Top 10 things to consider when choosing a surf camp
July 5, 2023If you're a beginner who wants to learn how to surf, booking a surf camp is a great idea. But what is a surf camp? And how will you know which camp and which instructors are the best? Here are our top tips on how to choose the best camp for you!
You will have a blast in the ocean and meet friends from all over the world. The surf instructors will guide you in the water and the crew at the surf camp will provide a great experience outside of the waves. – Welcome to life at a surf camp!
What is a surf camp?
A surf camp, also known as surf hotels, is exactly what the name reveals; it's a camp that centres around surfing. Located at some of the best surf locations in the world, the surf camp will provide everything you need for a surf holiday. Surfing sessions, accommodation and food are the three main things you may think of — but the surf camp experience can be much more than that!
You will meet new friends and have a good time, it's an adventure to remember forever.
How will I know which surf camp to choose?
There are surf camps all over the world, that all range in price and quality. There are a number of things to think about, like the accommodation standards, travel documents and wave conditions.
We list our top 10 things to consider:
1. Location: Where in the world do you want to go?
The possibilities are endless when deciding where you want to go for your surf experience. Surf camps are located in places like Bali, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Morocco, the Maldives and even Norway. There are pros and cons for each location and it all comes down to your personal preference.
Here are some of our favourite places in the world to learn how to surf.
2. Location, again: Is the camp close to the surf spots?
Okay, so when you know which country you want to go to, you may need to think of the location of the camp. Will it be within walking distance to the surf breaks or is it further away? Some people want to spend most of the time in the camp, while others value being close to local restaurants and stores. For some, being close to the shore is key and others don't mind a few minutes' transfer to the beach. How important is the location to you?
3. Living costs: What's your surf camp budget?
Making a budget for your surf holiday might be a good idea, and will keep you from overspending on your trip. Keep in mind that the costs of the different countries can differ quite a lot from each other, you will find cheaper meals and transport in Bali than you will in Norway. Have a quick check for prices for a beer, groceries and a cup of coffee.
4. Standards of accommodation: What's included in the surf camp?
Check what’s included in the price before booking surf camp. Some questions you can ask yourself before pressing the “book”-button are:
Will the surf camp provide airport pickup?
Will the surf camp provide food? Are there vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options?
How's the room situation? Will I share with other people or have a private room? Will the bathrooms and showers be private or shared?
Will the surf camp provide wetsuits and surf equipment or do you need to rent it for a fee?
Will the surf camp provide free transport to the surf locations?
Will there be free parking? Car rentals? Bike rentals?
Will the camp have AC, free WiFi and laundry services?
Will the surf camp have a pool and a gym facility?
Will there be photographers and videographers around to capture your first wave?
Will the surf camp give information for city trips or exploring tours?
Does the surf camp provide activities like game nights, yoga sessions and day trips?
5. The reviews: What are other people saying about the camp and the surf lessons?
A good way of deciding which surf camp to choose is to have a look at the reviews on platforms like Google and Trip Advisor. The camp’s social media platforms can also give you a hint on what previous customers thought of the experience. Take a peek at what others thought about the surf lessons as well, since that's the main reason you are booking a surf camp in the first place.
You want to learn surfing with qualified instructors. You can see if the instructors are certified by the International surfing association, an ISA certification. This is a standard in the surf industry for coaches to provide efficacy, quality and safety for the surf class.
6. When to book: Will there be waves?
Something one might not think about as a beginner is the conditions of the waves and the swells. But this can be important! You want the waves to be just right for you during your stay at the camp, flat water or high waves aren't preferable. There are specific prime times to go to the different surf destinations. Look up when the best time is to go or send a question to the surf camp you're interested in.
7. Weather check: What’s the air and water temperature?
How important is the weather forecast and temperature for you? Some places require wetsuits all year round, others provide warm temperatures throughout every season. If you dream about sunny surf lessons in your swimwear, then booking your surf camp in the colder rainy season might not be the best idea.
8. The paperwork: Which Visas and documents do I need?
We have reached the most boring point on the list. Although, this will likely be the difference between jumping on the plane or getting stopped at the gate. Having all your documents in order is important. Here are some things to consider:
Do I need a Visa for travelling to this destination? Are there other documents I should have?
What kind of insurance do I need? Will it cover surfing?
Do I need any vaccinations?
How long does my passport need to be valid?
Find out what the local currency is and if you should withdraw cash before you go.
9. Responsible travel: Is the surf camp sustainable?
Since the beach and ocean is the playground for the surf camp, it's important that the camp is making efforts in keeping it safe. Check if the camp is taking any actions in helping the environment. This can be done by recycling and organizing beach cleanings, or on a larger scale like reducing its CO2 footprints.
10. Your expectations: What's important for you?
When it comes down to it, this is your trip. What is it that you want to get out of it? Do you want to spend as much time as possible in the water? Go on day trips? Hang by the pool most of the day? It's important that you get what you want out of the surf camp experience and have as much fun as possible!
Curious about how it would be to go on a surf camp with Lapoint? Check out our surf camps all around the world here.
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