The Surfer's Journal has been (and will continue to be) the top choice for a "Reader-Supported" surf publications available today.  On a recent trip to the pacific island paradise of the Philippines, we found ourselves surrounded by amazing waves and funky jungle adventures.  Add in a few days zooming around the metropolitan monster known as Manila and you have the Island Images Photography Surfer's Journal, Philippines.

Journal notes:

• Tread lightly when considering the consumption of local street food.  
• Challenge the Red Horse with maximum precaution.  
• Be aware that AM surf sessions often produce optimal ocean conditions for wave riding.
  
  

Luzon is the largest island in the Philippine archipelago.  This, northern most region of the Republic of the Philippines, is the location of the country's capital and most densely populated metropolitan area, Manila.  With an approximate population of  25.5 million inhabitants, Manila and it's adjacent districts offer a glimpse into one of Asia's busiest cities.

To get a taste of Manila city life, check out the video below.....

Time Lapse Photography - Manila, Philippines
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Despite the unique beauty and amazing speed of the city, we chose to venture out of the "hustle and bustle" and into more natural jungles of Luzon.  We traded in the infinity pools of Makati for local fishing villages lined with bangka boats and the occasional rideable point break.  The iconic war movie Apocalypse Now (1979) was filmed on the island of Luzon.  In a particular scene, LTCOL Kilgore (played by Robert Duval) orders his battalion to secure a particular beach so that the American soldiers can surf.  Part of Kilgore's justification was that "Charlie don't surf".  Well, much has changed since the filming of the movie.  Today, if you look really carefully, you might find a few remote river mouths while meandering the exotic coastlines of Luzon.  These perfect river mouths and peeling point breaks could make Charlie change his perspective...

Surf-able waves can be found year round on the island of Oahu.  A surfer would only need to know which shoreline to explore.  So, while many parts of the mainland United States was setting record-breaking lows (temperature-wise), the Hawaiian island chain was more like a polynesian winter wonderland.
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The following images are from Day 5 of the epic Oahu South Shore Swell 5-20-13.
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This particular swell kept building over the weekend.  15 foot waves were being reported at select outer reefs....on the south shore of Oahu, this is a rare and welcomed treat.

The following images were created on Day 2 of the Oahu South Shore Swell 5-17-13.

Larry Goddard is a local waterman, surf forecast guru and a friend of mine.  Larry goes by the nickname "Stat Man" for his passionate dedication to the art/science of wave forecasting.  Larry's forecasts are rarely skewed.  This week was no different.  I spoke with Larry earlier in the week.  He advised me to be prepared for some of the forerunners (swells) of a 6-8 ft hawaiian scale, southerly swell.  The Stat Man was spot on once again.

​The following images are from day 1 of the Oahu South Shore Swell 5-16-13.
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