It seems that every man and woman (and their dog) is seeking out surf lessons in this day and age. And truth be told, we don’t blame them!
Surfing rules for so many reasons. And besides the thrill of gliding across a wave, the surfer lifestyle is fun and carefree. But how to book a learn-to-surf holiday when you've never surfed before?
For this article, we spoke with a bunch of past guests and asked them for some tips on how to pull off the perfect learn-to-surf holiday.
Here’s what they said!
15. Pick a surfing destination that suits you
From Indonesia to Costa Rica, Portugal and France, there are heaps of great places to learn to surf. But before you start planning your dream surfing holiday, make sure you pick a destination that's tailored to your needs and wants.
Ask yourself: Do I want to explore a bustling city and hit the waves between museums? Or do I want to head somewhere really mellow and spend my time surfing, socialising and chilling on the beach?
Maybe you want to travel abroad or perhaps you would prefer to surf somewhere close? Weigh up your budget and the amount of time you can spare then plan your destination from there.
14. Book with friends (the more, the merrier)
Surfing is a sport you can do on your own, but the fun factor is multiplied with each friend you bring. So why not rope in a few of your nearest and dearest and plan a holiday that everyone can enjoy?
Not only are surf trips much more enjoyable with friends (or family), but you'll also be able to share costs such as transport, food and even board hire. So what's not to love?
13. Make sure you have your travel insurance sorted
The old saying when it comes to travel insurance is that if you can't afford it, then you can't afford to travel. Fortunately, there are now more travel insurance companies than ever.
Many of these companies offer budget-friendly and easy-to-use coverage options for you to purchase too. PassportCard Nomads, for example, is one of the most popular amongst past and present guests. And because they offer extreme and action sports coverage, you can push yourself in amazing waves with total peace of mind!
12. Plan your learn-to-surf holiday in advance
There are certain things that can be left to the last minute in life. But if you want to avoid paying the big bucks for flights or losing out on awesome accommodation, then you'll want to plan your learn-to-surf holiday in advance.
Try and book your flights and accommodation at least a few months before you go. That way, you can take advantage of discount deals and budget-friendly flight options. And get the best rooms!
11. Don't be afraid to book outside of peak season
In Europe, the most popular learn-to-surf period for beginners is during the summer months (June-August). But if you're looking for more budget-friendly options and empty lineups, then you may want to consider reserving outside of this period.
Late spring is also an option, although the water in Hossegor can be a bit nippy. Early autumn is becoming more and more popular. If in doubt, shoot us an email and we'll give you the lowdown on the best times for beginner surfers.
10. Decide whether to road trip or fly
Nothing says learn-to-surf vacation like an incredible road trip to the coast with your friends. With the music pumping and the windows down, you'll be ready to ride the waves as soon as you arrive. However, if you're short of time, you might prefer to fly. There's nothing wrong with a quick in and out. And you'll a bit of money on fuel too if you’re driving from far away.
9. Pack the right clothing for your learn-to-surf trip
Going in the summer? Then you can get away with less clothing than usual. Planning a learn-to-surf trip in the cooler months? Then you'll need to pack a few extra layers.
Essentially, the temperatures in the destination that you'll be visiting will determine what you wear. Bear in mind too that some places, like Hossegor in autumn, can be quite warm during the day and cooler during the evenings.
8. Find out whether you need your own surfboard or wetsuit
It's all very exciting going on your first learn-to-surf holiday. And you might be tempted to buy a surfboard or wetsuit for the trip. But we recommend finding out whether that's even necessary first. Because in most cases, you can rent them at the destination.
Here at Southwest Surf House, for example, we provide you with everything you need to get in the water. From surfboards to wetsuits and all the rest, all the gear necessary is included in your booking.
Check out our reservation guide for more info on what you need.
7. Bring a few treats from your home country
Like getting presents? So do we... but there's only one thing better than receiving gifts. It's giving them out! That's right, if you're visiting a new destination for your learn-to-surf journey and are expected to meet new people, nothing breaks the ice quicker than bringing a few treats from your home country.
So try and think of something small yet meaningful that you can gift people. It could be anything from chocolates to beer to a fridge magnet. Whatever you choose, it'll be sure to put a smile on the faces of your hosts and your new friends.
6. Brace yourself for late evenings and early starts
Late nights and early starts. It might sound like a contradiction. But trust us when we say that the best learn-to-surf destinations have a happening nightlife and a commitment to being the first ones in the water.
Now, that might sound like you're burning the candle at both ends. But trust us when we say that there's nothing better than winding down with a few beers or a vino or two after a long day in the surf or surf skating Hossegor’s sidewalks. And then waking up early to catch those dreamy waves before anyone else.
5. Keep a travel diary that you can read for years to come
Learn-to-surf holidays don't come around all that often for the sole reason that you won't be a beginner forever!
So instead of just going through the motions and hoping that you remember it for years to come, why not capture it all in a travel diary? With each entry, you'll be able to reflect back on the journey and the lessons that you learnt. That way, you'll be able to relive your learn-to-surf trip for the rest of your life.
4. Consider booking with a surf house
Car rentals, wetsuits and surfboards, accommodation and surf lessons. It's a lot of researching and punching in credit card details to sort all of these things for your surf trip... not to mention the fact you'll still need to pay for meals.
If you book with a surf house like ours though, all of that becomes a breeze. With us, you get everything you need for your first learn-to-surf trip, including a comfy bed, delicious dinners and nutritious breakfasts plus a bike to take you to and from the beach. Essentially, we make sure all you have to worry about is getting to our front door from your house!
3. Brush up on your surf slang
Surf slang is kinda strange and when you arrive at your surf accommodation, you might discover that we sound like we're speaking in riddles.
Don't be alarmed though... you're simply hearing surf slang for the first time. Developed over almost a hundred years of surf culture, surf slang is actually really helpful to learn. Because not only will it make fitting in easier, but you'll also know what people mean when they say that they're "Stoked to surf pumping waves and get tubed".
2. Mentally prepare for inevitable (but always funny) wipeouts
Worried about booking a learn-to-surf lesson, only to wipe out on your first wave? You shouldn't.
Falling off a surfboard when trying to catch a wave, pop up and ride it to the shore is really, really common. It's also a sign that you're actually trying, so think about it more like you're making progress instead of failing. Because at the end of the day, the laughs you have with your friends when someone stacks it are totally worth it.
1. Remember to appreciate every second of your trip
Last but certainly not least, one of the best tips for planning the ultimate learn-to-surf vacation is to appreciate every single second of it. It really is a privilege to be able to book a holiday to a beautiful destination and spend your days in and around the ocean.
So take a moment to give thanks for your surf trip and remember that every lesson, every new friend made and all those sunny beach days (plus even the wipeouts) will eventually become a special memory that you get to look back on with fondness.