Camino Surf Caños de Meca (Andalusia, Spain) ★★★

The perfectly oriented cape of Trafalgar offers many surfing-opportunities for all levels of surfing, from the total beginner to the advanced wave-warrior. Especially during winter-time, the 210°-degree-swell-window provides perfect waves within a 200m distance. The beginner will stay in the protected beach of Canos de Meca while the more advanced migh give it a go on the famous left-hander in front of the lighthouse or the more open beach of Cala Isabel with its wedge-like right-hander. There are plenty of more surfing-opportunities in close proximity. From the rivermouth-wave in Barbate to the well-known beach-break of El Palmar with its perfectly shaped sandbanks. Even with its prevailing offshore-winds and consistent waves during winter, the Costa de la Luz is still widely unknown within the international surfing community.

With around 300 days of sunshine, the Costa de la Luz in Andalusia, in the South of the Iberian peninsula, legitimately is considered one of Europe's mildest regions. The perfectly shaped coast around the historical cape of Trafalgar, where in the beginning of the 19th century the British celebrated a devastating victory agains the Spanish and French, serves as the ultimate wave-wonderland with very consistent swells especially in winter. It's not only the surf and the sun that leaves Canos de Meca without comparison. It is also the unequaled atmosphere that nurishes the relaxed hippie-village. Freedom, peacefulness and acceptance are reasons enough for musicians, artists and rastamen to have settled in this beautiful small community.

Right behind the village, the naturepark ridge of La Brea invites one to extended mountainbike or hiking tours and provides breathtaking scenic views along the Andalusian coast all the way down to Africa. The village's name originates from small waterfalls with ground-water, the so-called Canos, springing from the cliffs next to the village.

Just 100m from the Camp, the cape of Trafalgar offers perfect surfing-conditions for all levels. Either for the beginners and intermediates in the protected bay of Caños de Meca or for the advanced surfer on the reef-break in front of the light-house or the wedge-like wave at Cala Isabel. Only 5km away there is the well-known beach-break spot of El Palmar with perfectly shaped sandbanks.

Apart from surfing one might indulge in the andalusian culture in the cities of Conil de la Frontera, Cadiz and Sevilla or go along with a dolfin and whale-watching tour, horse-riding, diving or gyrocoper-flying. In the in-house restaurant, chef Tom navigates through spanish and international culinaric treats with great bravura. Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner can be booked on a daily or a weekly basis. There are also a couple of restaurants in the area, including the affectionately furnished bar Las Dunas, only 50m from the Surf-Lodge.

With an average of 3000 hours of sun per year, the Costa de la Luz is one of the mildest regions in Europe. During the winter-months, the average top-temperatures range between 18 and 21 degrees and low-temperatures around 8 and 9 degrees. In exceptional cases during night, the thermometer might fall down to 3-4 degrees. At times, there is lots of wind, especially when the dry and cool easterly is blowing, known as Levante or when humid air comes with the Poniente from the west. Weather-proof clothing is highly recommended.

MATERIAL

Different shaped and sized boards and high-quality wetsuits are for rent.

The average age of the clients is 25 years. We focus in surfing and relaxing. For people that would like to party there are live concerts every week.

We, the Camino Surf Team, do not see the surf as a pure water sport separate rather as a sporty, but also mental possibility to have fun in and with the nature.
Fun - this stands for us at the uppermost place. Gliding on a glittering, moving water mountain, defeat foam and take up the natural energy of the waves in yourselves - this is a kick and relaxation at the same time!
We have made it to ourselves the job is to divide this fun with others and to transmit. Under professional instructions and in group one can make fast progress and get to know playfully the skills of surfing. Experience, enthusiasm and almost unreserved love for surfing - this is what distinguishes us.
So that the possibility is preserved to us and to many after us to follow this passion, we see one of our duties to respect nature. We would like to develop our comprehensive and lasting consciousness for the nature and transmit it. Besides, we are supported by famous environmental organisations (Surfrider foundation, Carbonfund. org). Besides, one with us also has the possibility to test ecologically made Balsa wood surfboards.

Also, it is possible to bundle packages individually where one can choose between accommodation in either single-, double- and triple-rooms. There are surf-courses on offer for all different levels of surfing: from the absolute beginner to the advanced surf-crack. All surfing instructors are licensed by the International Surfing Association (ISA) and follow a well-approved teaching-concept, including theory-lessons (1 hours a day) and of course much time in the waves (3 hours a day). There is no certain course time table because we manage them according to the waves, wind and the tide.

There is full- and half-board available on a weekly or on a daily base. On Sundays there are no surf-lessons and no dinner in the camp. The courses will be done in German and English, on request also in Spanish.
Participation in surf course does not require participation in surf camp.

The surf-courses include all equipment (surfboards, wetsuits, surfwax) and beach-transfers if necessary. During surf-lessons, all students are covered by the Camp's insurance. The 5-day surfcourse also includes videoanalysis where the students together with the instructor observe their surfing and look for possible improvements and you will get our organic-cotton fairtrade Camp T-Shirt. All pictures and videos made during the stay can be copied at no extra costs.

Experienced surfers might opt for equipment-rental. There are plenty of different shaped and sized boards in the quiver. Apart from the classic beginner-boards from BIC and NSP there are also some hand-shaped boards on offer. With one of the warm wetsuits, one will not get cold while playing with the waves. For reasons of safety, there is no equipment-rental available for unexperienced surfers or at times when the conditions are too dangerous.

Beginners
For the first time you get to know the beauty of surfing. You will be coached on the homesport Caños de Meca within 20 hours by our trained surfing instructors (DWV, ISA). Daily theory courses will teach you the most important information about surfing and you can observe yourself surfing via videoanalyse.

Intermediate
Why don´t I stay on the board during take-off? It would be best if you participate in Camino Surf Intermediate course and got trained by qualified surf instructor while surfing. Posture, position of surfboard, timing - everything will be optimized and take the most of the advantages of your surf course. While videocoaching you will be able to observe yourself and correct your mistakes with your coach.

Advanced
OK, you are able to do the take-off - but why do I loose so much speed while bottom-turning? You have any questions like these? Then you should participate in the course for advanced. Depending on your skills you will be looked after and will work together with experienced surf instructors on the right timing for take-off, bottom-turn, cut-back or snap. The complex sequence of movements will be facilitated by professional coaching and intensive video training. After being able to do the take-off and the line-up, you will be surfing together with our instructors who will give you helpful hints when you need them: there, where all the action is taking place.

ACTIVITIES