14 Days Beginner Surf Camp and Yoga Retreat in Oaxaca, Mexico
Available in October & December
Speaks English
from US$650
B Surfer surf school is the only surf school in Puerto Escondido that meets Association of Surfing Professionals safety standards that offer surf or bodyboard lessons for the people of all ages.
Speaks English
2017-Jun-04 16:20:13
CONS Cons: FALSE ADVERTISEMENT, things NOT included: - AIR CONDITIONING rooms get really hot and at night we had to leave the door open otherwise it's suffocating. Resulting in us being bitten by bugs every night. Some people also had scorpions and cockroaches crawling inside their rooms - KITCHEN there is no kitchen as such, there is space which has only a fridge, but no cups, no cutlery or ability to cook. You can buy your own coal and make a bbq though. Kitchen attached to another apartment, however, are fully fit, with a coffee maker, a smoothie maker, pots and pans etc. which we aren't allowed to use. If residents are nice you can ask to use some utensils and return, however if you go in there without permission Louissa, property manager will chase you away. - MEDITATION - there are no separate meditation sessions, only a 5 min setting up for the class - PHOTO and VIDEO LESSONS we only had one lessons where the pictures and 'videos' were taken out of two weeks camp. This was the only helpful part of the camp that helped me progress and improve my surfing. Obviously one time is not enough. I have previously been to camps where pictures and videos are taken every lesson and shown in the evening or before next lesson. - GRILL PARTY ON THE BEACH - only after we mentioned to the host that this was advertised and never planned, did the host organise grilled fish for us at the property, not a secluded beach. - SUNSCREEN was never offered, given the attitude of the host, it was our obligation to ask for it. If you wanted something you had to ask for it, even though it is advertised as included. The instructor stated that the focus of our lesson was in us asking him questions, instead of the instructor explaining , demonstrating and/or teaching us like a normal lesson or a teacher actually teaching. Generally surf lessons were very negative. The instructor acted like crowd control of all the surfers in the water, rather than focused on us and teaching us a lesson. Instructor was constantly worried about his equipment getting broken, despite the fact that the equipment was foam, already old , leash velcro was worn out and board chipped/cracked/tapped up. On the second week, the instructor didn't teach anything rather focused on chatting to the crowd and surfing himself. The instructor merged the beginner group with the intermediate group further limiting his instruction. If you have any more skills than complete beginner DO NOT come to this retreat. You will be better off hiring an instructor privately or practising by yourself. This camp is a family business and I felt their attitude was similar to staying at a soviet times pioneers camp or a student camp. The host makes very little effort to accommodate you and to assist in any way to make your stay more comfortable. It is a 'take it or leave it' approach. The entire group attempted to resolve our issues through the retreat, however neither host or an instructor were prepared to take any feedback or constructive critic. As this is a family business both parties protect and defended each other actions, instead of trying to improve or solve the problems. I would recommend researching other retreats in Puerto Escondido. They maybe little bit more expensive but while we were in the water, we observed the other instructors actually caring for and teaching their students.
PROS Pros: The location of the property is good, it is only a 5 minute walk to the beach and to punta surf spot. Not an ocean view- you cant see the ocean from the villa. There are numerous restaurants, cafes and surf shops around. The property itself is beautiful and has lots of greenery. Also there are mango trees everywhere that drop fruit right in your hands and it's delicious. There are hammocks to chill in and a swimming pool to cool off. When there were no people staying in next apartment we used their palapa for yoga classes which was a great spot and it was cooled by some breeze. Yoga classes were very good and both teachers were excellent. Worth mentioning that classes are not 2h long as originally advertised and there were no meditation classes. We had 2 yoga sessions (out of the 4) on consecutive days.
Organizer response: You should read advertisement more carefully next time: 1. It doesnt say anywhere that rooms are airconditioned. We never had airconditioned rooms. 2. Kitchen as such was at the disposal of the group, but guys were breaking in the other's kitchen appartment to take utilites from it rented by other people. We got plenty of complaints of the other guests. 3.We never offered meditation sessions. 20 minutes mediatation is a part of usual yoga class. We got complaint from yoga teacher, because person who wrote this review, showed up with computer to yoga class! 4. During retreat we offer only one photo/video session to analyze the mistakes and comment how to improve it. It didnt say anywhere that its evry day. 5. Grill party we organize at the last day of the camp, which were done, one day before the end. Weather conditions that day didnt let us take guys to the beach, was rainy day. 6. Sunscreen are usually offered for the first lesson. 7. Surf lessons. The person who wrote this review never showed up for the surf lessons for the second week of camp. Other guys are were coming at different time, everyone were late 10, 20, 40 mins for the lesson. The surf lessons are running on soft boards in our school for safety reasons, but most of the guys were demanding the hard boards, which they were not able to do much on it. The ones who stated themselves as intermediate surfers, were constantly saying to instructor to "not to tell them what to do", were going to line-up and droping in the free surfers. We were getting everyday complaints about our group from other teachers and free surfers. Every surf lesson we divide the group for beginner and intermedaite group, due to ocean conditions. 8. As for the host, we fulfill our obligations and more and during the camp we must follow the schedule. Overall, we have been running this retreat for more than 5 years, 2-3 times per year. And have hundreds of satisfied customers. It will be always people whose expactations are so high that nothing satisfies them. Everything we provide and who we are clearly states on our webpage. Moreover, we have pictures of the guys riding beautifull waves on our equipment/surfboards in excellent conditions.
2017-May-17 02:20:31
"I traveled to Mexico for the first time in November 2015, and I am glad I chose to go to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. Puerto is an incredible place, and B Surfer definitely made my stay there especially memorable! Not only does this town offer world-class waves, but you will get to explore its unique culture, untouched beaches, welcoming locals, delicious Mexican food, and killer sunsets. Even if you don’t surf, Puerto offers lots of other things to do and places to see. But if you do surf (or would like to learn), this spot is absolutely amazing! You can tell the quality of the waves the moment you get there - from gorgeous Carrizalillo, to beloved La Punta, to the infamous Zicatela. And you simply fall in love."
"I had been surfing for about four months when I booked my trip to do a surf camp with B Surfer. I didn’t really know much at the time, but B Surfer broke it down for me and helped with each stage of learning. Their comprehensive program includes theoretical surf lessons that cover anything you could possibly want to know about surfing, surf fitness that will whip you in shape and give you six-pack :), and yoga classes to help with your flexibility and focus. You will have daily surf lessons in the water with experienced instructors, who will guide you through every step and make sure you are safe, and a detailed analysis of your surf sessions through photos and videos. Everyone is always very helpful, and I never felt like there was a question that couldn’t be answered. After I spent two weeks with B Surfer, my surfing had improved significantly and gave me confidence. I started to have so much fun in the water! In addition to the educational part of the program, B Surfer offers lots of fun, social events, great trips, and tours to see the town. I made lots of friends in my surf camp and still keep in touch with everyone. I even went back this year to visit the instructors and surf my favorite wave again. If you are wondering about accommodations, the villa is gorgeous, safe, and super close to the beach and places to eat. I watched the sunrise and sunset every night from my balcony and could see and hear the waves at all times. I highly recommend B Surfer! They always have great deals, especially around the holidays. You will have the time of your life there."
TripAdvisor website, edited
"I decided to go as it is a Russian-speaking surf camp. I put a very good mark here as I am a bit spoiled. But you’ll get the most of the money spent here - that’s for sure. It was a week of individual lessons with Jose - an awesome local guy! Really strong English and essential surfing-related terms in Russian make you feel that you have been taken care of properly. However, communication was always deeper than just words. If you feel the connection, expect yourself to have someone always got your back and have one of the best times of your life. If you are ready to learn, this is a safe bet! My first time at the Pacific was remarkable, thanks to these guys. Anya and Jose - I will show up again as soon as I have a chance to be in Mexico. Pragmatic stuff from my perspective: Accommodation: 4, the location of the accommodation: 5+, surf gear: 4+, instructors: 5+, ability to train yourself in a free time: 2, after work on individual lessons: 3. In order to summarize, I really enjoyed being here as a beginner with some background. Would recommend, definitely! See ya soon."
TripAdvisor website, edited
"I’ve been surfing with B Surfer for a couple of days, and I want to say, first of all, the place is amazing and the ocean is adorable! And the guys fit this place perfectly, they are very welcoming and helpful, good teachers and companions to spend evenings with!"
TripAdvisor website, edited
"I like this place so much. Great everyday waves really help you improve your surf ability! And I was lucky to have a personal surf instructor. That’s the best way to get a huge progress for a short period of time. Moreover, this place is really good for having a rest from the bustle of the big city!"
TripAdvisor website, edited
"It was a very well-organized and a very cool camp. Excellent accommodation. The instructors were very attentive and helpful. Really improved the skills with these guys! Interesting trips to great sights and spots to relax and enjoy the sunset! We’ll certainly come again!"
TripAdvisor website, edited
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