THE 6 BEST SURF CAMPS FOR BEGINNERS
THE 6 BEST SURF CAMPS FOR BEGINNERS
In this article “6 best surf camps for beginners destinations” we are going to explore some of the world’s best surf destinations for beginners.
Before we started Swell Surf Camp in the Caribbean in 2009 we operated a surf travel agency and that gave us the chance to visit over 25+ surf destinations to see what the surf conditions were like, so we had a pretty good idea of the different surfing conditions in the various surf destinations listed below.
But first, we need to have a look at what makes a good or best surf destination.
There is no such thing as one destination that ticks all the boxes. For one, someone who is in the early stages of their surf career is looking for a very different type of wave than a seasoned pro.
In this article, we focus on a region that has ideal learn-to-surf conditions for complete beginners.
We could have included more countries and regions on the list, but we have focused on what we consider the best surf camp destinations.
How To Choose The Best Beginner Surf Camp
Evaluating Surf Camp Locations
Picking the right spot for your surf camp is key. You’ll want to check out wave conditions and how they change with the seasons.
Consider wave conditions and seasonality
Choosing the right surf camp for beginners means looking at the waves and when they’re best. Some places have great waves in summer, while others are better in winter. You want to go when the waves are just right for learning – not too big, but not too small either.
I learned this the hard way during my first surf camp trip. The waves were huge, and it was tough as a beginner. So, check out when is the peak season for those friendly beginner waves.
“Catching your first wave feels incredible, but timing is everything.”
Seasons change and so do wave conditions. This influences your surfing a lot. If you pick a camp during its off-season, you might find yourself waiting on the beach instead of riding waves.
It’s all about finding that sweet spot – good weather plus perfect beginner waves equals an awesome surf experience!
Assessing Instruction Quality
Assessing instruction quality is key—make sure the surf camp has great teachers with real certifications and small classes to help you learn better. Ready to ride the waves? Keep reading for more tips on picking your perfect surf adventure!
Look for certified instructors and small class sizes
Picking the right surf camp means finding good teachers. You want instructors who know their stuff and don’t have too many students at once. Here’s how to do it:
- Check if instructors are certified. This means they have training to teach surfing well.
- Make sure there are not too many students for one teacher. A small group means you get more help.
- Look for camps where teachers have first aid skills. Surfing can lead to bumps and bruises, so this is important.
- Ask about class sizes before you sign up. The fewer students per class, the better.
- Read what other people say online about the teachers and their style of teaching.
- Find a surf camp that matches your level of surfing. If you’re just starting, make sure the camp is for beginners.
Next, let’s talk about where these surf camps are located and why it matters a lot for beginners like yourself!
This means you get more help learning to ride those waves. Also, think about where it is and what kind of place you’ll stay in. You want it to be fun and comfy, right? Don’t forget to read what other surfers say online – their reviews can tell you a lot! Finally, look at the gear they give you and how they plan your days of surfing lessons.
BEST SURF CAMPS FOR BEGINNERS
EXPERIENCE LEVEL:
BETWEEN 0 AND 5 SURF SESSIONS.
BEST SURF CAMP DESTINATIONS FOR BEGINNERS LEARNING TO SURF
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
WHERE IS IT LOCATED: Largest island In the Caribbean, the North coast faces the Atlantic, and the south coast faces the Caribbean.
GETTING THERE: Short direct flight from Miami or 3-hour flight from New York and Toronto. Charter flights from Europe
FOCUS SURF REGION: The north coast, 20 minutes from Puerto Plata International Airport.
LEARN TO SURF IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
What makes it a great surf destination for beginners:
We are biased since this is where we opened Swell in 2009, but we did so for a reason: we wanted a place where we can teach people to surf in a safe way. Playa Encuentro is the ideal spot, it has 350 surfable days in the year, with mellow reform waves on the inside breaking over a flat reef, deep enough to stand in the water (around chest high), easy access to the beach, no dangerous current or sea life. We have taught 5000+ guests over 10 years the sport of surfing.
There is no dangerous sea life present, nor are there dangerous rips or currents present. All this makes it one of the best places for a learn-to-surf camp for beginners.
BEST TIME TO GO: Any time of the year
More info: See this website
PROS
- Pretty white sand beaches, lined with palm trees.
- Friendly Caribbean vibes, in and out of the water.
- Budget-friendly
- Year-round surf destination
- Lots of alternative activities and sports
- No need to rent a car
- Close to an international airport
- Warm tropical climate and water
VIDEO OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
More info about the beginner surf camps Swell offers here >>
SURFING COSTA RICA
Where is it located: In the middle of Central America. 2 coastlines, the West coast faces the Pacific, and the east coast faces the Caribbean
Focus surf region: Pacific region of Guanacaste
What makes Costa Rica a great surf destination for beginners:
We have spent a lot of time in Costa Rica between 2014 and 2017. The waves in Nosara and Tamarindo offer a great playground for people new to the sport of surfing, and there are plenty of surf schools and surf camps in this area of Costa Rica.
Mostly sand bottom beach breaks make learning to surf in Costa Rica safe.
Best time to go: Smaller waves between November and March
PROS
- Safe country to visit in Central America
- Plenty of surf camps and surf schools to choose from
- Pretty beaches and wildlife
CONS
- The most expensive country to visit in the region, expect North American prices
- Domestic travel from San Jose international airport takes time and money
- Busy in the surf
BALI, INDONESIA
Where is it located: Southeast Asia, northwest of Australia, Indonesia consists of 17,500 islands, of which Bali is one of them.
Focus surf region: West coast of Bali, between Seminyak in the north to Uluwatu in the south
What makes Bali one of the best surf camp destinations for beginners:
Having lived in Bali for 6 years, we the owners of Swell, decided to open a Bali surf camp in 2020. We quickly realized that after Corona and Bali re-opening in 2022, that the surfing beaches have now gotten too crowded for us to teach our students the sport of surfing in a safe and fun way, we closed the doors on our Bali Surf Camp in 2023
Best time to go: Any time of the year.
PROS
- Close to Denpasar international airport
- Budget-friendly
- Great Balinese culture
- Warm tropical climate and water
CONS
- Kuta region traffic can be a nightmare
- Very busy surfing beaches in the Kuta and Uluwatu area
- Unregulated surf instructors and surf schools make for dangerous learning for beginning surfers
- Air travel from Europe and North America is lengthy, although once landed at Bali it is a short trip to the surf beaches.
PORTUGAL
Where is it located: Southwest corner of Europe, bordering Spain to the east.
Focus surf region: South Western tip of the Algarve and Alentejo
What makes Portugal one of the best surf destinations for beginners:
A mild climate makes Portugal a great place to visit for about 9 months of the year where the outside air temperature is 20° Celcius (69° Fahrenheit). Lots of open beach breaks mean there are not many days where the surf is too small to learn surfing.
A large variety of surf camps in schools cater for people between 18 and 24 years old.
Most teaching is done by qualified surf instructors
More info: coming soon
PROS
- Lots of budget hostel-style surf camps in Portugal to choose from
- European culture
CONS
- For most of the year, you have to wear a full wetsuit since the water is chilly
- In the summer months of July and August, the beaches get very crowded
CORNWALL, ENGLAND
Where is it located: SW tip of England.
Focus surf region: Cornwall
What makes Cornwall a great place for learning to surf
Cornwall has some of the most stunning beaches and coves in England ( and even Europe). Being well exposed to the Atlantic Ocean means that Cornwall gets plenty of waves. White sandy beaches make it a great place for your first surf lessons.
One of the surf school companies that we can highly recommend is Cornish Wave. Owned and operated by Jorrin, who also worked at Swell for a winter.
Highly professional, knowledgeable and friendly!
PROS
- Stunning scenery
- Sandy beaches
- Friendly locals
CONS
- Expensive destination
- Busy in the European summer months
Video of Cornwall
AUSTRALIA, BYRON BAY
Where is it located: Easter tip of Australia
Focus surf region: North coast of NSW
What makes Byron Bay a great place for learning to surf?
Byron Bay has stunning white sandy beaches with a large variety of different surf breaks. There are a good amount of different surf schools to choose from. And if you are between 20 and 30 years old there’s a variety of different hostels/backpackers to choose from. If you want private accommodation, there are some very good hotels.
PROS
- Sandy beaches
- variety of different surf spots
- Great beach culture
CONS
- Busy year round
- has gotten very expensive in recent years
We hope you enjoyed our “Best Surf Camp For Beginners” list. Next month we are focussing on surf camp destinations for intermediate and advanced surfers.
If you have any questions about this article and want to join us in the Dominican Republic for a unique surf holiday: do send us a message!
ABOUT SWELL SURF CAMP
We started Swell Surf Camp in 2009 with a simple vision: to provide unforgettable luxury surf camp holidays in the Caribbean . Our founders are passionate about watersports like surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing ,and in recent years foiling
Over the years, we’ve achieved significant milestones. We taught over 9000 guests the sport of surfing; in a fun, safe and quick manner. We introduced eco-friendly practices in 2015, which resulted in a 30% decrease in our carbon footprint. Our efforts were recognized when we received the “Best Luxury Surf Camp” award from Surf USA Magazine in 2018.
Our core offerings are focused on high-quality surfing experiences combined with luxurious accommodations and personalized coaching. Each guest receives tailored guidance based on their skills, ensuring they make the most out of their stay.
At Swell Surf Camp we are committed to providing top-tier surfing experiences, for surfers of all levels, ages and backgrounds .
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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]