1 WEEK AT SWELL SURF CAMP, WHAT TO EXPECT
YOUR ULTIMATE 7-DAY LEARN TO SURF HOLIDAY ADVENTURE AT SWELL SURF CAMP
Picture this: you’re standing on a pristine Caribbean beach in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, with warm turquoise waters stretching endlessly before you. The tropical breeze carries the sound of breaking waves, and you’re about to embark on the most exciting week of your life – learning to surf at the award-winning Swell Surf Camp. This isn’t just any ordinary vacation; it’s a transformative surf and yoga holiday that will leave you with skills, memories, and friendships that last a lifetime.
At Swell Surf Camp, we’ve been perfecting the art of surf instruction since 2009, earning our reputation as the #1 rated surf retreat for adults in the Caribbean. Our boutique luxury surf hotel offers the perfect blend of professional instruction, comfortable accommodations, and an unbeatable social atmosphere that makes learning to surf both fun and effective.
WHAT MAKES SWELL’S LEARN TO SURF PROGRAM EXCEPTIONAL
Learning to surf can be intimidating, but our structured surf course is designed to help you progress quickly and safely. We understand that if you’re a complete beginner or have fewer than 20 hours of surf lessons under your belt, you’ll need expert guidance to build confidence in the water. Our qualified surf instructors use proven teaching methods that focus on safety, technique, and – most importantly – having an absolute blast while you learn.
The magic happens daily with our professionally guided surf sessions. Each morning, you’ll join your instructor and fellow surf enthusiasts as we transport you to the best surf spots suitable for your skill level. Cabarete’s consistent waves and warm water make it the ideal environment for beginners, with gentle rolling waves that provide the perfect learning platform.
Our surf technique approach emphasizes fundamentals first. You’ll master the art of reading waves, understanding ocean safety, proper board positioning, and the essential pop-up technique. As the week progresses, you’ll notice incredible improvement in your balance, wave selection, and overall surfing confidence. Many of our guests are amazed at how much they accomplish in just seven days!
BEYOND SURFING: THE COMPLETE SWELL EXPERIENCE
YOGA SESSIONS
3 times per week, we have afternoon yoga classes at Swell, the yoga is accessible and fun for all people. whether you have been doing yoga for years or have never tried yoga in your life.
ADVENTURE DAY TRIPS
Want to see more than just stunning beaches on your learn to surf holiday? There are several adventure trips on offer to our guests. The 1 favorite trip is always the 27 waterfalls. On this trip you’ll be abseiling, climbing, sliding and jumping into canyons in crystal-clear water.
SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE AND COMMUNITY
What truly sets Swell apart is our incredible community of like-minded, social, and active people. Our purpose-built boutique surf hotel creates the perfect environment for meeting fellow adventurers from around the world. The large communal area features a pool table, foosball, ping pong, and cozy spaces where lifelong friendships are forged over shared surf stories and tropical cocktails.
“ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES THAT EXCEED EXPECTATIONS”
Forget everything you think you know about surf camps. Swell offers stylish, modern accommodations that feel more like a boutique hotel than traditional surfer digs. Each private room features an en-suite bathroom with air conditioning, ensuring you’ll sleep comfortably after your action-packed days.
The property boasts a stunning swimming pool with LED and fiber optic lighting, creating a magical ambiance for evening relaxation. Free high-speed WiFi keeps you connected, while the shared lounge and TV area provide spaces to unwind and connect with fellow guests.
Located right in the heart of Cabarete, you’ll have easy walking access to 37 restaurants within 0.3 miles, including popular spots like Yalla, Gordito’s Fresh Mex, and Belgium Bakery. The famous Cabarete Beach is just 0.10 miles away, making it incredibly convenient for both organized surf sessions and spontaneous beach time.
CULINARY DELIGHTS AND NUTRITIOUS FUEL
LEGENDARY BREAKFASTS
Start your surf days with our legendary breakfasts that have become the stuff of legend among our guests. From fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets to fresh tropical fruits and locally sourced ingredients, our breakfast spread provides the perfect fuel for your surf adventures. These aren’t just meals – they’re social gatherings where the day’s surf conditions are discussed and friendships are strengthened.
HOME-PREPARED DINNERS
3 Home-prepared dinners are included in your 7-night package, featuring delicious local and international cuisine that caters to various dietary preferences. These communal dining experiences are often highlighted as one of the most memorable aspects of the Swell experience, bringing together guests from different backgrounds over exceptional food and shared adventure stories.
LEARNING PROGRESSION AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Your week-long surf journey follows a carefully structured progression designed to maximize your learning while ensuring safety and enjoyment. Here’s what you can expect:
Days 1-2: Foundation Building
- Ocean safety and surf etiquette
- Understanding wave dynamics and timing
- Proper paddling technique and board control
- Mastering the pop-up on the beach and in white water
Days 3-4: Wave Catching Mastery
- Catching unbroken waves
- Improving stance and balance
- Basic turning techniques
- Building confidence in slightly larger surf
Days 5-7: Technique Refinement
- Generating speed on waves
- More advanced maneuvering
- Wave selection skills
- Preparing for independent surfing
By the end of your week, you’ll have the skills and confidence to continue your surfing journey wherever waves may take you.
THE SWELL DIFFERENCE: WHY GUESTS CHOOSE US AGAIN AND AGAIN
With a near perfect 4.9 rating and #1 ranking among hotels in Cabarete, Swell Surf Camp has earned its reputation through consistently exceptional experiences. Our guests frequently mention several key factors that make Swell special:
Professional Instruction: Our qualified instructors are not just skilled surfers – they’re passionate teachers who understand how to help adults learn efficiently and safely.
Perfect Location: Being in the center of Cabarete means you’re steps away from restaurants, nightlife, and the beach, with no need for rental cars or motorcycles.
Inclusive Experience: With transportation to surf spots, meals, and accommodations included, you can focus entirely on learning and enjoying your holiday.
Adult-Focused Environment: We cater specifically to active adults seeking quality accommodations in a social setting, creating an atmosphere where meaningful connections flourish.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURF HOLIDAY SUCCESS
Getting fit for a surf holiday will help you make the most of your week with us. Surfing is incredibly demanding for both body and mind, requiring physical stamina, core strength, and mental focus. We recommend incorporating swimming, yoga, and core strengthening exercises into your pre-trip routine.
However, don’t worry if you’re not in perfect shape – our instructors work with guests of all fitness levels, and the warm Caribbean waters make learning more forgiving than in colder climates.
BOOKING YOUR TRANSFORMATIVE SURF ADVENTURE
Your learn to surf holiday at Swell Surf Camp isn’t just a vacation – it’s an investment in a new lifestyle, new skills, and new friendships. Whether you’re a complete beginner taking your first steps into the surfing world or someone looking to improve your existing skills in a supportive, professional environment, Swell provides the perfect foundation for your surfing journey.
The combination of expert instruction, stunning location, comfortable accommodations, and incredible community makes Swell Surf Camp the obvious choice for your Caribbean surf adventure. Don’t just take our word for it – join the thousands of guests who have discovered why Swell has been the top-rated surf retreat since 2009.
Your surfboard is waiting, the waves are calling, and the adventure of a lifetime is just a booking away. Welcome to Swell Surf Camp, where surfing dreams become reality, and every day brings new possibilities for adventure, growth, and connection.
Ready to transform your relationship with the ocean and yourself? Your week-long learn to surf holiday at Swell Surf Camp awaits – where professional instruction meets Caribbean paradise, and every guest leaves as part of the Swell family.
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WHERE IS SWELL LOCATED?
Swell Surf camp is located on the North coast of the Dominican Republic, right in the center of the cool surfer town of Cabarete. With 3 international airports to choose from it's also one of the easiest places to get to for a quick surf getaway. Puerto Plata Airport is only 25 minutes away from Swell. On the' getting here' page you'll find the different options of getting to us.
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ABOUT SWELL SURF CAMP
Founded in the winter of 2009, Swell Surf Camp emerged from Jeroen and Clare Mutsaars vision. They lived in the Dominican Republic for eight years and spotted a gap in the surf camp market for higher quality accommodations combined with an engaging social atmosphere. Their extensive travel and stay experiences across different countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Peru, Hawaii, Indonesia and various European nations fueled their passion to elevate the surfing retreat experience.
Swell Surf Camp is renowned as the world’s first luxury surf camp tailored specifically for beginners. The founders collaborated with a notable Swiss architect to design facilities that blend comfort with style. This innovative approach ensures every guest enjoys superior lodging and amenities. Since its inception, Swell has taught over 9,000 people how to surf with an emphasis on safety, fun, and structure.
Our achievements speak volumes. Swell has collected numerous accolades and maintains hundreds of stellar reviews from guests globally. Recognized repeatedly as the leading destination for luxury surf vacations, our commitment to excellence keeps us at the forefront of the industry.
Beyond surfing, Swell offers a diverse range of activities including kitesurfing, wingfoiling, and yoga classes. Guests can also enjoy horse riding both on scenic beaches and mountain trails—plus exciting adventure-filled excursions like canyoning.
A crucial element of any vacation is food, and here at Swell we excel. We provide delicious home-cooked meals daily. For evenings out, guests find themselves just minutes away from an array of dining options that promise satisfying culinary adventures.
For those who prioritize upscale amenities and wellness in a unique setting built around learning surf skills amid profound natural beauty, Swell should be on the top of your surf destination list
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A 1 WEEK LEARN TO SURF HOLIDAY
Dreaming of catching your first wave but wondering if surf lessons are really for you? At Swell Surf Camp, our lessons are designed specifically for beginners, and we mean absolute beginners, particularly those between 40 and 55 from cities like New York, Boston, or Toronto. You’ll never feel rushed, lost, or out of place. Our expert instructors genuinely love teaching, and their approach is as much about encouragement as it is about skill-building. Every instructor carefully tunes each lesson to fit one person, you, so you always get personalized support, whether you’re working on basic paddling, learning to pop up, or building confidence in the water.
The journey at Swell Surf Camp is about progression, not perfection. You’ll start with the very basics, practicing on the sand before moving into gentle ocean waves with your instructor right beside you. Throughout every lesson, our focus is on clear communication, safety, and keeping things fun. As you progress, our instructors give you feedback in real-time, helping you celebrate small wins and guiding your next steps. You’ll learn solid surfing foundations, water safety, and even the unwritten rules of surf culture. By the end of your stay, you’ll be amazed at your own growth and how natural surfing feels. Don’t wait to discover how transformative a single lesson can be, book your surf adventure at Swell Surf Camp and let your surfing journey begin!
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WHAT SPORTS DOES SWELL OFFER?
It's not only surfing that's on offer at Swell, we also offer learn to wingfoil and learn to kitesurf packages.
“Think of Swell as the anti-surf camp. There’s plenty of surfing, of course, but the similarities to other surf camps end there. For starters, the rooms are stylish — more boutique surf retreat than reggae-loving surfer digs. Then there are the legendary breakfasts (omelets, pancakes and crepes, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and fruit bowls). Structured surf lessons take place each morning. An instructor alongside you and the head surf coach watching from shallow water, ready to offer learn to surf tips between riding waves. If you are serious about learning to surf, then Swell should be on top of your destination list. Highly recommended! ”
Reference Source:
[Frommer’s Travel Guides]
Designed with the discerning surfer in mind, Swell is far from a crash pad. The spare clean lines, plush bedding, modern photographs and funky furniture say ‘boutique surf retreat’. The pool, ping-pong and foosball tables and social vibe suggest otherwise. A huge wood communal table is the center of the hanging-out action, after all the surfing is done. Highly recommended!
Reference Source:
[Lonely Planet]