Quicksilver
Surf guide
Cloud 9's little brother has a mean streak. Usually about half the size of its famous neighbour, Quicksilver flips in peak season into a fast, technical right that can out-barrel anything around: pristine, heavy tubes from overhead to double-overhead once it's 6 ft+. On the small summer days it softens right off into a playful wave anyone can enjoy. It's right off the Cloud 9 tower, so it's easy to reach and easy to fall for: just know which version you're paddling into, because the small summer wave and the 6 ft+ barrel are different animals. Beginners do fine on the 2 to 3 ft days on a longboard or fish; once it's overhead it's a performance-shortboard or step-up wave for experienced surfers. Expect a crowd of locals and instructors whenever it's good. Hazards to watch: on bigger swells low tide breaks onto exposed reef, so stick to mid-to-high. The barrels are fast and heavy when it's up: advanced-only territory, and the lineup right by the tower gets packed, so drop-ins and collisions are a real risk. Where it fits: the last stop before Cloud 9, and a fair test of whether you are ready for it. It is also one of the three busiest peaks on the island, so if you want the same standard of wave with more room, Tuason along the beach carries a far lighter crowd. Etiquette: easy access from the tower means a permanent crowd of locals and instructors, and they surf it every day. Do not drop in, do not sit deeper than you can back up, and give the coaches working with students room. On the bigger days, be honest with yourself about whether you belong out there before you paddle for anything.
Ideal conditions
Swell direction
2-8 ft Northeast swells.
Wind direction
Southwest offshore or no wind.
Tide
Mid to high tide only. Low tide breaks onto exposed reef on big swells.
Wave difficulty
Advanced
4+ ft Quicksilver is for experienced surfers only. 2-3 ft summer swells are generally suitable for beginners.
Wave quality
Good
Quicksilver dishes up a punchy, high quality barrel when it's firing. Though not as consistent as Cloud 9.
Crowd factor
Crowded
Due to its easy accessibility from the tower at Cloud 9 this break is a favorite of local surfers and instructors.
How to get there
Start at the Cloud 9 Tower in Catangnan. From there it's a short walk or paddle to Quicksilver's lineup, to the left of the tower. Keep 100 PHP handy for the entrance fee at the roadside entry; local residents enter free with a valid resident ID. The same gate covers Cloud 9 and Jacking Horse, so it is worth stringing all three into one session. You're right on the Cloud 9 strip, so the tower, surf schools, board rentals, cafés and bars are all there, with Cloud 9 and Jacking Horse immediately next door and Tuason close by. General Luna's full spread of stays and food is a short ride away.
Surf forecast & live wind
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