What to Look for When Booking a Surf Camp
April 5, 2021
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In this day and age, when we have access to so much information, it is easier than ever to do research when planning a surf trip.
But if you’ve never been on a surf camp, you could probably use some tips on what to look for before booking one.
Here are some pointers on what to look for when researching and planning your surf trip:
Not sure what to expect? Here’s the breakdown on what happens on a surf camp.
The destination
The destination is everything when it comes to surfing. It’s the first thing you need to consider when deciding to go on a surf camp.
There are many stunning surfing destinations in the world, and regardless of your skill level, you will want to ride as many waves in as many different locations as you possibly can.
Find out what are the world’s best surfing destinations for beginners.
Some of the best surfing destinations in Europe are Portugal, Spain, France, and the UK. Not only are they home to some of the best waves on the planet, but their coastlines are dotted with surf camps and surfing facilities, the food is amazing, and their chilled vibes and surf culture are contagious.
Only a stone’s throw away from the Old Continent, Morocco attracts an international crowd of surfers between October and April, when consistent Atlantic swells hit the coast and all the waves come to life.
If you’d like to travel farther, you can’t go wrong with Indonesia, Maldives, or Fiji. And don’t even get us started on Australia, California, and Hawaii, which are on every surfer’s bucket list.
Another thing you absolutely need to take into account is the surfing seasons in the place you wish to visit.
Budget
You can join a budget surf camp for as little as €16 per person/day. For example, you can join a 4-day surf camp in Canggu starting at €66 per person, with breakfast included. Or a 2-day surf camp in Morocco starting at €45 per person, with all daily meals included. Of course, you can find surf camps in the €1,000 mark as well, or beyond.
Some surfing destinations are more affordable than others, so make sure you do your research and plan your budget accordingly.
Find out what are the world’s most affordable surfing destinations.
The bottom line is that no matter how much you want or afford to spend on a surf camp, know that the price itself is not a reflection of the quality of the surf lessons, but more of the quality of your stay. We can guarantee that you’ll have just as much fun on an affordable surf camp as you will on a €1,000 one.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is that transportation to the surfing destination is almost never included in the price of the surf camp! Some surf camps do offer airport transfer and, of course, transportation between the surf camp and the surf spots is included in the price. But you need to take care of your flights or other modes of transport yourself.
Quality of the surf school
Image credit: Wave Gypsy Surf Yoga
There are so many surf schools around the world that choosing one can be quite a challenge. To make sure you’ve made the best possible decision, the first thing you should do after you decide on your surf destination is to select the surf camps with the best reviews in that location. Also, read the description of the camp to get a general feel of the place.
Ask questions. Most surf camp organizers are more than happy to answer them and also help you plan other aspects of your trip.
It’s very important to learn from the experience of others, which is why online reviews are a good and reliable source of information. However, we recommend you take everything with a grain of salt!
After you’ve checked out the reviews of several surf camps and found some that appeal to you, research them and their surf instructors. Google is your friend, but also try surf forums or Facebook surf groups.
Find out what you’ll learn on a surf camp for beginners.
Accommodation
Image credit: Pura Vida Lodge
As mentioned before, the biggest price difference among surf camps lies in the amenities offered. The most affordable packages offer accommodation in a shared dorm. But, even for the same surf camp, the prices can vary depending on the type of accommodation. If you’d like a private single or double room, that’ll cost more.
Additional activities
Aside from the expected surf lessons, some surf camps also offer additional activities. For example, you can find surf and yoga camps that offer daily yoga sessions. Some also include meditation.
You may find surf camps that offer SUP outings, skating sessions to help improve your balance for surfing, or even fitness classes. You should know beforehand which activities are included in the price and which are available at an additional cost.
*Cover image credit: Magikvanilla Surf Camp
Ready to catch your first waves? Join a surf camp for beginners and make memories that will last a lifetime!