Siargao has become a sanctuary for surf enthusiasts from around the world. Among the seasoned professionals and adventurous travelers, we met a young local surfer who is carving out a name for himself, one wave at a time.
Whether you’re an avid surfer or simply a lover of inspiring stories, Reden Espejon’s narrative is a reminder that sometimes the biggest waves come from the smallest ripples.
Reden is only 18 years old and hails from Siargao. Growing up in the surfing capital of the Philippines, his life has always revolved around surfing and being in the water. He surfs twice or even thrice a day and is always surrounded by friends and family who share the same love for the sport.
His brothers were the ones who first brought him out to surf when he was a child. Reden tried surfing when he was only 5 years old and immediately fell in love with the sport and was motivated to become better at it. Back then, he didn’t have his own board yet, so his older brother bought him his first shortboard, which only had two fins (you need three).
Despite the lack of proper gear, he was still determined to learn and get better and always found the time to practice. Eventually, he was able to get his own board, and since then, surfing has become a part of his life.
Reden found support from his good friend, Pat Poblete, the manager of Loka, who helped create the Loka Riders Program in Siargao. Sometime last year, his surfboard broke days before a competition. Pat helped raise the funds through Loka and her friends, which enabled him to buy a new board. A few days later, Reden was invited to be part of the program.
The Loka Riders Program supports the incredible surf talents emerging from Siargao Island. The restaurant is more than just food and vibes—they are also about the community, passion, and the stories that connect everyone. Through sponsoring these surfers and showcasing their talent to the world, the program aims to foster growth and inspire the next generation of surfers while keeping the spirit of Siargao’s surf culture alive and thriving.
A milestone in Reden’s surfing career was when he had the opportunity to compete in last year’s WSL International Surfing Cup, which was held in Siargao. He also won third place in the competition in Baler back in 2023. In one of his recent competitions in Lanuza, he won first place in the men’s shortboard division.
Reden has a lot of upcoming surf competitions that he wants to join this year. Visitors to the island wanting to learn how to surf can send him a message on his Instagram account, @reden_espejon.
So, the next time you find yourself on the shores of Siargao, keep an eye out for Reden. You might just witness the rise of a surfing star—a young dreamer riding the waves of possibility, one wave at a time.
