Where do you want your next sunset surf session?
Here are 6 tips for booking a surf camp, that will make the difference between choosing an average surf camp or an amazing one.
1. Choose your destination carefully
What’s your dream destination?
Before choosing your surf camp destination, do some research. How big do the waves get? Will there be reef breaks, point breaks or beach breaks? When do the best swells occur? How warm is the water? Depending on your personal preferences, these factors will have a huge impact on when and where you go.
Check some surf guides e.g. Stormrider, forums and good ole Google, or just ask the surf camp’s organisers.
2. Check surf equipment
Most surf camps will provide all your surf equipment for the duration of the surf camp, free of charge. However there are some exceptions. Make sure you confirm beforehand, to avoid any costly surprises.
Want a particular style of board? Make sure the surf camp has gear to suit your needs. If you prefer a sub six foot performance board you might be miffed when you only have a choice of foamies.
3. Arrange transfers
Arrange transfers for arrival and departure
Getting to your destination airport is the easy part, the hard part can be getting from the airport to your chosen surf camp. That’s why transfers included in your package can be a real bonus.
Transfers to and from the nearest airport or train station are often part of your surf camp package, but not always. Talk to the people in charge of the surf camp and see if they’ll come pick you up from where you arrive. If not, you’ll need to plan ahead, which means either renting a car, or relying on public transportation. Whatever it is, make sure you know the details when you leave your house. You want to avoid arriving somewhere, late at night, not knowing the local language and without transport if possible.
4. Research accommodation
Depending on your budget, the accommodation for a surf camp can range from no frills student-type conditions, to luxurious lodges. Are you going on a surf camp to surf and make friends? Then maybe a budget surf camp is just the thing for you!
If you want first class accommodation, one on one tuition and gourmet food, look into a luxury surf camp. Surf camp accommodation varies enormously, so be sure to do your research and manage expectations.
5. Dietary requirements
Healthy surf camp cuisine
As a rule, almost all surf camp organizers offer breakfast. Some offer lunch, while others offer full board.
If you’re attending a surf and yoga camp, the food will usually be vegetarian. If you have any special dietary requirements, it’s worth checking ahead to see if the surf camp can accommodate your requests. As with the accommodation, do your research before you leave, so you know what to expect.
6. Plan to party?
Even though you make your own entertainment on a surf camp, pretty much all surf camp organizers offer various entertainment options, such as SUP tuition, yoga sessions, kite-surfing, parties and tours to local attractions. Some are included in the price, and some are not. We recommend that you put a bit of money aside to go on some of these trips, because they’re usually quite affordable and always memorable!
Surf camps are a great way to get to know and surf a place you’ve not been to before. With local surf instructors and guides, you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble. Allowing you more time to enjoy your surf trip and make new friends.
About the Author
BookSurfCamps.com are the place to go for surf camps! They have surf camps and holidays from over 1,000 organizers worldwide, so they know what makes a great surf camp.
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