Choosing a surf camp based on your level and experience is crucial to you enjoying your time and improving your performance over the trip. This is often quite complicated and definitely requires time and effort to be dedicated to the research of the camp. This research should be divided into different sections including the location of the camp, equipment offered, range of surf instructors and extra amenities. These are all vitally important factors in the consideration of what surf camp best suits you, however before this decision process can take place it is essential that you have an honest conversation with yourself about your level and experience and your goals that you wish to achieve on this trip. Throughout this conversation it is absolutely crucial to be humble and be very cautious of overestimating your own abilities as this will lead to a suboptimal experience. Once you have thoroughly analyzed where you are at in your surfing journey this is where the decisions on what camp come into play.
Location:
The factor of location has varied and multiplied throughout the years. These days we see surf camps in virtually every corner of the globe where there's a beach you will often find a surf camp now even inland; you’ll have options with the multitude of wave pools popping up across Europe and North America. Due to this huge range of choice, you can find the camp that best suits your abilities and your specific needs to make the best out of your trip. Now that you’ve analysed your ability it is now up to you to pick a surf camp with the selection of waves accessible that best suit your ability. For example, for beginners it is essential to have mellower, consistently small waves accessible, these waves should be gentle, predictable and forgiving allowing the surfer to focus on the fundamental basics of the sport and not having to worry about getting injured. On the other side a more advanced surf would be looking for a camp located near punchier, hollower waves which are typically found in areas that receive large amounts of swell. These waves allow for more high-performance surfing and often are composed of point breaks, reefs and punchy beach breaks: that go from deep water to shallower water creating bigger more powerful waves. These high-performance waves are often less consistent so it is essential that there are some consistently good spots in the vicinity of the camp.
Equipment:
Boards and wetsuits available are another factor to consider when choosing a surf camp, as these could either make or break your trip. Thus, it is vitally important to make sure the equipment matches your ability. Equipment is a very personalised aspect of the surf camp and can range from wetsuits, rash vests, and of course boards. The surf camp organisation must include a range of boards provided to allow you to advance and progress over your stay. For a beginner surfer, it is essential that they are provided with a soft top longboard with a high volume, which ensures that the board floats well and is stable — this is a must when preparing for a beginner surf camp. On the other hand, an advanced surfer would require a smaller, more specialised board, often consisting of th
rusters or twin fins, as expected when preparing for an expert surf camp. Before heading off on your surf camp, consider checking a surf trip packing checklist or surf camp luggage guide to ensure you don’t miss any essential gear for your surf trip. Whether you're going to Hegoa Surf Camp, planning a surf trip in Portugal, or heading to a surf camp in France, having the right surf camp equipment will help you enjoy and progress during your surf stay.
Instruction:
Surf instruction varies greatly depending on your ability, as a beginner surfer you would need someone in the water with you pushing you into waves and giving you tips on how to balance on a surfboard and how to stay on the wave. An advanced surfer would need a surf camp guide or a videographer/ coach to take videos of you to help you progress and show you ways in which you can improve and small adjustments you can make to your riding. They would also need a guide to show them the spots and teach them what conditions they work in. It is important to ensure that the surf camp you choose has the available coaching that suits your needs and most importantly your ability.
Conclusion
Thus when choosing a surf camp weather in the Basque country, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Spain morocco or bali it is very important to make a checklist and insure that the camp that you choose has the location, equipment and instruction that matches your ability and allows you to progress and improve over you trip as well as making your trip as enjoyable as possible.
