New law recognizes Baler, Aurora as birthplace of Philippine surfing

A new law has declared Baler, Aurora, the birthplace of Philippine surfing.

The new law, Republic Act 11957, recognizes Baler as one of the premiere surfing locations in the country and the town’s “significant spot in the history and origin of Philippine surfing.”

The proposed measure lapsed into law on August 6.

Senator Sonny Angara, the law’s main author, said the history of surfing in Aurora began in 1972 when Steve Scott, a surfer who was then staying at Subic Naval Base, went to the eastern coast of Luzon with his surfboard and discovered the waves of Baler.

The surfboard left by Scott inspired the locals to learn how to ride the waves.

Five years after Scott’s trip to Baler, foreigners from Surfer Magazine visited the town in 1977 in search of a place to hold surfing competitions.

Their visit was featured in one documentary, and the sport became more famous in Aurora after the filming of the movie “Apocalypse Now” in 1978.

“While there are many surfing sites in the country, Baler stands out as it holds the oldest local surfing community, which is still existing up to this day,” said Angara, a former congressman from Aurora.