How you all doing?

All is going Swell here in Cabarete on the North coast of the Dominican Republic.

We just had the busiest and most fun filled surf camp winter 2011/2012 season end. Not the best waves this season, (but definitely the best vibes). When we say the waves were not the best, we mean that we did not get many double overhead swells. But since most of our guests are beginners or intermediates, they got the best of the surf conditions, consistent waves in between the chest and overhead range, which is perfect for learning or improving your skills.

We are now in May, and the camp is still 80% full, so the social vibe at the camp continues. In fact the vibe has received a new impulse with some staff changes.

A new qualified surf instructor has joined Swell: Amanda, she’s 20 years old;  very very enthusiastic about teaching people how to surf in a structured, fun and safe way.

Besides being a great surf instructor she is also a very good surf photographer, so if you want a souvenir from your Caribbean surf holiday here in Cabarete, talk to Amanda to have your surf picture taken by her.

Amanda’s first client, Alex, was up and riding in no time.

Constant feedback to take it to the next level.

The next big change at Swell Surf camp Cabarete is that we have a new camp manager: Houdy, she will be replacing Martha, who has been with us for 2 years and did a great job, she will be missed.

Houdy has lots of experience in the hospitality industry, she loves cooking and gardening, so expect good food and a great looking garden upon your arrival.

Another new staff member is Luca, a young and very vibrant Dominican. He’s been with us for a month now and even though he doesn’t speak much English yet (he starts his English lessons tomorrow) the clients adore him, he’s very helpful and a great surfer and assistant instructor.

And the last change is Ashley, who will also be a member of the Swell Surf camp team, he’s a qualified kite surf instructor and will also be teaching surfing and doing guided surf trips when the waves are pumping.

Summer season is coming up, which means great news for kite and windsurfers, because the trade winds are very predictable for the afternoons.
This doesn’t mean however that the surf season has ended, in  fact summer is one of the best seasons for complete beginners, small gentle waves make perfect playgrounds for learning to surf without getting pounded by big waves. Also a great season for families looking for a safe surf holiday with their kids.

Oh and did we mention that we have low season surf package pricing in place between may and October? see the surf packages page here >>

Here’s some of the better pics from the last week.

Amy was a natural, taking chest high waves all by herself after the 1 week surf course

Dill is jealous since his new beach buddy has very cool sunnies.

Ok, that’s it for now.

Hasta pronto

Swell Surf camp team