Elaine Abonal’s journey into the world of surfing began during her college days at Ateneo de Manila University. It was here that she first discovered her passion for the sport, a passion that would eventually shape her life in ways she could never have imagined.

As a student, Elaine would travel from Manila to popular surfing spots like La Union and Baler, where she honed her skills and fell deeply in love with the ocean. The first time she went to Siargao was with Luli Arroyo, currently the Philippine Ambassador to Austria and the daughter of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. GMA promoted surfing and tourism in Siargao at that time during her presidency.

Elaine’s dedication to surfing led her to explore various surfing destinations both locally and internationally. She has surfed in numerous spots across the Philippines, including Siargao, Lanao del Sur, Davao, and Zambales. Her international surfing adventures have taken her to California, Bali, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Australia, Thailand, Spain, and France. Despite her extensive travels, Elaine’s heart always belonged to the Philippines, particularly Siargao, where she found the perfect combination of friendly people, warm weather, and excellent waves.

It was during one of her international surfing trips that Elaine met her husband, Oli Bayer. They crossed paths in Bali, Indonesia, while both were pursuing their certification from the International Surfing Association (ISA). The International Surfing Association (ISA) is the governing body for surfing and other wave-riding activities around the world. The ISA was founded in 1964 and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

Oli, a surfing photographer, shares Elaine’s passion for the sport and the ocean. Together, they have decided to channel their love for surfing into something meaningful and impactful. In 2012, she founded Surfista Travels, a surfing school based in Siargao. Oli joined her in 2016 when he moved to the Philippines for her. Together their mission is to provide a fun, professional, and safe way for people to learn and enjoy surfing. Over the years, Surfista Travels Siargao has grown into a well-respected enterprise, attracting both local and international surfing enthusiasts. Elaine and her team of local instructors have helped countless rookies become skilled surfers.

Elaine is proud of her achievements at Surfista as she exclaims, “We are 12 years old and have employed many locals for the past decade. Surfista is well respected and known for the quality of surf teaching in Siargao and the locals know us very well. I have strongly defended them when a media personality unjustly made generalizations about the incompetence and lack of professionalism of surfing instructors in Siargao.”

Elaine’s commitment to surfing goes beyond just teaching. She actively promotes environmental conservation, encouraging her students and followers to take care of the ocean and beaches. Lately, because of the challenges of motherhood, she channels her efforts through social media to make a significant impact on the local community.

Island life has not always been a bed of roses. On December 16, 2021, Siargao succumbed to Odette, a category five typhoon that claimed the lives and homes of thousands of residents. There were fallen trees, roofless houses, debris all over, people starving and getting sick, and no clean potable water. Tourism and the local businesses were severely affected. But the people of Siargao somehow survived the onslaught. With the help of organizations, generous individuals, and nature’s resilience, the island has bounced back, and livelihoods thrive again.

Power outages do continue to plague the island. Elaine says, “Siargao is a developing simple island. There are inconveniences and challenges. So, if one is to live here, one has to embrace it – flaws and all.” To describe the character of the islanders, she adds, “But the day after Odette, people were back surfing — reminding us how much we love the ocean and surfing, whatever happens.”

Elaine says she shuns the social media trends that have recently gripped Siargao, “The tale of Siargao must be about surfing and waves in the community, not about celebrity gossip.” She prefers to be associated with surfing afficionados, not so much with celebrities. Her clients are not only Pinoys but also foreign nationals because of the fine reputation she had established for Surfista Travels long before when she was still at Ateneo de Manila.

Today, Elaine, Oli, and their daughter Tala continue to live the island life in Siargao, where they have built a home and a thriving surfing enterprise. She says with pride and confidence, “I have taught more than a thousand of people from around the world how to surf.” Elaine’s story is a testament to the power of passion and dedication, and her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring surfers and ocean lovers everywhere.

Featured photography by Oli Bayer

The header image of Elaine Abonal by Oli Bayer Photography. Click to learn more.

Written by Jojo De Jesus for Dateline Ibalon based on a Q&A interview with Elaine Abonal and additional references: Modern Parenting- Elaine Abonal Surfing the Waves of Motherhood and Life; Philippine Beach Guide – Interview with Elaine Abonal; Grind PH – The Many Sides of Elaine Abonal Bayer; and, PhilStar – Real Surfer Girl Shares Living the Dream Island Life. Elaine is the eldest daughter of Atty. Ariel F. Abonal from San Fernando, Camarines Sur, an ardent supporter of Ateneo de Naga University alumni activities, and former Chief Legal Counsel at Chevron Philippines.