Top Intermediate Surf Camps Across the Globe
October 25, 2023
The go-to resource for planning your surf camps. Find all you need to know about the top destinations and take your surfing to new heights.
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You’ve already taken some surfing lessons and come to love the thrill of riding waves.
While learning to surf is a long process, if you are already comfortable with paddling past the breaks by yourself, can occasionally catch shoulder to head-high waves without assistance, and you’ve got a pretty good understanding of turning and trimming along the wave face, you are certainly an intermediate surfer.
However, there are certain skills you must still work on and you need to refine your technique, which can make a big difference in the way you surf.
»Read more: What Will You Learn on an Intermediate Surf Camp?
Ready to improve your surfing? Join an intermediate surf camp and get ready to make serious progress.
To help you narrow down the options, in this article, we are sharing the top intermediate surf camps from across the world to help you step up your game.
7-Day Private Surf Coaching Camp in Figueira da Foz, Portugal
- Availability: All Year Round
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Price: from US$1,176 per person
Away from the crowds and close to great waves, Figueira da Foz is the perfect destination for surfers who want to improve or surpass their current skill level.
Very busy and crowded in July and August, the village turns into a quiet place for the rest of the year, allowing more experienced surfers to spend more time in the water.
The surf program is based on the participant’s skill level. Your coach will design a program that will match your expectations, setting a plan and specific goals for your training.
Depending on the wave conditions, every day you can combine private lessons with surfing on your own so that you can learn more and improve your skills. In general, the free surfing time will be in the morning and the surfing class in the afternoon. The program has a personal approach and has a maximum of two participants. You will get personal feedback on what you need to work on, develop confidence in the waves, and improve your technique so that you can perform both classic and more advanced maneuvers.
Daily breakfast, daily use of surfing equipment, as well as the transfer to the surf spots are included in the price.
You’ll be staying at Quinta D'Anta Hotel and Surf Lodge, a boutique hotel that combines tranquility with the comfort of a modern hotel. It features a restaurant and a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, and BBQ facilities. All rooms have a private bathroom, AC, and Wi-Fi.
»Read more: Top 10 Affordable Surf Camps in Portugal
8-Day Intensive Surf and Yoga Holiday in Ericeira, Portugal
- Availability: From March till October
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Price: from US$1,047 per person
Combine two wonderful full-body practices (surfing and yoga), connect with nature and your inner self, and enjoy an amazing time in the surfing mecca of Ericeira.
One of the best surfing destinations in Portugal, Ericeira offers a wide range of beach, point, and reef breaks, suited for all levels of surfers.
Enjoy 10 surfing lessons, held in separate groups, and specifically designed for your level, combining theory with practice in the most effective way. Experienced surfers will get a chance to perfect their surfing techniques and take their skills to the next level. All the necessary surfing equipment is provided by the camp.
The camp also offers six yoga classes, either in the morning (Vinyasa flow) or in the evening (Yin Yoga), which help participants build strength, balance, flexibility, and improve their breathing technique. You’ll also have access to the yoga shala throughout the day if you wish to practice on your own and recover faster from the surf session.
You’ll be staying at Omassim Guest House, in a quiet and residential area in the small village of Palhais, in Ericeira. You’ll have access to the fully-equipped kitchen, gym, yoga studio, outdoor swimming pool, garden, dining area, and lounge. Please take note that self-catering is veggie-only. The nearby nature reserve is ideal for walking or mountain biking when you’re not out on the waves.
»Read more: The Best Surf Camps in Ericeira for All Levels
7-Day Private Spanish Course and Surfcamp San Sebastian, Basque Country Spain
- Availability: All Year Round
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Price: from US$1,092 per person
If you are looking to improve your surfing and learn Spanish too, this private surf camp in Spain is a great option for you.
The surfing classes are adapted to all levels and include surfing theory, water safety, surfing technique, surf etiquette, and wave selection.
As an intermediate surfer, certified surf instructors will work with you to improve your surfing techniques, such as perfecting your style, duck diving, cutbacks, front side and back side turns, and more.
The program includes 5 surfing lessons (1.15 h each), 15 private Spanish lessons (45 min each), and use of the surfing equipment.
You’ll be staying in a shared apartment where you’ll have your own bedroom, with a shared kitchen, bathroom, and living room. During your free time, you may visit the pilgrim’s route to Santiago, practice beach volley, explore San Sebastian, hike, attend a cooking workshop, and more.
»Read more: All You Need to Know About Surfing in Spain
7-Day Photography and Surf Camp in Jaco, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- Availability: All year round
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Price: from US$714 per person
Looking to ride world-class waves in Costa Rica? This surf camp in Jaco offers the perfect setting to level your skills up a notch, as it offers you the possibility to spend 2 hours per day in the ocean working on your surf.
The location benefits from incredible year-round surfing conditions for all surfing levels. Intermediate surfers might want to improve their speed and control in the green waves, while advanced surfers can work on their technique and style.
You’ll stay at the School’s lodging, which features a common kitchen and dining area, a yoga studio, a photo/video editing studio, office space, 12 guest rooms, a small swimming pool, and a relaxing garden.
Food is not included in the program, but the guest rooms have refrigerators and you’ll have access to a fully equipped shared kitchen. If cooking isn’t your thing, don’t worry, there’s a wide array of restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance.
The package includes 6 nights’ accommodation, daily (Monday - Friday) 2-hour photography classes, daily (Monday - Friday) 2-hour surf sessions, field trips to beautiful local destinations, and the use of surf equipment during lessons.
»Read more: Surfing in Costa Rica - Your Guide to the Best Waves
8 Days Regular Spanish and Surf Camp in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
- Availability: All Year Round
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Price: from US$780 per person
Escape from work, routine, and stress. Treat yourself to an empowering experience that combines Mexican culture with Spanish lessons, beach time, and riding the famous waves in Mexico’s premier surfing destination – Puerto Escondido.
While this surf camp offers courses for all levels of surfers, the classes are tailored to your own needs and skills. Each class takes 2 hours and includes a warm-up, theory, and practice on the waves. Only two students are assigned per instructor, which ensures significant progress during each of the fun and personalized lessons you’ll attend.
You’ll also get to join a free-of-cost surf coaching session supervised by Roger Ramirez and captured by a professional photographer.
The package includes one welcome dinner on Monday, 5 semi-private surf lessons (2 students per instructor), top-quality surfing equipment, transfer to the surf spots, one coaching session with dinner on Friday, 5 private Spanish lessons, group fitness classes every evening, and photo sessions throughout the week.
You’ll stay in a fully-equipped apartment with a kitchen and Wi-Fi, as well as access to a cleaning service, swimming pool, common area, and terrace.
The nearest airport is Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM), only 1km from the camp. The surf camp does not provide airport transfer.
»Read more: Surfing in Mexico - Your Guide to the Best Waves
7-Day Surf & Spanish Lessons in Olon, Ecuador
- Availability: All Year Round
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Price: from US$495
This Surf Camp takes place in Olon, a small coastal town with beautiful beaches where you can find some of the best waves in Ecuador and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this surf camp.
The program includes 5 Surf lessons (1.5 hours each) where you’ll be introduced to surf through several courses designed to teach you different techniques of paddling, duck-diving, and stand-up.
You’ll also get 5 Spanish lessons and plenty of opportunities to practice by talking to locals while enjoying yourself in fun activities like the cacao tour included in the program.
In terms of accommodation, you can choose between a local living program or a shared house. If you opt for the local living program, you’ll be provided with a private bedroom in a family house, as well as access to all the household appliances and services. This option is great if you wish to learn more about their culture, improve your Spanish and connect with the local community.
On the other hand, the shared house features four rooms that can accommodate from three to four people maximum, and you can either stay in a room with a private or a shared bathroom. The house is only a few steps from the beach, and it includes hot water, Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and barbecue facilities.
During your free time, you can visit the towns nearby, rent a bike and explore the area through mountains and rivers, visit Montanita and enjoy its lively nightlife, or stay in Olon where you can enjoy its tranquil waves, or spend the evening in a local restaurant.
»Read more: The Best Surfing Destinations in Latin America
7-Day North Shore Surf Camp in Oahu, Hawaii
- Availability: All Year Round
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Price: from US$4,295 per person
Ride some of the best waves in the world, according to your level!
This retreat is located in the world-renowned Oahu’s North Shore, where you can find the famous surf spots of Valzyland, Sunset Beach, Pipeline, and Waimea.
Every day after breakfast, you’ll join a surfing lesson (1.5-2h). You may also opt for a stand-up paddling lesson instead. While the lessons are available for all levels, your instructor will make sure to offer guidance tailored to your needs.
The package includes the surfing and/or stand-up paddling lessons, board hire, some meals (breakfast, lunch, and snacks), and the airport transfer from and to Honolulu International Airport (HNL).
You’ll be staying at a rental house just across the beach.
»Read more: All You Need to Know About Surfing in Hawaii
8-Day Beginner and Intermediate Surf Camp in Tamraght, Morocco
- Availability: All Year Round
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Price: from US$447 per person
Surf to your heart’s content in some of the world’s most famous spots such as Banana Point, Devils Rock, and Crocro Beach.
If you’ve already been surfing for a while, this program is certainly for you. The instructors will help you take your surfing to the next level, on popular waves suitable for your skills.
Your day starts with breakfast, followed by a surf lesson, a picnic at the beach, a free surfing session, afternoon tea, time to relax, and ends with dinner.
For those who want to join yoga classes, they are available for an additional fee (and you can join sunrise and /or sunset sessions).
The package includes 5 surf coaching sessions, use of the surf equipment, three meals each day, transport to the surf spots, and excursions to explore the area.
You’ll be staying at Hola Surf Morocco and may choose among a variety of room options. The apartments have a living room and bathroom, as well as a kitchenette with a kettle and fridge. The double or twin rooms have terraces with outstanding views.
The surf house features a rooftop terrace with mountain and sea views. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunset after a day in the water and socialize with fellow surfers.
»Read more: Top Year-Round Surf Camps in Morocco
8-Day Yoga and Surf Guiding in Tamraght, Morocco
- Availability: All Year Round
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Price: from US$745 per person
Do you already have some surfing experience under your belt and would like to ride some of the best waves on the southern coast of Morocco, particularly those around Tamraght? Explore popular surf spots like Anchor Point, Mysteries, La Source, Killer Point, Dracula, and Boilers. Discover the best secret spots in Morocco with an experienced and local guide.
This surf camp invites you to lay back and relax, as the team takes care of everything you need to surf and have fun. The instructors will take you to the best-uncrowded waves in the area, providing all the necessary surfing equipment for the surf sessions. You’ll also enjoy sunrise and sunset yoga classes aimed at helping you improve your surfing and ease those sore muscles.
Start the day with a sunrise pranayama and meditation session, have a filling breakfast, and then head out to the surf spot of the day. After the morning surf session, you’ll have a picnic lunch at the beach. Then, you’ll have another supervised surf session. You’ll have a sunset yoga class in the evening, followed by dinner.
Stay in a surf and yoga house with a 180-degree panoramic view of the coast and its legendary surf spots, from KM 11 to Taghazout. This surf guiding package in Tamraght offers daily surf guiding and transport to a variety of different waves in the area. Surfboard and wetsuit rental are included in the package price, and so are daily meals and airport transfers from Agadir - Al Massira Airport (AGA).
*All prices are valid at the time of publication and are not guaranteed. They are subject to change without notice.
Ready to take your surfing to the next level? Join an advanced surf camp to build on your skill set, get tips from the pros, and ride some of the world’s gnarliest waves!