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Surf Travel
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Surf Camps
Picking a surf camp isn't as difficult as, say, predicting when a
swell will hit your favorite break, but there are some things to consider.
First, do you want a soup-to-nuts outfit or are you looking for more
adventure?
This more than any
other factor will help define your choices and whether you go international, say
Costa Rica, or stay local (think Hawaii or California). Next, do you need
lessons or are you accomplished and just want some place to crash and a guide
with local knowledge?
If you're a beginner and need lessons, you should consider whether the camp offers private or semi-private lessons and whether they furnish the right equipment for your level of ability. Nothing is more frustrating than spending a lot of hard earned scratch only to end up a camp that can't accommodate you. Not to mention it could be dangerous, so be honest about your level when inquiring about what
a camp offers.
If you can surf you need to get right to the heart of what's important - especially if you're going international. Can they get you to the breaks that are going to fire? Local knowledge is absolutely crucial and the most important factor for ensuring the best trip possible. So ask if the camp has local guides, not just some college kid taking a semester off from school to "expand his horizons." This is also important if you end up surfing crowded breaks. Having a local with you can ease you into a lineup that could otherwise be full of vibe.
So you've found a camp that meets your main needs? Next, consider stuff like meal plans
- whether they pack you a lunch for day-trips. After surfing all morning at some remote spot, the last thing you'll want to do is go looking for a place to eat. Having food with you in a cooler is absolutely crucial - especially if the place is going off.
The last considerations are amenities and other activities. Do the rooms have A/C, private bathrooms, etc? This is pretty much a non-issue for camps run by outfits in developed countries, but when you start getting into camps in developing and under-developed areas these will not likely be standard fare. If they’re important to you, ask about them when booking your trip.
Have a good time, do your research and as always be respectful of local customs
and of others in the lineup and you’ll be sure to have a rewarding experience.
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