8 Day Intermediate and Advanced Coaching Surf Camp in Bensafrim, Lagos

Facilities

Who's the week for

This is a week of tailored sessions for ambitious intermediate and advanced surfers looking to master new goals. Find and catch the best possible waves in beautiful locations whilst receiving expert coaching. Anyone joining must be able to surf unbroken waves, go right and left, and demonstrate basic turns in waves up to shoulder high.

About the week

Tiny Whale want you to get the best possible sessions, whether that’s at sunrise or sunset, at river mouth, point, or beach breaks. At this level, sessions will be tailored to target your individual personal goals.

After an assessment on the first day, each surfer will receive a personal development plan for the week. Your water skills will be fast tracked, with a combination of video coaching supported by practical theory, forecasting, location selection, and equipment analysis sessions.

Teaching methods

• Structured step-by-step course
• Personalized program for each surfer's individual requirements
• Surf theory classes
• In-water coaching
• High focus on video coaching
• Muscle memory training
• On land carving skate sessions

Week objectives

• Paddling: Technique, posture, efficiency
• Body position: At every stage of riding the wave
• Cut backs: When and where to initiate on the wave
• Floaters: Timing, clearing sections
• Video coaching: Every day where possible
• Ocean knowledge: Reading conditions and finding the best waves at the right time
• Surf forecasts: Mastering the art of predicting where the best waves will be
• Boards: Understanding board design and exploring a range of different styles and shapes of hard boards

Conditions and waves

Spring and autumn bring great swell, low wind, and quiet beaches, meaning great sessions for you. Tiny Whale Surf Lodge is located close to a large range of beaches on both the South Coast - with swell from the Gulf of Cádiz - and the South-West Coast - with swell from the North Atlantic Ocean.

A variety of breaks at a variety of angles, including beach, point, and river mouth breaks, combined with Jan’s intricate knowledge of the area and dedication to getting you out at peak condition times each day, mean you’ll get the best possible sessions.

Typical day

On your first day, you hit the surf early to catch the best conditions. Jan will take you through the first session, finding out each person’s aims for the week and catching video footage to analyse later. You will be back at the lodge in time for a well deserved hearty breakfast before your theory session.

Jan will take you through the morning’s video footage, breaking down each technical element to create a clear route forward for the week. Afterwards, you will head out for a skateboard session testing out position and balance theory. The day will wrap up with time by the pool followed by a delicious three-course meal and time to relax around the fire.

Western Algarve

Bursting with the sunshine and known for its laid back lifestyle, Western Algarve is the perfect holiday destination to unwind and recharge with some deserved rest and recuperation. Whether you want to explore the fantastic culture and unspoiled countryside, chill out and catch some waves at some of Europe's most stunning beaches, or want to find adventure taking part in the endless outdoor activities on offer, the choice is yours.

Away from the mainstream Eastern Algarve international tour operators, Western Algarve has largely stayed underdeveloped and still retains its natural charm. Traveling just half an hour from either the South or West coasts up through the countryside to the Monchique Mountain at 1000 meters, the whole area is speckled with small villages and towns.

You can find traditional coffee shops, bakers, fresh produce from local producers, and artisan craftsmen, all selling their wares. Don't miss out on the local cuisine of this area either with a cataplana (fresh fish stew), barbecued sardines, and a Pastilla de nata for desert.

Distances

• Lagos - 5 minutes

During your stay, you will be provided with seven healthy breakfasts, five beach picnics for your surf days at the beach, and five delicious three-course evening meals at the lodge, from the in-house chef. Tiny Whale’s professional in-house chef prepares home cooked food predominantly from fresh local produce.

All diets can be catered for with prior arrangement. When you need to unwind, they also have their outdoor bar open in the evening with snacks and drinks.

• Bom Dia trip
• Booze cruise
• Buggies
• Climbing
• Coasteering
• Diving
• Dolphin safari
• Flyboarding
• Grotto tours
• Horse riding
• Jet skiing
• Kayaking
• Kitesurfing
• Mountain biking
• Paddleboarding
• Quad biking
• Sailing
• Skydiving
• Vagabundo tours
• Wakeboarding
• Water skiing
• Windsurfing
• Wine tasting

• 5 carefully structured surfing days
• ISA Level Two coaches based around your individual surfing goals
• Your own surf coach for the week, teaching in a one to three coach to student teaching ratio or less
• Daily video coaching or surf theory sessions
• All the surf equipment you'll need
• Transport to the best beaches each day
• 3 surf inspired yoga sessions
• Wi-Fi available in all bedrooms
• Use of all surf lodge facilities including the pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna
• Tiny Whale's experienced team on hand
• 7 healthy breakfasts
• 5 beach picnics on your days at the beach
• 5 delicious three-course evening meals at the lodge from the in-house chef
• 7 nights accommodation

• Airfare

Recommended Airports

• A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.