On & Beyond the Surfboard

Portugal is a surfer’s paradise. Its huge coastline is dotted with waves of all shapes and sizes, rolling in one after the other, some located just outside lively beach towns with buzzing nightlife, others remote and serene. Simply put, Portugal has something for everyone.

There’s no denying that 2020 has been a rocky road. The need to disconnect and focus on ourselves and our own wellbeing is now greater than ever.

The land of coconuts, cinnamon, tea, and coffee, Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise and the most reliable surfing destination in the Indian Ocean. It’s also incredibly affordable and family-friendly, with a surf culture and infrastructure that just keep on growing.

We’ve come a long way since the 1950s beach bum who would crash right on the shore and eschew creature comforts. No one expected surfers to actually get a job.

Surfing is undeniably one of the first things that come to mind when thinking about the Down Under. Next to kangaroos, koalas, and kiwis, of course.

If you’ve only just started surfing or are thinking of trying it, chances are you don’t even own a surfboard. And that’s perfectly fine. Most beginners rent or use their friend’s surfing gear at first.

Is surfing something you’ve always wanted to try, but you weren’t sure whether you’d be any good at it? You’ll never know unless you try! 

If you haven’t already made plans for this winter, we have some hot ideas for you to consider. 

Imagine riding those perfect peaks and barrels wearing nothing but boardshorts or a tiny swimsuit, lazing in the shade at midday, swinging in a hammock on a palm-fringed beach… You can have all that in a tropical surfing destination!

When it comes to surfing, timing is everything. The weather conditions and swell directions affect the waves, and can make or break your trip.

It may still be cold in the Northern Hemisphere, but there are some places where the summer is never-ending. 

Wanna catch some epic waves? Looking to wind down with yoga on the beach? Sometimes you want both. On a surf and yoga camp, you don’t need to choose – you can have both in one irresistible combo!

The European surfing scene has seen a spectacular rise in popularity over the last decades, supported by a strong community that keeps on getting bigger. Surf camps have flourished along the Atlantic coast, tailored to all levels and budgets.

Australia has a lot going for it. As one of the greatest surfing nations, wave riding has long been a part of its identity. What better place to learn to surf or take your skills up a notch than the country with one of the strongest surf cultures on the planet?

Most of Latin America’s lush coastlines are blessed with year-round sunshine, warm water, balmy climate, and some of the world’s best waves.

When it comes to doing what we love most, there should be no limit to how much money we spend. And yet, money always seems to get in our way. How wonderful it would be if we could spend less and travel more!

Some of us wait for those perfect summer days all year long and when they finally arrive, it seems as though they pass by too quickly. 

Yoga and surfing are more similar than you might think. Yoga taps into the rhythm of your breath and body; surfing connects you to the rhythm of the waves and ocean. Both teach you to be more aware, stay in the moment, and find your flow. 

We all dream of trading our day job for the beach life. But even though full-time surfers appear laid-back and carefree, their daily schedule is anything but. They work hard to play hard.

Surfing is all about timing. You need to be in the right place at the right time if you want to score the best waves.

Although often associated with massive parties and gatherings, spring break can also be a wonderful opportunity to immerse into nature, chill at the beach, and score some waves.

When was the last time you packed up and left for a new destination, leaving routine way behind you? If you’re reading this, you’re already taking the first steps towards discovering your passion. Kudos to you! But if you’re going to learn to surf, make sure you do it the right way!

Surfing is an activity like no other. In an environment that’s constantly changing and moving, keeping up the pace sure is hard, which is why it’s often better to go with the flow or, in this case, with the wave.

Surf camps are becoming more and more popular, but there are still some people who think that you would need to spend big bucks to go on a surf vacation or a surf camp. 

Northwest of Lisbon, Ericeira is more than just another charming little fishing town. It is a surfer’s hotspot, home to a high density of world-class waves and some of the most laid-back surf vibes in Portugal. 

Bali, the Island of the Gods, is blessed with an abundance of almost everything – food, landscape, culture, spirituality, and waves. It is a swell magnet and a surfer’s mecca. 

You haven’t truly had a complete surfing experience if you haven’t dipped your surfboard in the Atlantic Ocean on Morocco’s beaches. 

Nestled on Bali’s southeast coast, between Seminyak and Tanah Lot, Canggu is a bohemian hideaway chockfull of youthful vibes, backpacker-friendly venues, hip bars, fancy restaurants, live music, contemporary art, boutique shops, and posh villas.

Another year has gone by. We caught our first waves and joined our first surf camps. We’ve learned and grown together. We’ve made great progress. But the journey is never-ending.

Choosing the right surfing season and destination makes the difference between an unforgettable surf holiday and possibly the worst time away.

You are what you eat. It might sound like a cliché, but the saying is true. There is a strong, indisputable link between nutrition and performance.

Have you been dreaming of surfing the legendary waves that Morocco is so famous for? If you’ve been intimated by their notoriety before, no need to be anymore. Morocco is one of the best places on earth to progress and improve your technique in record time.

You’ve experienced the rush of catching your very first waves and now you’re hooked. You want more. But as you progress from beginner to intermediate, things start to get even more complicated. Fret not – an intermediate surf camp can make the process a lot easier.

One of the most important decisions any athlete can make to improve their performance and wellbeing is to make wise food choices. 

These days, we have surf reports, swell reports, and surf forecasts that show us when and where we should be hanging ten next. Reasonably accurate online charts save surfers the hassle of deciphering complicated weather forecasts. However, the more you know about how waves are formed, the easier it is to predict the optimal surfing conditions all by yourself.

While some of us are still preparing our wishlist, others are already shopping for Christmas presents. Sure, giving love, friendship, and kindness is more important than material gifts, but we have to agree that the latter are always welcome. 

Oh, decisions, decisions… Winter is knocking at our doorstep, now has already started to fall, and ski resorts are opening their doors for the season. At the same time, the surf is pumping too. How can you possibly pick one or the other?

If you’re looking for a place where fascinating cultures, chill surf vibes, delicious food, breathtaking landscapes, and quality waves meet, Latin America should be high on your bucket list.

Stand-up paddling, or SUP, is the fastest-growing watersport in the world. It’s incredibly fun, easy enough to learn for beginners and challenging enough for experienced paddlers. It provides a great entire body workout and it can be done pretty much on any water surface, from lakes to oceans. 

Study hard, find a well-paid job, save money, buy a house, buy a car, have kids, buy a bigger car, feel trapped every single day. Why? Because society tells you to? Maybe you do not want those things, perhaps you want to spend your money on meaningful experiences, escape the rat race and gain control over your life. 

In recent years, stand-up paddleboarding has exploded in popularity and has become one of the fastest growing sports in the world. It is a fun way to get out on the ocean, river or lake, get some exercise, and simply have a good time. 

In Southern Morocco, where the deserts, argan plantations, and the Atlas Mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean, two sleepy fishing villages turned international surfing hotspots attract wave chasers all throughout the year.

Ask any surfer and they’ll tell you that the best way to get better at surfing is to…well…surf more. While I’m sure we can all agree on that, there are some things that you can do out of the water to boost performance and support recovery. 

A surfing trip can be a life-changing adventure, as you visit exciting destinations and ride legendary waves. Not only that, but it’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and immerse in different cultures. 

Stand-up paddleboarding is the hottest craze, taking the world by storm as the world’s fastest-growing watersport. Why? Simply because it’s so darn relaxing. Less focused on the action and more on spending quality time in the great outdoors, SUP is something everyone wants to try. And it’s a whole lot easier than it looks!

The “endless summer,” a notion we all dream of and very few get to live… In the real world, doing nothing but the things we love all the time is merely a utopia. But that doesn’t mean we cannot do something to bring summer and the beach into our everyday lives. 

Summer is the best time to go outside and get active in the water. You’ll get your heart rate pumping and melt away those extra calories without even knowing it. 

Do you find yourself staring at surfers in the line-up, wondering how on earth do they know when to start paddling and catch that perfect peeler?

Getting barreled – that perfect moment when you are riding under the curling lip of the wave – is the “Holy Grail of surfing”! 

Summer in Spain brings to mind images of sun-filled days, incredible beaches, laidback vibes, and a huge variety of friendly waves for beginners.

Going face-first towards the reef, feeling helpless, trapped, and not knowing which way is up, is the ocean’s way of reminding us that we are but mere mortals. Being held down under the waves for much longer than you might like can be traumatizing, and can question your entire commitment to surfing.

Portugal’s central coast is home to some of the best and most impressive waves on the planet – record-smashing behemoths and heavy, spitting tubes that only a few can handle.

Any surfer knows that finding a good surfing destination isn’t the easiest of tasks. Thankfully, the USA offers a large selection of awesome surf spots. 

Peniche is famous for quite a few things – long sandy beaches, surfing, sardines, and Supertubos, one of the best beach breaks on the planet. It is also mainland Europe’s westernmost city and one of the best places to learn to surf in Portugal.

Surf and travel are inseparable. But what should you pack for a surf trip? It’s so easy to get caught up in all the planning and overlook some of the essential items that you should take with you.

The awe-inspiring oceans we all love so much are under serious threat. The coastal environment has fallen victim to its own success. With tourism development come excessive artificial changes that are threatening this precious ecosystem. 

For die-hard surfers, it’s all about the waves. For all they care, if the swell is pumping and the barrels are rolling, the surf spot could very well be in the middle of nowhere. 

Choosing between surfing in Bali or Lombok comes down to personal preferences, but your skill level should also come into play. Are you looking for challenging waves and an active party scene, or do you want a more relaxed ambiance, authentic vibes, and virgin beaches?

Before throwing yourself into the water, it’s important to know what the weather conditions and wind directions are. This is a basic rule every kiter should know. 

Indonesia is a coveted destination among wave enthusiasts, and one of the best places in the world to learn to surf. 

What do Christmas and surfing have in common? Apparently, not that much. But there’s more to it than meets the eye! 

The moment you become a surfer, you become an environmentalist; or to quote Kelly Slater, 11 times world champ, “I think when a surfer becomes a surfer, it's almost like an obligation to be an environmentalist at the same time.”

Surfers never forget their first surfboard. It goes without saying that the surfboard is the most important piece of our surfing equipment – what else are you going to surf on, duh? But you can’t just ride any old surfboard, and that’s where the tricky part comes in.

Think back and try to identify those brief moments of absolute commitment and determination, when you were fully engaged while surrendering to intuition, in complete harmony with your surroundings, powered by an unrecognizable force coming from deep within you.  

If you were taken by the attractive photos of surfers gliding on gigantic waves and had an idea that surfing could possibly be an easy sport, then you are so wrong.

For any beginner in the world of surfing, imagining that you can paddle out to catch waves and pull off some crazy tricks can be both daunting and exciting at the same time. 

Surfing is one of the hardest sports out there. You are using every muscle in your body, usually for hours on end, and sometimes even for several days in a row. When you are busy riding the waves, it is nothing but amazing; however, after your body has had some time to process what you just put it through, it can start screaming out for help.

Surf legend Philip Edwards, credited with being the first professional surfer and making the first signature surfboard in the world, famously said that “The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun”. We strongly agree with him and we also believe that surfing is so much more than just a sport; it is a lifestyle and, for some, a religion.

Are you ready for your next great adventure? Is taking up surfing one of your New Year’s resolutions? Would you like to check off some of the greatest surf destinations in the world? Regardless of what your surf plans are for 2018, we’ve got you covered!

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation where you can swing in a hammock on a deserted beach, enjoying the absolute silence, these destinations might not be your cup of tea.

With summer already here, you may be tempted to take in some rays of sun on the beach and maybe even catch some waves. If you want to make sure you’re ready and fit to ride the tide, then improving your balance is key.

Choosing your first surfboard or figuring out the best board to progress on can be one of the most stressful and best parts about getting into surfing, and let’s face it, the point of surfing for most of us isn't to become a pro and collect the big pay cheque, it’s to paddle out into some waves and have the most fun possible. 

Oh, that precious moment when we are surfing into the sunset, no one in sight, complete tranquility, just you and the waves. And yet, you feel as though you’re not alone. You look around and see a shark’s fin nearing. What do you do?

Big wave surfing is by far the most spectacular surf discipline. Tackling big waves is both scary and thrilling, and it can take a surfer years before they are able to ride such massive waves, that can reach 80 feet. Yes, you read that right, 80 feet! 

If you’ve been to an airport you already know this – airline baggage handlers don’t care about your luggage. Their goal is to get all the bags onto the plane as quickly as possible, and whether your bag is dropped, thrown, flipped upside down or smashed into other bags doesn’t matter to them.