A Complete Guide to surf camps
A surf camp is “a guided travel experience designed around surfing, offering both instruction and community”. The term is now suddenly very common in adventure tourism, but the meaning can be very different, depending on who you ask. Some people picture a youth sports camp by the beach with tents and mascots, while others imagine a luxury retreat.
This article is written for anyone who is thinking about going to a surf camp. It explains the difference between surf camps and other surf experiences, shows who the typical guest is, and highlights why this type of travel is growing in popularity. The goal is to make the concept understandable, so everyone can find an educated decision whether a surf camp is something for them or not.
What's included in a surf camp?
A surf camp is a form of organized travel that lasts mostly one or multiple weeks and includes accommodation, meals, and surf coaching in one package. These packages are usually available for all skill levels, from complete beginners to pros.
Most surf camps include:
- Surf Instruction: Professional coaching tailored to the persons skill level.
- Surf Equipment: Boards, wetsuits, and safety gear provided or available to rent.
- Accommodation: Rooms ranging from shared dorms to private villas.
- Meals: Breakfast and/or other meals, often focusing on nutritious, healthy food.
- Additional Activities: Surf skating, yoga, fitness training, sightseeing tours, social activites, beach volleyball, etc. The list is endless.
The difference between a surf camp and other surf experiences
Surf camps are different from other surfing options in three main ways:
1. All-Inclusive
Arranging surfing holidays by yourself requires booking accommodation, renting equipment, and finding good surf spots. Surf camps remove these logistical nightmares by offering everything in one place.
2. Learning Environment
Camps usually follow a structured program, with lessons designed to build skills progressively over the course of the stay. This is especially nice for beginners, who need consistent feedback and for intermediate surfers working on more advanced maneuvers. But also people who are looking for a place to improve via video analysis, some camps offer pro level coaching.
3. Community and Social Integration
Last but not least the main reason why anyone joins a surf camp. A surf camp brings together people with a shared interest in surfing, creates a social environment which is very hard to recreate in any other way and makes it very easy to find new friends. Meals, lessons, and downtime are most of the time shared with other people, encouraging interaction.
Why go to a surf camp?
Now let’s break down why exactly a person would choose to go to a surf camp. There can be plenty of reasons, but the following ones seem to be the most common:
- Skill Progression: Consistent practice and instructor feedback are just so important for a continuous improvement on the surf board. Every pro surfer has a coach on their side, but a lot of people get stuck on their intermediate level and ditch surfing because they can’t level up any more. Having a proper surf instructor with plenty of experience is crucial on your way to becoming a surfer girl/boy.
- Making friends: It’s all about that social factor. People want to be surrounded by people like themselves. Everyone wants to find their tribe and be supported by people who get them. That’s why a surf camp is the place to be. Everyone is looking for connection, for a shared week. In most cases you sleep in dorms, where you have no choice but to talk to your room mates. You most often have some social hosts or people that are responsible that everyone connects as quickly as possible, you spend meal times, surf lessons and much more together.
- Safety: Solo traveling can be scary. A surf camp makes it a lot easier as a lot of things are more predictable. You know where you will spend the next week. You know the staff that will be there. You can see the place on socials and the vibe. Most of the time you will even be picked up at the airport. It’s a good and easy first step into traveling alone as it reduces the variables, reduces the possibilities of things that could go wrong and just ensures that you will be surrounded by people just like you.
- Stress Reduction: Surfing itself has been linked to reductions in stress and improvements in mood, partly due to physical activity and partly due to time spent in nature. If you desperately need a break from you work life and you know you will just spend your week of holidays on your phone instead of doing something productive, a surf camp is your place to be.
- Cultural Exposure: You will have people that know the area, that can show you places that you would’ve never even heard of if you traveled by yourself. That’s why a surf camp is most often the best tour guide as well. You have people who have lived in this place for an extended amount of time with similar interests as you. Chances are they can exactly tell you which place to go to and which bar to avoid.
Studies have shown something wild. Surfing in a group setting can improve self-esteem, enhance physical health, and foster social connection (Britton et al., 2020). So in short, the “camp” model makes sure that you’re not only happier with yourself and healthier, but you also make friends more quickly.
Who attends surf camps?
Surf camps attract all kinds of people, but there are a few typical personalities you’ll find in almost every group.
First, there’s the beginner surfer. Never stood on a surfboard before but burning with the desire to give it a real shot. They’re here for the lessons, the thrill of catching their very first wave, and, let’s be honest, also for the vibes and the surfer boys or girls they’ve seen in movies.
Then comes the intermediate surfer. They can already paddle out, catch a wave, and ride it to shore, but they’re hungry to sharpen their skills. They like having a coach in the water to correct their technique and push them into bigger or cleaner waves than they’d attempt alone.
The pro has his boards, coaches, program, car and is just here for the accomodation, training facilities and the vibe.
You’ll also meet the adventure traveler — someone who’s here to surf, yes, but equally excited about exploring the local culture. They want to hike volcanoes, eat street food, find secret beaches, and chat with locals, making the most of the destination in ways a typical tourist never would.
The solo traveler is another familiar face. Often the first step in traveling alone is going to a surf camp. Not knowing a single person, yet leaving with a whole new crew of friends. They value a safe, social environment that makes it easy to connect and share adventures.
And finally, there’s the group or club. Friends on a holiday, a university surf society, or even a sports team looking for a bonding trip. They bring their own energy and often become the life of the party, turning a week in the surf into a shared memory they’ll talk about for years.
While the ages and backgrounds vary wildly, the common thread is openness and a love for good vibes. Some surf camps attract young backpackers on a tight budget, others cater to working professionals or even families, but in most places, you’ll find an inclusive, easygoing community where everyone’s welcome.
Choosing the Right Surf Camp
When selecting a surf camp consider the following factors:
Location:
Consistency and quality of waves, water temperature, and accessibility. Also surroundings of the surf camp – is there a nice town, activities etc.
Instructor Qualifications:
Professional certifications and teaching experience. Does the affiliated surf school leave a professional first impression? You don’t want instructors that just yell “paddel” and “up” from the beach.
Accommodation Style:
Dorms, private rooms, or a whole villa, depending on what you want from your surf camp experience. Many might consider the private room the best option, but Kyuka would advocate for the dorm based on many reasons. The most important one – you will make friends just that much quicker if you have to share a room.
Group Size:
Smaller groups often mean more personalized attention and quicker connection – research suggests the sweet spot is around 20-25 people, bigger camps are often cheaper and there will be more split up groups.
Additional Services:
What’s included in the surf camp? Does it fit your idea of holidays?Yoga, fitness training, meals, social games, volleyball tournament, cultural excursions etc.
Reputation:
Reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can give insight into quality. But in the end it’s all about if it “feels right”. Check their socials and their website. Make sure the videos, pictures and stories vibe with you. Shoot them an email or a WhatsApp if you have any questions, or let someone show you the camp in a video call. There are many ways for you to make sure that it’s your thing.
Common Misconceptions About Surf Camps
“Surf Camps Are Only for Beginners”
Many cater to intermediate and advanced surfers, offering high-level coaching and video analysis. You will also get gym workouts to train at home as land locked surfer or gain a deeper understanding of the local spots and surf community.
“They’re Just for Young Travelers”
While some target younger audiences, many surf retreats welcome all age groups, including families. You’re never too old to go to a surf camp. If you’re the type of person who considers this type of experience you will fit in perfectly even if you’re 60+.
“You Must Surf All Day”
Most camps balance surfing with relaxation and optional activities. You will even be able to book a massage or just sip smoothies by the pool. It’s always up to you how much you do during your vacation.
“It’s Only About Surfing”
The community, environment, and additional experiences are often just as important as the sport itself. A lot of surf camps also offer accommodations only as an option as well. The surf camp vibe itself can also be enjoyed without having to surf.
Conclusion
A surf camp is best defined as an all-inclusive, community-oriented travel experience built around surfing, combining instruction, accommodation, and social interaction in one package. Whether designed for beginners or advanced surfers, budget travelers or luxury seekers, the core elements are always the same: waves, new friends and a good time.
For travelers that are looking for an active holiday that blends sport, adventure, and social connection, a surf camp is the best alternative to traditional tourism. Packed with benefits – improving confidence, creating friendships, and supporting mental well-being – surf camps represent one of the most hands-on ways to experience both the ocean and the surfer community.
