Do it now: Surf camps

From new surf camps and trips plus plenty of quieter spots to catch a wave, get your ticket to ride some of the best swells around the world

By Sam Lewis
Published 7 Aug 2017, 16:00 BST, Updated 12 Jul 2021, 10:04 BST

Making waves

Wales: Surf Snowdonia, a world-first inland surf lagoon, has a selection of new wave camps, which include yoga, surf fitness and nine hours of structured tuition. A three-day course costs £250.

USA: Huntington Beach — California's Surf City — hosts the Vans US Open of Surfing, each summer, and the Surf Dog competition on 24 September. America As You Like It's new surfing trip costs £1,490 each.

Peru: Chicama is home to the world's longest surfable wave. Learn to ride it under the tutelage of former surf champs. Aracari's new eight-night 'Peru on the Waves' trip costs from £2,500 per person.

Portugal: Owned by Swedish ex-surf champion John Malmqvist, the boho Surfers Lodge Peniche offers lessons in Nazaré and Peniche. It's also kitted out with a roof terrace and pool.

Alternative adventures

Sri Lanka: The south and west coasts are the less touristy options. Try Mirissa, best visited between December and April, when the waters are calmer and the beach bars and restaurants are in full swing.

Nicaragua: Former British surfing champion Johnny Fryer runs camps in Newquay, from £139, and Nicaragua, from £1,549, where he'll help you find the best waves.

Seychelles: From April to October catch the constant beach break on Petite Anse. Lessons are with TropicSurf, and best followed by a Surfer's Massage. A 2.5 hour guided trip costs from €160 (£140).

British Columbia: Head to Masset, Haida Gwaii National Park. Board rental and lessons from C$100 (£60) for 4-8 people, C$125 (£70) for 2-3 people or private lessons from C$200 (£115).

Surf slang

Out back

A major challenge — paddling beyond the breaking waves

Outside
A warning that a large wave is approaching and will break further out than normal

Paddlepuss
Someone who stays close to shore and plays in the whitewater

Rail bang
To fall off and (painfully) take the surfboard between the legs

Noah
Beware! Aussie rhyming slang — Noah's Ark equals shark

Published in the September 2017 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

loading

Explore Nat Geo

  • Animals
  • Environment
  • History & Culture
  • Science
  • Travel
  • Photography
  • Space
  • Adventure
  • Video

About us

Subscribe

  • Magazines
  • Disney+

Follow us

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society. Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved