International surfing is back on Saturday in this famous island more than two years after the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic turned the world upside down.

The famous tourist magnet was also devastated by Typhoon Odette in December last year.

On Saturday morning, the festive mood is back as the 26th Siargao International Surfing Cup opened at the Cloud 9 surfing site here.

Ninety-two professional surfers from Asia will compete in the World Surf League (WSL) qualifier for the 2023 WSL Challenger Series.

Forty Filipinos are among the participants in the event slated until October 21.

It will be the first time in the Cup’s history that there will be a men’s and women’s combined event.

“It has taken a whole community to keep “Bangon (Rise), Siargao” going. Now, surfers from all over the Philippines and the world are part of Siargao,” said Surigao del Norte 1st District Representative Francisco Jose Matugas II during a press conference here on Friday night. “We hope to inspire Filipinos to ride the waves again with us.”

Ty Sorati, WSL Tour manager, said that without a doubt, the pandemic drastically affected surfers.

“Surfers love to travel and join international competitions,” Sorati said. “It’s been a tough few years for our community with Covid lockdowns, then the devastation of Typhoon Odette.”

Among the local bets who will compete are Noah Arkfeld and Nilbie Blancada, who ruled the recent 1st Mayor Sol’s National Surfing Competition, and John Mark Tokong, winner of the 25th edition in 2019. (PNA)