Surfing is a popular sport, especially with many health fanatics who consider it a great way to keep in shape. If you’re a beginner and want to hone this skill, you might consider joining a surf camp. But, is it worth it? This article will take a deep dive into the essentials of surfing camps to make making a decision easier.

What exactly are surf camps?

These camps are retreats, especially planned and designed to offer you a complete surfing experience. But, don’t think for a second that you’ll be limited to surfing alone at these retreats.

In fact, by a whole experience, we mean a chance to not only develop the skills you need to one day be a professional surfer but also give you an opportunity to meet exciting people, both professionals and learners like yourself, and have a fun time at the beach.

Of course, camp organizers know that all work and no play makes Tim a dull boy. Camp packages, therefore, offer an all-inclusive retreat that will leave you refreshed and full of valuable surfing techniques by the end of it.

However, be sure to also read through the downsides of surf camps. Nothing on this planet is all bliss. If you want a rose, you’ll have to deal with its thorns too. 

3 Key benefits of surf camps

Surf camps are afresh, making a buzz, and for good reason. Lots of people flock to these ideal places of instruction and leisure to boost their game and have a good time. Here are some of the benefits of these programs you should check out:

1. You’ll develop valuable skills

The entire purpose of a surf camp is to up your surfing game by the end of it and help you acquire the manoeuvers and talent that will help you tackle monstrous waves with ease. These retreats have a comprehensive program that follows a rigorous schedule and teachers who instruct meaningful content according to your level.

If you’re a beginner and have never been out in the ocean with a surfboard before, you can be sure that during this training, you’ll learn how to ride your board while maintaining balance and stability.

2. You’ll meet professors and make valuable friends 

The people that you meet at surf camps will change your life. Remember that while some of these people are there to learn just as you, others are present to offer meaningful surfing advice that will remain with you for the rest of your life.

Either way, whether you meet a newbie or someone with the skills that you hope to acquire, your knowledge about surfing and about life, in general, will increase with each interaction that you have the privilege of having.

So, while there, don’t lock yourself into your cozy room just to be comfortable. Instead, venture out into the open and see how your life will change. You won’t return the same!

3. There will be other activities too!

A surf camp doesn’t mean you’ll spend all your time surfing. That will become too boring after a few days. Surf camps are called retreats for a reason. They include other interesting activities, which might vary with different camps, food, and accommodation.

The entertainment will help to refresh you and give you a chance to indulge in light-hearted games and events that’ll leave you energized for your next surfing lesson. 

Why surf camps might not be all that you dreamed of

While the benefits are great, we cannot neglect the cons of surf camps that might make you reconsider joining one. Here are the top four:

1. They can cost a lot of money

Most surf camps aren’t cheap because of a lot of planning and the costs involved in creating them in the first place. This is, for the most part, true if you plan on attending one for several months.

If you don’t have enough money or savings to invest in this activity, then you’ll have to find another way to fulfill your dream of being a great surfer, like perhaps joining a surf school.

2. They don’t offer you much flexibility

With a strict schedule in place that needs to be followed if you want to keep up with the program, you might not be able to get sufficient time to explore the new area or city you’re in. while some surf camps might be located near where you live, there are others more exotic ones that give you a chance to travel to places you might have never seen before.

A tight schedule means a limited time to see a different place and learn about its culture.

3. You might get overwhelmed by the pressure

The entire purpose of a surf camp is to make you learn what you’ve been wanting to perfect all this time: surfing! Some camps might be more intense than others, which can get pretty overwhelming if you aren’t used to their pace.

Also, remember that surfing demands physical exertion. If you’re not fit, you’ll be left behind.

4. You might be constrained by the level

While there may be retreats that train advanced surfers, most invest their time and energy into introducing beginners to the sport or upping the game of intermediate surfers. If you’re already a pro and are looking for a camp that’ll cater to your level and need a challenging course such as surf guiding, you might have a hard time finding one and you might be required to do extensive research.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that surf camps are excellent training facilities that develop your skills, all the while offering you an enticing environment where you can learn, make friends, and have a wonderful time.

But you must study your preferred retreat before deciding to join. If a particular schedule does not offer a course that aligns with your skill level and preferences, it’s best to look elsewhere.