Surfer Mums launch surf travel company for families

I learned long ago that ‘family’ and ‘surf trip’ rarely work well together, but that’s all about to change.

I bumped into Hayley Lawrence at my local surf break last week. Hayley and her friend Celine have started up a new company to help surfer Mums and Dads, who like me dream of going on a successful family surf trip! Here’s what Hayley told me:

Surf travel for families

Family Surf Co. is the UK’s first specialist travel company organising bespoke family beach holidays to bucket-list surfing destinations around the world.

Family Surf Co. was founded by two Cornwall-based surfing mums, to encourage more families to spend quality time together by the sea and go surfing on holiday. Finding it a challenge to pursue their own passion for surfing when travelling with young children, Hayley Lawrence and Celine Bennet set about finding the finest family hotels in some of the top surfing destinations – including Portugal, Barbados, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka and Cornwall.

Family Surf Co. officially launches on 20 June 2019 – International Surfing Day – offering a handpicked collection of stylish, family-friendly accommodation beside the waves.

Hayley Lawrence

“We love spending time in the ocean as a family, but travelling with three boys (now five, eight and ten years old), I needed decent family facilities to ensure we could all relax, have fun and be safe on our surf trips,” said co-founder Hayley Lawrence.

“Having well equipped accommodation within footsteps of surf breaks and beach life is vital, so that we can yo-yo between the surf, the sand and all the amenities needed to keep the family fuelled up and entertained. Although we enjoy surfing together, we’re all at different levels, so it’s essential to have expert surf instructors who cater for family sessions, solo sessions and surf guiding for more experienced surfers. Also, I want to know there’s a babysitter on hand or kids’ club if I want to go for dawn surf or a sunset session without the children.”

Celine Bennet

Co-founder Celine Bennet travelled the globe as a pro kite-surfer in her 20s, and has continued to travel extensively with her young children (now one and five years-old), surfing as much as she can.

“The reality is that it can be stressful travelling with a young family, especially if you’re driving around looking for waves, while trying to keep everyone happy. With this in mind we’ve handpicked boutique family hotels and resorts where you can slip seamlessly from your bed to your board.

“We’ve road-tested every place we sell holidays to, so we can give personal advice to families, and we send them off with a personal travel guide to the area, including surfing beaches, places to visit and recommendations of where to eat and drink. We’ve also made sure that every place is within a reasonable transfer time of the airport or ferry port. While we like to explore new and exotic destinations, there’s a limit to how far off the beaten track you want to go with a young family in tow.”

Fun for all the family

Family Surf Co. holidays aren’t purely about surfing – there’s plenty on offer for family members who don’t want to hit the waves, from active adventures to chilling out by the pool with a cocktail in hand. The handpicked portfolio includes hotels with skate parks, bike hire, football pitches and water sports from SUP to snorkelling.

As well as family time there are plenty of opportunities for grown-ups to relax and recharge, with yoga sessions, spa treatments and swanky restaurants – as well as kids’ clubs and babysitting services to ensure adults get some time for themselves.

Fully covered

All holidays are 100% financially protected by the Travel Trust Association. Family Surf Co. will help you plan a bespoke family surfing holiday, including flights, car hire and transfers, and also offer personal advice and information on each destination. Making trip planning simple and cutting out time-consuming research, they even supply with you a packing list and travel guides.

So all you need to do is dream up your perfect family surfing holiday…

10 reasons to use Family Surf Co.

1. Lush location: Stunning beach locations where it’s easy to yo-yo from the surf and sand. Plus luxury accommodation with air-con and creature comforts.
2. Wow-factor: Accommodation has style, top-level comfort and flawless family facilities.
3. Surfing sorted: Easy access to waves for the whole family (from beginners to experts), surf coaching on tap and surfboards/ equipment to hire.
4. Good food: Excellent food and drink served in cracking settings.
5. Relaxation: Time out for parents – from surf sessions, yoga and saltwater therapy, to cocktails by the pool and spa treatments.
6. Family fun: Activities for all ages – from skate ramps to swimming pools.
7. Peace of mind: Experience the surf and culture of a new destination, but in a safe and stylish environment.
8. Childcare: Babysitting services or kids’ clubs so parents can enjoy solo surfs, romantic dinners and couple time.
9. Stress-free travel: Quick and easy transfers from the airport.
10. Eco-friendly values: Encourage greener globetrotting.

Find out more about Family Surf Co. here: www.familysurfco.com or follow them on social media @familysurfco.

Disclaimer: I’ve received no payment or incentive to publish this post. I just wanted to support a fellow surfer parent and hopefully help families go on surf adventures together.