The Best Surf Camps for Beginner and Intermediate Surfers

Iguana Surf, Tamarindo, Costa Rica Surf Camp

Located in Costa Rica’s original surf destination (think Endless Summer), Iguana is a boutique surf camp situated on the beach front. They offer a variety of surf packages for both beginner and intermediates. You can be sure that after spending a week at this camp, your surfing will have improved immeasurably.

They offer really comfortable accommodation with both shared and private rooms available. Hot showers, A/C and beautifully designed interiors are a mainstay at Iguana. The camp also offers a whole host of extras from Spanish lessons, to diving, zip lining, sport fishing and horseback riding.

Olo Surf Nature, Imsouane, Morocco Surf Camp

Located in the fishing village of Imsouane which sits in one of the most majestic bays in Africa. The magic bay offers warm weather all year long and the longest rides in Morocco. The Olo Surf guest house offers all different accommodation types including single, double and shared rooms.

They offer an expert surf coaching program that uses practical exercises, both in and out of the water. These are adapted to your level to help you achieve your surfing goals. With daily surf lessons, you will experience an exclusive surfing program that includes daily video analysis of your surfing, surf theory sessions, physical training, and many more activities that will improve your surf knowledge and ability.

Ericeira Surf Camp, Portugal

You can find Ericeira Surf Camp in the heart of old town Ericeira. Ericeira has some impressive surfing heritage being the only European World Surfing Reserve, with over 20 world-class surf breaks. The surf beaches are just a 5 minute from the surf camp and there are plenty of restaurants, surf cafes, bars and shops also within walking distance.

The founder, Nuno Gonçalves, is a former pro surfer. Needless to say their surf lessons and guided surf tours are second to none. They also offer yoga and SUP classes, bike tours and massages to augment your experience in Ericeira.

Padang Padang Surf Camp, Bali

Located in Padang Padang on Bali’s Bukit Peninsular, arguably one of the best surf sport in Indonesia. Padang Padang Surf Camp offers architect-designed accommodation and is located within walking distance are a variety of world-class breaks that are suitable for surfers of all ability levels.

World-famous Padang Padang, Uluwatu, Impossibles, Bingin, Dreamland and Balangan are all easy to access from the surf camp. Their surf instructors and surf guides are professional and highly motivated to get you the best waves and ensure you have an unforgettable surfing experience.

In addition to surfing they offer yoga in their open-air studio, a tennis court, skateboard ramps, basketball, a swimming pool and ping pong table. Massages are also available on request.

Dreamsea Surf Camp, Praia da Galé, Portugal

Dreamsea Surf Camp Portugal is located in the Camping Galé campsite, in a pine forest just next to one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, namely, Praia da Galé. The camp offers a wide array of facilities such as a swimming pool, beach bar, tennis court, futsal court, wifi, barbecues, ping-pong, mini ramp, volleyball area, slack line, indoboard and as well as a few stores inside the camp like a supermarket, restaurant and bar.

The mid-west coast of Portugal where Praia da Galé is located is a perfect destination for surfing due to the consistent swell, wide variety of waves and great sunny weather all year long. It thrives with life, where young people from all over Europe and further afield come to enjoy the sun, sea, sand and parties.

Lineup, Fuerteventura Surf Camp, Canary Islands

The Lineup Surf Camp is located on the famous Canarian North Shore in Fuerteventura. The vibe at this surf camp is super chilled and caters to both surfers and kite surfers. After a long day in the water, kick back, have some beers and a barbecue in wonderful atmosphere. You may even get to enjoy a jam session with their camp manager.

Guests here stay in a selection of ultra-modern apartments from 2 all the way through to 6 people. Each unit has a seating area, kitchen, and bathroom with a shower. Depending on level they may feature a You can order lovely Canarian or international food to enjoy in their camp garden. Alternatively you can cook yourself a meal at one of their two kitchens.

After dinner, why not hit the town to enjoy some of the local nightlife. The surf house has a lounge and common spaces with smart TV’s loaded with Netflix and YouTube. The big patio area includes stone showers, an outside dining area, BBQ zone, and Bali-style beds.

Tiny Whale Surf Lodge, Lagos, Portugal

This boutique surf lodge is set in Portugal’s Algarve region. With it’s beautiful modern design it offers everything you’d expect form a high-end surf lodge. Fast WIFI in all rooms, a surf barn stocked with hundreds of different boards, a swimming pool, jacuzzi, chill-out garden spaces with a yoga studio, a movie lounge and fire pit.

Their room options come with everything you’ll need to be comfortable during your stay. Either choose the luxury of an en-suite room, our comfortable private room or new bell tents. They also have shared room options. You’ll be surrounded by quaint, antiquated Portuguese villages where authentic food and culture is served daily.

Shaka, Puntarenas, Costa Rica Surf & Yoga Retreat

Nestled in a tropical garden of native trees and wildlife our Shaka offers both villas and rooms to relax in after a day of surfing, including the comforts of modern amenities such as air-conditioning and hot water.

The Shaka communal area, an open-air palm-roofed rancho, is also an ideal place to unwind in a hammock between surf sessions. Whether you’re a solo traveller or staying as a couple or group, you’ll find the Shaka accommodation options will suit a myriad of different tastes.

All of the meals at Shaka are prepared by their chef, José Muñoz, using locally-sourced produce. Before your morning surf session you’ll enjoy a delicious sunrise snack of fresh fruit and granola. Thereafter you can enjoy a hearty dish of a typical Costa Rican breakfast such as gallo pinto, omelets, tortillas, or banana pancakes. You’ll be served a daily special utilizing fresh fish, poultry, meats, and locally grown vegetables for dinner.

Kima Surf, Weligama, Sri Lanka Surf Camp

Kima Surf has worked hard to create a truly unique and relaxing atmosphere when developing the surf camp in Weligama, Sri Lanka. Stylish double and shared bedrooms, each with their own bathrooms, dorms of various unique formats are located within the colonial structure which is surrounded by a large expanse of tropical gardens.

All rooms at this surf camp meet western criteria and feature hot water and A/C. Several beach breaks are waiting for you right outside the door. These are perfect for beginners to intermediates. Advanced surfers can take a short Tuk Tuk ride from the camp to access higher level waves.

Malibu Popoyo Surf Camp, Nicaragua

This surf camp sees itself differently to other surf camps. They aren’t just a hotel, a surf break, a retreat center, a restaurant, or a yoga studio. They are all of these and so much more. They offer a curated experience, with something for explorers, adrenaline junkies, and first-timers. Their goal is to immerse their guests in nature, culture and vitality, so they leave with more life in their mind, body, and spirit.

With more than 10 world-class breaks within 30 miles, the main event is undoubtedly surfing. However, there is a wave for everyone ranging from longboard peelers and beach breaks to deep and hollow reef breaks.

With their open-sided, wooden-floor palapa nestled among lush Nicaraguan gardens and neighboring ocean waves, you can take a daily yoga class to ensure you stay supple for your time in the water.

Wood ‘n Sea Surf Lodge, Capbreton, France

The Wood’n Sea Lodge is a typical French house built out of wood and surrounded by pine trees. It’s located in the quaint fishing village of Capbreton and just a short walk from the famous surf spot La Piste. The lodge can accommodate up to 15 guests in 3 comfortable dorms and two cosy couple rooms, all sharing three independent bathrooms.

It also has a large wood deck with a barbeque, a lounge area to share a drink with other guests and a hammock area to chill and relax after a surf session. In the summer, yoga lessons, stretching, and massages take place on the outdoor deck area. Hossegor is also nearby, host to famous surf spots, La Gravière and La Nord.

Karma Surf Retreat, Guincho Bay, Portugal

The Guincho Bay Villa is located in Figueira do Guincho, just a 40 min drive from Lisbon. This plush residential area consists of just a handful of villas with stunning views of the well-known Praia do Guincho. The south-facing location guarantees sun all day long.

The stylishly designed villa can accommodate 14 people across five rooms and one apartment. The large property has a natural garden surrounded by a wild coastal landscape. Within it, you’ll find a meditation deck, hammocks, and a large pool area with sauna, jacuzzi, and deck chairs. From here, you” be able to enjoy some magical sunsets. A large yoga deck is also embedded in the hillside with fantastic views of the cliffs and the sea.

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