Which surf holiday suits you?
Broadly speaking, there are two different types. But you can also combine both forms or simply let your imagination run wild and design your next surf adventure yourself.
- organised surf camp / surf hostel with surf course
- individual surf trip (without surf course)
Surf camp:
A surf camp is a kind of "all-round carefree package". Because with only little effort, you can look forward to having the best time possible. The organisation is taken care of by camp leaders and surf coaches, from airport transfers, accommodation and catering to surf equipment, surf spot selection or other activities and an entertainment programme. You don't have to worry about anything except having a great time and enjoying surfing! The following is usually included in a surf camp:
- Accommodation (in tents, normal beds, caravans, sheddies ...)
- Meals (breakfast, half board or full board)
- Wetsuit and surfboard
- Surf lessons (either once or twice a day)
- Transfer to the suitable surf spot
- Surf theory (at the beach or surf camp)
- Photo or video analysis of the surf lessons
- Outdoor activities (such as yoga, SUP, climbing, cycling, massages, etc.)
- Evening activities (such as joint barbecues, campfires, dining out or animation programme)
- Airport transfer (usually for an extra charge)
For a stay at a surf camp, you need almost no preparation, and you also need surprisingly few things. Nevertheless, there are 3 things in your surfing equipment that can be useful at a surf camp:
- Surf bikini (for the female surfers among you)
- Your own wetsuit
- Germicidal wetsuit cleaner
Not a must-have, but a useful addition to your luggage for your next surf camp stay.
Individual surf holiday:
Because surf camps are a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, learn a lot about surfing, the importance of waves, tides and currents, and effectively improve or learn your surfing skills. But if you know the rules and you're already reasonably confident on the surfboard, there are some good reasons to give it a try on your own at some point.
Together with a surf course, you usually go to well-known, proven, but also crowded surf spots, because there are other surf schools, bathers, locals and tourists. But on your own surf trip, you can decide where you want to surf. And you can avoid all the crowds at the surf spots.
Absolute freedom:
On your planned trip you have the choice to go surfing at any spot of your choice and wishes, where you would like to gather your own experiences. Whether for a whole day or just a few hours here and then there. The rule is: Your trip - your spot - your choice - your freedom.
No crowds:
Everyday escape and peace:
Looking out into the vastness of the ocean does not only create a feeling of freedom, but in the peace and quiet you can also enjoy a certain escape from the usually stressful everyday life.
The preparation for an independent surf holiday is more extensive than for a surf camp. It starts with researching a suitable surf destination. The best is a region that is suitable all year round, because you can surf not only in summer, but basically at any time of the year. This would also help to regulate the crowds at the surf spots, as many surf camps are held in the summer months. Furthermore, it is advisable to choose a surf region that you already know for your first surf holiday. Maybe a region from your previous stay at a surf camp.
Your surfing level also plays a very important role in preparing for your surf trip. There are different types of surf spots that are suitable for different surfing levels. Just check here which different spots there are in general and for which surf level they are basically more suitable.
If you go to a place you already know, the advantage is that you already know the spot and roughly know when and where you can surf with the best conditions. In addition, you already know the existing infrastructure and certainly one or two good surfboard rentals if you don't have your own equipment.
Of course, there are also well-known surfing locations, but you should bear in mind that the best-known places are very busy. Here is a list of examples:
In Europe:
- Area Branca (Portugal)
- Arrifana (Portugal)
- Biarritz (France)
- El Cotillo (Fuerteventura)
- El Palmar (Andalusia, Spain)
- Famara (Lanzarote)
- Hossegor (France)
- Newquay (Cornwall, England)
- San Sebastian (Basque Country, Spain)
Worldwide:
- Scheveningen (Netherlands)
Worldwide:
- Imsouane (Morocco)
- Mentawais Islands (Indonesia)
- Siargo Islands (Philippines)
- Taghazout (Morocco)
- Kuta Beach (Bali, Indonesia)
- Maverick's Beach (California, USA)
- Pipeline Beach (Hawaii)
- Puerto Escondido Beach (South Oaxaca, Mexico)
- Supertubes Beach (South Africa)
- Teahupo’o Beach (Tahiti)
Furthermore, at most surf destinations you also need a rental car, preferably a larger car, so that you can transport everything on your trip, because most surf hostels or surf hotels are not necessarily located directly at the surf spot and in addition, you are much more flexible with a car, which means that you are not necessarily bound to only one spot, but can surf and discover several at the same time. Here you should think about getting a practical "soft roof rack". As the name suggests, these are super light and also fit easily into any suitcase or larger backpack. A soft roof rack helps you to secure and transport your surfboards on the roof of your car.
