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travel: surf camps

Choose surf…Choose a surf CampSo, you’ve seen the photos in the mags and you know it’s only going to get colder over the next few months. So what’s the best thing to do this autumn? Think about getting the hell out and booking a trip of course – and a surf camp might just be your best bet.

A surf camp trip can be a bit daunting if it’s your first time, but fear not: here’s SurfGirl’s guide to get you hooked up with friendly guys who will take the hassle out of your trip, make sure you score some decent waves, and ensure that you have a fantastic time to boot...

Why choose a surf camp?Our generation is super lucky. Getting to international surf destinations is becoming ever easier and cheaper as transport links improve and prices are driven down. But when you get there, you still want to get the best bang for your buck, especially when lots of us are operating on four weeks leave per year – you need to make sure that your waves-per-leave-day ratio is right up there!

If you’ve chosen a destination but don’t have a local contact, then get yourself booked in to a surf camp. There's lots of advantages – whether you're on your own or in a group – here’s why:

Logistics. You’ll often be met at the airport, ferry or station by a friendly rep from the camp, so the initial drama of finding a surfboard friendly taxi driver who isn’t going to rip off the lost white-girl tourist, and the time spent getting lost on the way to your accommodation is removed. Also you don’t need to worry about hiring a vehicle, familiarising yourself with the crazy local road system or trying to steer and read a map at the same time.

Surf guides will deliver you safe and sound to the beach each day – plus they’ll use their knowledge to get you to the right spot, so you’re not bouncing your hire car down the hundredth dead-end track of the day looking for ‘that spot’.

Hospitality. The sleeping arrangements at surf camps will consider the fact that you’re there to surf, and that

that’s priority numero uno. So you should be able to get a good, safe night’s sleep and be raring to go for the dawnie the next day.

Most surf camps will have their own chef cooking up carbo filled meals that will take the hassle out of tramping the streets looking for somewhere with a cockroach free kitchen. Plus if you want to eat out of the surf camp, they’ll be able to recommend the best local places.

Surf. On the surf side of things, choosing to stay in a surf camp means that you’ll have a friendly, knowledgeable local surfer at your disposal to guide you to the most suitable spots for the day and for your ability level. If you’re travelling without a board or you ding, snap or aren’t getting on with your current board, then the camp will have boards that you can hire, or facilities to get your board fixed.

If you decide that you want some lessons or coaching this will often be available, and there will probably be a camp photographer and videographer to capture the action during your best sessions (a new Facebook profile picture awaits!). If you’re travelling alone, a surf camp offers the opportunity to meet other likeminded wave riders, make some friends and swap tales of home and abroad.

If the surf goes flat you’re also have more options to stay amused. Most camps offer extras like yoga, visits to local sights, shopping trips or can just tell you the best place to go for a hassle free sunbathing session!

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moroccoMorocco is one of very few destinations where advanced, intermediate and beginner surfers can all find something to get stuck in to. Most people head to Taghazout, just north of Agadir. If you want good surf, plenty of culture and adventure - all within a few hours of Baltic Britain - then this is your place.

Surf Maroc, MoroccoRoxy and SurfGirl have joined forces with Surf Maroc for an exclusive Roxy Surf Maroc Girls Week at their amazing beach side villa in Taghazout, Morocco, renowned as one of the finest surf destinations in the world. It’s an indulgent week of radiant sunshine, perfect warm water waves, bespoke all girls surf coaching by BSA instructors and Roxy team riders, there will also be a invigorating and revitalizing yoga session each day, tranquil massage available and delicious, healthy food. The Roxy Surf Maroc Girls Weeks are aimed at developing your surfing and confidence in the water and open to any level from beginner to advanced.www.surfmaroc.co.uk

The surf Camp DireCTory

portugal - the algarveForget the rep of the ‘Brits Abroad’ Algarve – you’re further West than that golf-holiday-hell... Sure, it’s not tropical, but it is warm year round and the surfs great. The best thing about the Algarve is that it effectively has two coasts to choose from: the west which is open to the Atlantic swells, and the south which offers some classic sheltered spots if winter-swell-double-overhead isn’t your bag.

The Surf Experience, PortugalThe Surf Experience Portugal has been groundbreaking since it was conceived 18 years ago,it continues to be so with its ‘Boot Camp’ concept. Is your surfing stuck in a rut? Well, we nowprovide pro level coaching for anyone who aims to get a few levels above where they are. Due to the huge success of the gents weeks, we’re having our first girls only ‘boot week’ this November.These weeks are limited to six or seven people, enabling your development to go through the roof, plus there’s spa, massage, video analysis, training techniques, earlies and your own DVD of you surfing at the end! Change ya life - swear to god..!www.surf-experience.com

lanzaroteHistorically an A1 fave with Brits escaping our isles’ dank and dreary months, Lanzo has become a tad unfashionable of late... Which is great, as it means fewer crowds! It is an awesome spot, with a good variety of waves and as a Brits-abroad winter classic, Lanzo is one of the easiest surf-retreats to get to.

Surf School, LanzaroteWe have always coached women to surf to their full potential and count one European Champion and four National Champions in our past surfers that have gone through our system. But no matter your abilities or aspirations, or style of surfing our coaching method offers improvement and enjoyment for everyone. We know there is an important difference in the way that women learn – they’re smarter about technique then men, more aware of safety and leave their egos behind when on courses! We use women instructors as well as men and have always done so. “Definitely the best surf school in Europe with coaching that suits all levels and abilities.” Sarah Whiteley (British Squad member for the World Championships, English Champion, Junior European Champion and British Cup winner)www.surfschoolanzarote.com

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sayulita, mexicoSayulita is a casual, mellow surfbreak which is perfect for all skill levels. Surfers were some of the first foreigners to visit Sayulita in the late 1960's where they found warm water and consistent waves all year-round. Nowadays the town has a nice ambiance and fulfils the tropical surf dreams of surfers from all over the world making it the perfect destination for relaxed Mexican holiday.

GirlieCamps, Europe and MexicoGirlieCamps offer skate, surf and snow camps throughout Europe. GirlieCamps is the original camp for girls and have been around for eight years. GirlieCamps offer lots of fun and the chance to connect with like-minded girls from all around the globe. This season we organize surf camps in Biarritz, France, September 4-11, and Sayulita, Mexico, November 13-20. We will offer surf and kite surf camps in Fuerteventura in June 2011. New destinations this season include Newquay and Morocco. Check out the website for more information, or why not try out one of our snow camps! Every season, all the fun, just the girls! www.girliecamps.com

FranceThe deep water trench located off the Landes coast sucks every bit of life from the Atlantic Ocean and focuses it on the hard shallow sands so finding the waves is easy! If the weather and swell patterns are in place, you won't be dispatched home disappointed. If you do fail in your mission to find waves, then venture forth to the legendary night spots like the Rock Food!

Surf Sistas, France - Surf and Pilates CampSurf Sistas head to Hossegor in southwest France every September for our week long Surf and Pilates Camp. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to take your surfing to the next level, the Surf Sistas team are here to help you to make the most of your water time. Our beautiful modern surf villa nestled in the shade of Hossegor's pine forests is the perfect place to relax after a day’s surfing. Healthy and delicious meals are

lovingly prepared each day by Suzanne, our Surf Sistas chef, and Amy Swanson's daily Pilates classes will be keeping you all fired up for the waves. 11-18 September 2010 (2011 dates TBC) www.surfsistas.com/love/france

baliBali has been a surfers' paradise since the '80s, when it was an underdeveloped tropical island. Since then tourism has boomed. The names of Padang Padang, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua and Sanur conjour up images of perfection, but there are many more breaks for all abilities. Bali gets swell from southern ocean swells direct from the Antarctic, so it's rarely flat. Plus you can experience plenty of culture as well as great scenery. And if it's nightlife you're after then there's plenty on the mayhem of the Kuta strip!

Surf Sistas, Bali Why not surf your first perfect reef break in a tropical paradise under the guiding eye of our Surf Sistas team? Our Surf Sistas Bali camp moves between three locations, giving you the opportunity to really explore the incredible islands of Bali and Nusa Lembongan as well as improve your surfing. Alongside daily surf tuition and free surfs you’ll have the opportunity to visit Ubud, enjoy Yoga and Pilates, indulge in spa treatments and massage, relax in our beautiful accommodations, or even take a local cookery course. Come and join us in paradise for the surf adventure of a lifetime!May 2011 (7, 10 or 14 day camps) www.surfsistas.com/love/bali

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Surf School Lanzarote offers the most advanced beginner and intermediate coaching in Europe. We are the only ISA and BSA level 4 qualified school in the Canaries and all instructors are pro lifeguards. Our private accommodation is excellent and the school and apartments are situated in the small and lovely fishing village of Famara. Transport from resorts is also available. Warm water, wonderful scenery, and consistent surf make this without doubt the very best school in Europe for those serious about improvement.

Surf School lanzarote

tel/fax: 0034 928 528 623www.surfschoolanzarote.com info@surfschoolanzarote.com

Actionsport camps for girls only since 2002

girliecamps.com

Learn to surf or take your surfing to the next level on a Surf Sistas overseas adventure. Quality female surf tuition; beautiful accommodation in stunning locations; Yoga, Pilates and many other fun activities; make new friends and memories to last a lifetime. www.surfsistas.com - info@surfsistas.com - 020 8960 2471

Morocco - France - Bali

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the online surfshop

the online surfshop

the online surfshop

the online surfshop

the online surfshop

THE ONLINE SURF SHOP

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For all your winter travel needs.Boards, bags and accessories

orcashop.co.uk

tel: +44 (0)1794 322709 w: surfmaroc.co.uk

All girls surf and yoga weeks in the Moroccan sunshine

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