours due to water crowding, while wingfoiling is considered difficult because of shallow reef constraints at the point.

  • Right-hand reef point break with long, peeling rides
  • Works best with offshore grooming winds for surf
  • Reef hazards increase significantly at low tide
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Long, peeling right-hand point break
  • Offshore winds can groom wave faces (for the surf setup)
  • Warm water year-round
  • Strong, established surf tourism infrastructure nearby
Heads up
  • Exposed reef/point environment with sharp rocks
  • Crowds can be heavy during peak holiday periods
  • Low tide can be dangerous due to exposed reef/rocks
  • Limited rescue availability
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NW, SW, NNW
Offshore directions
E, ESE, ENE, SE
Wind Range
12–25 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Provider data describes winds as variable/mixed; seasonal monsoon pattern drives wind throughout the year.
Reliability
low to moderate for kitesurfing, better for surfing
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Gustiness described as moderate.
Best Months
January, February, March, April, July, August, September, November, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Medium waves
Beach
Mixed
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Medium surf described; best is often reef/point performance rather than very small conditions.
Launch
Small — Narrow sandy sections and rocky entry points near the northern end of Urbiztondo Beach.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
26–30 °C
Water Temperature
24–34 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–Apr: 1mm or 2mm shorty (optional)
Crowds by Season

Peak crowds during December, January, and public holidays (Easter/Holy Week).

Storm/Rain Season

June to October is the monsoon and typhoon season.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Challenging wave-riding spot for experienced kiters; launch area is described as small and rocky, with cross-onshore conditions during windy seasons.

WaveStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible but difficult due to shallow reef at the point; most foilers prefer deeper water further out or down toward Urbiztondo Beach.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Shallow reef limits feasibility at the point.
Min Depth
1.5 meters over the reef at mid-high tide
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Right-hand point break over a reef with long, peeling rides.

Reef breakPoint break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
W, NW
Swell Height
1–3 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Reported as best around mid-tide; mid to high tide is emphasized to reduce exposure to rocks.
Shelter
Exposed — Point/reef break described as fairly exposed.
Wind Effect
East-Southeast winds provide offshore conditions, grooming the wave faces.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well but becomes very powerful with a strong current pulling toward the rocks.
Wave Quality
Excellent
Wave Power
Moderate — Holds size well but can become very powerful with a strong current pulling toward the rocks.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Long — Can offer rides up to 200 meters on good days; multiple sections including a faster take-off and a more mellow inside section.
Typical Ride Length
100–200 m
Ride Length Details
Long rides with sections; faster take-off plus a mellower inside section described on good days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Monaliza Point (La Union) in the full forecast view.

Monaliza Point (La Union) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–8 ktsGusts 12 kts
Direction
NW325°
Strongest day
Fri, Oct 308 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.4–1.5 m7s period
Temperature
25–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Monaliza Point (La Union) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 12 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 0.4–1.5 m with a period of about 7s. 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 rocks
  • Sea urchins
  • Strong currents
  • Crowded conditions
  • Beginners in the impact zone
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability described as limited.
Emergency Info
Nearest major hospital reported as Lorma Medical Center in San Fernando (also referenced: ITRMC in San Fernando City). In the Philippines, dial 911 for national emergency services.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Mild localism reported.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; priority is given to those closest to the peak.

Restrictions
  • Kitesurfing is restricted during peak surfing hours when the water is crowded.
Local Tips
  • Best surfed at mid to high tide to avoid the sharpest parts of the reef.
  • Low tide can be dangerous because of the rocks.
  • Watch out for the inside section where waves can close out on the rocks.
  • Booties are recommended for those sensitive to rocks or sea urchins.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
San Fernando
Nearest Town
San Juan
Nearest Airport
Clark International Airport (CRK) is approximately 150km away, while Manila (MNL) is roughly 270km away.
Parking
Limited street parking along the highway and paid parking in private resort lots.
Public Transport
Highly accessible via long-haul buses from Manila and local tricycles or jeepneys for short distances.
Access
Accessible via the main highway in San Juan, La Union; walk through the resorts at Urbiztondo Beach to reach the northern point.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Tagalog, Ilocano, English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Wi-Fi
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Near — Numerous hostels, boutiques, and luxury resorts are located directly on or across from the beach.
Food & Drink
A wide variety of trendy cafes, surf bars, and local eateries surround the spot.
Equipment Rental:
Extensive surf rentals available along Urbiztondo Beach; kite gear is very limited.
Gear Storage
Available at some larger surf schools and resorts for a daily fee.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard ding repair is widely available.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: November to February for the best balance of dry weather and active surf conditions.
Tangadan Falls15km

A popular waterfall and cliff-jumping spot located in the nearby town of San Gabriel.

Ma-Cho Temple7km

A significant Taoist temple overlooking the San Fernando bay, dedicated to the sea deity Mazu.

Grape Picking in Bauang12km

Seasonal grape harvesting at local vineyards south of the main surf area.

Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel0.5km

A famous social hub known for its bohemian vibe, nightlife, and beachfront bar.

Urbiztondo Beach Walk0km

A gentle beach area suitable for sunset walks and beginner-friendly surf lessons.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Monaliza Point (La Union)?

The best overall months at Monaliza Point (La Union) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, July, August, September, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Monaliza Point (La Union)?

Monaliza Point (La Union) works with N, NW, SW, NNW winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, ENE, SE.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Monaliza Point (La Union)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Monaliza Point (La Union): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.

What skill level is Monaliza Point (La Union) suitable for?

Monaliza Point (La Union) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.