8 Day All Inclusive Surf Themed Vacation Getaway - Playa Venao, Panama

Surf levels

Safari Surf School has broken down surfing levels into three easy to understand categories (there are more levels but for what they are teaching, these are sufficient).

They do ask guests to inform them of their current level in advance, but they also assess all of the guests during their first session to verify what level they are on and how they should proceed instructing them for the rest of their trip.

Beginner

You will start from the basics and you will be taught how the surfboard works, proper paddling technique, placement on the surfboard and introduce you to the basics of “pop-up” technique, water safety / ocean awareness, the “Turtle Roll”, surf stance (Goofy or Regular foot), white water rides.

Intermediate

Safari Surf School will teach you the terminology like: impact zone, the line up, take of zone, backside, front side and together we’ll paddle out to the outside. You’ll learn to catch open faced waves on your own, “bottom turn” and “trim” on an open faced wave, or “grab your rail” while trimming on open faced wave.

Advanced

You can read the waves and locate good catch-able waves on your own, can bottom turn and do “S” turns on the open face, can perform “cutbacks.” Now can perform cutbacks and off the lip maneuvers. Can tube ride both front side and back side.

Surfboards

Safari Surf School provides top-level surf equipment with sustainability in mind for its guests to use. They stock one of the highest end brand names around - the infamous Firewire!

Safari Surf School has all sizes and shapes from longboards to short boards, “fishes” and everything in between. All of the boards are waxed with all natural, non-toxic, biodegradable surf wax from Sticky Bumps, and recycled surfboard leashes from WaveTribe are used to keep you in touch with your board!

All guests are provided a lycra rash guard for their surf lessons to keep the sun off, the rash off, and your instructors can keep a good eye on you. Safari's older boards are rotated out of theit selection yearly, donated to the local community, and replaced with new ones. They donate the old boards to local schools and young kids just starting to surf.

Surf instruction

Safari Surf School knows one of your main reasons for visiting is to learn how to surf, or improve your skills. Not only do they teach you how to surf; they also teach you ocean awareness, basic pre-surf stretching exercises and, most importantly, safety.

All of your equipment will be supplied unless you prefer to bring your own. There are two 1.5 hour surf lessons each day, one at approximately 7:30 a.m. and the afternoon lesson will be at approximately 3:00 p.m.

Please note that lesson times may vary depending on wind and tide conditions. Safari Surf School employs a maximum three students to one instructor ratio (with the exception of large yoga retreats and corporate groups).

Safari Surf School not only employs all ISA (International Surfing Association) accredited surf instructors; they are all also RLSS certified lifeguards as well. They also employ state of the art tools and techniques to help expedite your learning curve.

Safari Surf School uses video review two times weekly .This allows them to critique your mechanics when popping up and paddling, and your overall placement on the board. With video shot from the beach, this will allow your instructors to get a detailed view of what you are doing correctly, and what techniques still need some work. All the angles will be covered!