Is a Surf Retreat Worth It?
Are you considering a surf retreat but wondering if it’s really worth the investment? In this article we will guide you through the benefits and things to consider before you book a retreat. We’ll look at what exactly a surf retreat is, what you can expect your experience to be like, whether surf retreats are worth the cost, and how to choose the right one. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether a surf retreat is the right adventure for you.
Table of Contents
What Exactly is a Surf Retreat?
A surf retreat is a basically an immersive experience that allows you to explore what life as a surfer is like while improving your surf skills and making new friends along the way. These retreats typically take place in coastal locations known for their excellent surf conditions, offering participants the chance to surf a variety of waves.
Key Elements of a Surf Retreat Include:
Surf Sessions
This is the main feature of every surf retreat – the surfing. Professional surf instructors provide personalized guidance and instruction, catering to all skill levels from beginners to advanced surfers. The retreat leaders will often review the conditions at multiple locations in the area and choose the best for your group that day.
Surf Theory
Every good surf retreat should include surf theory classes. These happen on land before or after surf sessions. The topic of these theory classes will depend based on your level but at Independent Surfer Retreats, we will usually cover topics such as reading & catching waves, understanding the line-up, the pop-up, speed generation, duck diving, turning, and for the more advanced surfers, barrel riding and aerials.
Photo or Video Analysis
One of the best ways to fast-track your surf progress is through reviewing your photos or videos. Most surf retreats will take these photos or videos of you during your surf sessions and then give you the opportunity to review them with professional coaches. Surfing is extremely technical and these coaches will point out the technique you are getting right as well as explain areas for improvement.
Accommodation
Participants stay in comfortable accommodations, often near the beach or surf spots. Accommodations can range from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious beachfront villas, depending on the retreat’s focus, location, and price point.
Meals
Retreats typically include meals, ensuring participants are well-nourished and energized for their surfing adventures. Meals may be provided at on-site restaurants or cafes, or participants may have the option to explore local eateries.
Social Activities
Beyond surfing, many retreats offer opportunities for socializing, relaxation, and enjoying local attractions. These activities may include beach bonfires, yoga classes, meditation sessions, cultural excursions, or game nights.
Community
Surf retreats provide a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for surfing and the ocean. Participants can form lasting friendships and build a sense of community with fellow surfers.
What is a Surf Retreat Like?
Going on a surf retreat can be a life changing experience. We find that people often seek out a surf retreat during pivotal moments of their life – both good and bad. Maybe you are bored with your routine and looking for an adventure. Maybe you recently have been through some tough times and a change of scenery will get you out of a rut. Or, maybe you are in a great space and just want to push your surfing boundaries.
Arriving At A Surf Retreat
Typically, when you arrive at a surf retreat, you begin by meeting a dozen new faces. You introduce yourself to your follow surfers, your coaches, and the staff. You see your room and get a tour of the facilities. If you’re a seasoned surfer you might immediately run off for a quick free surf, or if you’re a beginner you chat with the guests, eye up the beginner surfboards and have a walk to the beach.
A Typical Surf Retreat Itinerary
The next few days are often very intense, with dawn patrol sessions (a term for early morning surfs), tasty meals, afternoon surfs, yoga, and often early nights. Surf, eat, surf theory, surf, eat, yoga, adventure, dinner, sleep – is what you can expect. Slowly over these days, you start to open up to the other guests. You may find that an icebreaker game night leads to interesting conversations which turn into new friendships.
Surf Progress Expectations
Over the course of the week you will often experience many emotions. You might be excited and energetic when you first arrive. Before the first surf session you might feel nervous about what to expect. When you catch a great wave, you will be stoked. But, then you might see your videos and be a bit disappointed that the double overhead wave you caught was actually knee high. You will be frustrated when you struggle to apply the feedback you received from your coach. But, on the 4th day you manage to apply the correction and notice the huge leap in your skills. Finally, by the last day, you will be exhausted, but definitely not ready to leave.
Expect The Unexpected
You never know which of these moments will be life changing, or how life changing they will be. Life changing moments we have seen on surf retreats range from finding a new life-long passion for surfing, through new friend groups that end up surfing together when they get home, and even new relationships that lead to a lifetime together (check out our story).
Is a Surf Retreat Worth the Cost?
The cost of a surf retreat can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, accommodation, and the level of amenities offered. While the initial investment may seem high, the benefits and experiences gained can make it a worthwhile investment for many.
In order to judge the value to cost, you need to consider what you are getting at a surf retreat. We’ve already listed what a surf retreat includes above, but how do we put a value on each of those items?
Surf Sessions
The value of your surf sessions on a retreat may vary depending on your ability. Most beginner surfers will want and need a coach in the water with them. The cost of private coaching can be astronomical if you’re in an expensive location, or at least add up to a significant sum if you’re in a more affordable location.
If you’re a more advanced surfer, the value of expert local surf guiding cannot be understated. You definitely don’t want to spend your surf trip driving around to waves on the wrong tides or arrive at the most crowded time of day.
Surf Theory
Knowledge is valuable. Once you attend surf theory classes, you gain knowledge about the nuances of correct technique and a better understanding of the ocean. This knowledge can save you years of frustration on your surf journey. Usually, surf theory classes at surf retreats go above your current skill level. This means, that your new knowledge will continue to serve you even after you get back home.
Photo or Video Analysis
Private surf filming or photography is very expensive. By joining a surf retreat, you are able to get most of your sessions filmed for much less than the cost of private filming.
Accommodation
The value of your accommodation does depend on what you’re after. Typically, because of the bundled nature of a surf retreat, the accommodation is discounted from what it would be if you booked privately.
Meals
The value of your meals will also vary based on the surf retreat you choose. We recommend choosing a retreat with most (if not all) meals included. This saves significant costs compared to eating at a restaurant for every meal. Additionally, you are relieved of the burden of choosing where to eat and what to eat. Trust us, after two surfs a day, there is nothing better to jumping out of the shower to a hot plate of food waiting for you.
Social Activities
As we mentioned, many surf retreats include extras such as yoga, horseback riding, or just simple game nights. These activities allow you to bond with your group and keep you occupied when you’re not surfing. Of course you can do yoga on your own, but there is definitely value in joining in with a group.
Community
The community aspect is the hardest to value, and of course we cannot put a monetary value on this. Rather, the value comes in the form of memories and happiness from your experience. If you prefer to be solo, then maybe a surf retreat doesn’t have much value to you. But, if you want to make connections, an organized surf retreat will definitely provide you with this value.
How to Choose the Right Surf Retreat
The ultimate question every surf enthusiast looking for a surf retreat has, how to choose the right surf retreat for me. As always, the answer to that question depends on what you are looking to get out of your experience at your next surf retreat. Let’s take a look at all the factors you should consider in order to choose the right surf retreat for you.
Does The Retreat Cater To Your Surfing Ability
Choosing the correct retreat for your ability is crucial. As a beginner, you want to make sure that you will receive good technical coaching from the beginning. This can often be overlooked since beginning surfers do not see the necessity of good technique yet. However, developing proper habits from the start will set a solid foundation for progression.
If you’re an intermediate or advanced surfer, it is important to check out who your coaches will be. Some surf retreats hire intermediate surfers as coaches, or may hire very advanced surfers but who do not have much coaching experience. Before jumping into any retreat, you should check that the coaching will cater up to your skill level to avoid any disappointment.
Surf Retreat Location
Before signing up for a surf retreat or surf camp, do a bit of research about the location. Not all surf retreats are located close to the surf spots. Some retreats are located right on the break, while others are located closer to shops and restaurants. It depends on your personal preferences – whether you want to maximize surf time or if you want to visit the local surroundings.
Price Compared To What's Included
While shopping around for surf retreats, you may notice a big variety in price. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest one, it’s important to make sure you understand what is included in the offering. For instance, some surf retreats may only include one surf a day while others will offer two. Perhaps even more importantly, some may not include certain necessities that will ultimately drive up the price – such as airport transfers, all meals, equipment usage, etc. Ultimately, while one price may look higher on its face, it might ultimately be equivalent or perhaps even more cost effective than another option.
Level Of Surf Coaching
We’ve already touched on this above, but the ability of your surf coaches is so critical to your experience at a surf retreat. Before signing up for any retreat, make sure you ask about who your coaches will be and what their coaching style will be. Make sure to go with someone who understands and can explain the technical aspects of surfing. You likely won’t make much progress if your coach cannot provide correct feedback.
Final Thoughts
A surf retreat offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those seeking to improve their surfing skills, relax, and connect with like-minded individuals. By carefully considering your skill level, location preferences, accommodation options, and social activities, you can find the perfect retreat to suit your needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a complete beginner, a surf retreat can provide a transformative experience.It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and create lasting memories in a beautiful and inspiring setting.
