LEARN TO SURF HOLIDAY

A CARIBBEAN LEARN TO SURF HOLIDAY

Teaching people that are completely new to the sport of surfing all the basic essentials of how to ride the waves is what we at Swell specialize in.

We provide high quality surf lessons for our clients, and one way to ensure this is by using quality surf material: Safe big soft top boards for the first time surfers, rashguards, leashes but most importantly by using internationally qualified surf instructors that are fluent in English.

Our surf instructor to student ratio is pretty much guaranteed to be below 6 students for 1 instructor. We have 2 international surf coaches working at Swell with years of experience teaching surfing in a safe, fun and structured manner.

Besides those 2 coaches we also have a permanent Dominican Surf instructor, who is widely regarded as one of the best surf instructors in the country: Neno, He speaks English fluently, is very patient and an all round nice guy with a huge smile.

What kind of people take lessons with Swell? Well we only give lessons to the clients that stay at Swell, to ensure that the student / instructor ratio is kept low. So unlike other surf schools and surf camps in Cabarete, we do not give lessons to non clients.

THE SURF EQUIPMENT WE USE FOR OUR SURF LESSONS

We use the best surf equipment available for our surf lessons, this means our boars are sop top surfboard ranging in sizes from 7’8” to 10” from Global Surf industries. They are regarded the best boards for learning in a quick and safe way.
We also provide surf boots for extra grip and to prevent you from hitting your toes on the odd little rocks under the water. For sun and rash protection Swell provides Lycra’s. Clients are adviced to bring good SPF30+ sunscreen to make sure you don’t end up with terrible sunburns, since the sun is intense in the Caribbean.

THEORY SURF LESSONS

Besides the lessons we gave on the beach, we also provide theory lessons at the camp for more background on topics such as:

Safety briefing
Where to sit in the line up
Rip currents ( there’s none at Encuentro but at most other surf spots around the world there are)
Surfer’s etiquette ( don’t drop in, priority rules etc.)
Board designs and accessories.
How waves are formed.

THE BEST TIME FOR A LEARN TO SURF HOLIDAY IN THE DR?

For beginners: any time of the year is a good time to come and learn with Swell Surf School in Cabarete
For intermediates if you just started catching unbroken waves, spring / summer and autumn are best, for more advanced intermediates the winter is a good time to start challenging yourself with some bigger waves.
Experts Surfers: best time to come is between October and April when the winter swells roll in for overhead + conditions most of the time.

More info on the (surf) seasons >>

More info about learning to surf with Swell Surf Camp

Have a look on our ‘Surfing’ page to find more info about the learn to surf camp packages we have created. Interested in a surf & yoga holiday we got that too

So what are you waiting for? Cross one thing of your bucket list , and learn to surf with the professionals in the Dominican Republic on your next surf holiday with Swell Surf& Yoga Retreats

More info about our Learn to Surf Holiday can be found here >

If you want to read up on the most important part of the surf technique, the ‘pop up’ we wrote an article about that here

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August 3, 2017October 24, 2018

7 Reasons to Ride the Waves and Learn to Surf

Picture this. The sun’s shining, the palm trees are swaying, and you’re riding your first ever wave over the crystal clear Caribbean water. There’s no doubt about it, nothing beats surfing!

In addition to having fun and embracing a new challenge, surfing comes with a whole host of other benefits. From improved fitness and better core strength to reducing stress and encouraging you to get outdoors, what’s not to like?

Regardless of age or ability, it’s never too late to learn to surf. You’ll learn to trust yourself and your instincts like never before. We’ve rounded up 7 ways of how surfing will help you live life to the fullest.

Read on to learn more!

You’re Going to Get a Whole Lot Fitter When You Learn To Surf

Surfing comes with many physical health benefits, which is great news for all of you looking to get fitter. In fact, surfing is the perfect combination of strength and cardio training.

When you learn to surf, you’ll be doing a lot of paddling to get used to the board and feeling of the water below. Although this can be a little tiring at first, it’s a killer cardiovascular workout. You’ll have some pretty toned arms by the end of your holiday, that’s for sure.

Your shoulders and back are also going to get stronger and stronger every time you paddle out to catch a wave.

Every element of surfing pushes your strength, agility, balance, and stamina.

Once you’ve learned to pop up on the board (you’ll get there, trust us), your legs and core are going to be working to keep your body balanced and standing upright. That feeling when you’re riding your first wave – however short that moment may be – is something you’ll never forget.

You’re Going to Feel Happier and More ‘Present’

Surfing is a fantastic outlet for releasing stress and tension.

The endorphin’s released through physical activity provide a natural happiness high and immediately make you feel better about the world.

A study of 107 surfers in California investigated the mental health benefits of surfing by asking them to describe how they felt before and after a session. They reported feeling calmer and more tranquil afterwards.

When you’re surfing, there are no distractions of modern life. It’s just you, the water and your board.

Taking on a New Challenge Is Good for the Mind, Body, and Soul

Eleanor Roosevelt famously said: “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

When we learn a new skill or sport, we’re challenging our mind, body, and soul. And when we are faced with something new, we have to work that much harder to get it right. When we achieve our goal, the reward is that much sweeter.

Remember when you learned to ride a bike? It doesn’t come immediately, but before you know it, you’ve got the hang of it! It’s the same with surfing. One day it will click, and you’ll wonder why you’ve taken so long to give it a go.

You’ll Learn More About Yourself

It takes courage to leave your comfort zone behind and connect with something bigger than yourself. Venturing out into the open waves for the first time can seem daunting and alien. But trust us when we say that you will learn more about yourself in an hour learning to surf than you will by lying on the beach trying to get a tan.

You could surprise yourself with your patience, determination, and love for the ocean. Nobody is perfect and learning to surf encourages you to push through fear and doubt.

As in all parts of life, continuous effort and a positive attitude can take you anywhere.

You’ll Meet New People

For many people, surfing isn’t just a sport but a way of life. In fact, surfing is one of the oldest sports on earth and is thought to have originated in Polynesia in 2000 B.C.

Out of a sport marked by salty hair, sandy toes, and colourful boards, a major subculture has emerged. From surf art, surf tourism, and international contests, surfing has captured hearts across the globe.

When you learn to surf, you’ll inevitably meet new people, make new friends and experience the culture of the sport.

Getting Outdoors Is Always A Good Idea

Getting close to nature and really enjoying the natural environment around us is something we should all prioritise. Those who surf often speak of the feeling of overwhelming freedom when they are in the water.

When we’re outdoors, we gain perspective on life. Even when you’re in the beginning stages of learning to surf, you’ll be immersed in the rhythms of the ocean and the great outdoors.

It’s Never Too Late To Learn A New Skill

Nobody wants to reach 80 and think “I wish I done X, Y, and Z.” If learning to surf is on your bucket list, why not get ticking?

And you don’t have to be 21 to learn to surf either!
We have taught people in their 40’s – 50’s and 60’s how to surf

One British man, Paul, learned to surf when he was 61 years old and hasn’t looked back since.

“It’s opened up a new dimension in my life. A feeling of freedom. You’re basically on your own, on your surfboard in the sea…one to one,” Paul said.

At Swell we aim to be the best surf camp for adults who want to learn the sport of surfing.

Final Thoughts

Staying fit and active is always beneficial, but when you’re outside doing something you love and learning a new skill in the process, it feels that much more rewarding.

INTERESTED IN JOINING SWELL

Have a look at the following pages to see if the learn to surf holidays we offer are something that would suit you.

Swell offers adult surf camps for people people that are looking for the best place to learn to surf

SEE WHAT A SWELL SURF HOLIDAY IS ALL ABOUT

Swell

Rooms

Surf Lessons

Surfing

Activities

Surroundings

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

Check out our prices here.

How about a Family Surf Holiday?

In the popular kids vacation weeks, christmass, summer holiday we are also open for familiy surf holidays to join Swell.
Ready to buy your first surfboard? read our guide on choosing your first surfboard

Single / Solo Traveller? Read this article why Swell is the place for you

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June 29, 2017November 1, 2018

8 Reasons to Book a Yoga Retreat This Summer

Have you been toying with the idea of a yoga retreat for a while but haven’t hit “confirm booking” yet?

That’s understandable. It’s hard to fathom the idea of taking time off of work solely for yourself.

You probably have a full plate of responsibilities that you feel you can’t walk away from. But that’s the beauty of taking a little time off.

Taking a mental and physical break from your work can actually help you to return refreshed and functioning better in the office. A yoga retreat is a perfect way to reconnect with your mind and body and return to work a better version of you!

Here are 8 reasons why you should pack your bags and book a yoga retreat today!

8 Reasons to Book A Yoga Retreat, (or A Yoga & Surf Retreat)

1. You’re Worth It

I promise not to get sappy on you, but you owe it to yourself to do something you truly want to do. If you’re a busy mom or have a demanding job, it can be hard to think about taking time for yourself when there are so many other things to do.

I don’t know any woman who does as much for themselves as they do for other people. Putting yourself first once is a while is not selfish, it’s survival.

2. You’ll Function Better After

No one can sustain all work and no play/relax. The more you work, the more frazzled you become. Just like a haircut, if you take time for yourself it’s like cutting off your dead ends. You lose some hair (time), but the freshness of having refreshed ends makes it worth it.

If you’re afraid that taking time off means falling behind at work or at home, don’t worry. Whatever you miss out on will be quickly made up for with your rejuvenated mind and body. Give a little, get a lot.

3. You’ll Get Distance

Taking yourself away from a situation that is overwhelming is one of the best things you can do. When you remove yourself from the problem or a problematic situation, you have time to reflect on it in a new context.

With the physical and mental distance from something that is troubling you, you can refill your personal needs. Once you feel refreshed and revitalized, you’ll be surprised by the mental clarity you have.

Once you’re taken care of, your brain can concentrate on solving whatever problem is at hand (or at home).

4. You’ll Eat Well

A yoga retreat means no long preparations for family dinners or a rushed microwave dinner. During your retreat, you need to relax completely. Our yoga retreat provides amazing nutritious food. e can help you nourish every part of your body, without all the work.

Yoga retreats provide amazing nutritious food. This can help you nourish every part of your body, without all the work. You’ll already be working hard enough, internally and physically, with your yoga practice. Prepared and nutritious meals will free you of another task and assist in your relaxation.

5. You’ll Sleep

Does anyone get a full, restful night’s sleep anymore? Whether it’s work that keeps you up late or little feet pattering that wake you up early, you aren’t getting the amount of sleep your body needs.

Whether it’s work that keeps you up late or little feet pattering that wake you up early, you aren’t getting the amount of sleep your body needs.

With your body working hard all day doing yoga and surfing on the beach, you’ll be ready to turn in when night comes. Since there are no screens on a yoga retreat, you won’t have anything buzzing or lighting up to keep you from sleeping.

It’ll just be you, tired and happy, turning in for a good night’s sleep.

6. You’ll Detox

You never know how much technology has become a part of your life until you part with it for a few days. You have the world at your fingertips and the answers to every question. Taking some time off from your screens will allow your brain to wander into places that you had forgotten about.

Without Google, you’ll find your mind pondering questions you can’t look up the answers to. This self-reflection and internal activity will do wonders for your quality of life. You may even figure out the answer to something you’ve been thinking about for a long time.

Your body will also get to detox since you’re treating it with ancient and natural activities. There’s a reason that yoga has been practiced for 5,000 years! Even the simplest poses do great things for your body.

Yoga gets the blood flowing to places that trouble you, which reduces inflammation. Twists of any sort get your spinal fluid flowing and detoxes your organs. There may be an adjustment period (you’ll be sore the first day), but you’ll feel brand new when the yoga retreat is over.

7. Your Yoga Will Improve

The fact that the improvement of your yoga practice didn’t get written down until number seven shows you just how many parts of your life a good yoga retreat will touch.

That being said, of course, one of the reasons to go on a retreat is to enhance your practice. Unlike your daily or weekly yoga classes, you won’t have to hurry through your poses. There will be nothing distracting you from your form.

You will get better attention from the instructor, as well, since they will have time to get to know you and your body’s needs.

8. You’ll Feel Like Yourself Again

With all this time to yourself concentrating on you and what your body needs, you’ll remember what it’s like to make yourself a priority. You’ll have energy levels that you don’t remember having since childhood.

Things that were mundane or even annoying will feel new again. It sounds simplistic, but after your yoga retreat, you will have a refreshed perspective on life.

It’s like hitting the reset button on a frozen device. It’s scary and you think everything will disappear, but when the screen comes back on everything is working better than before.

How about a Family Surf Holiday?

It was very hard to end the list at eight because there are so many benefits to a yoga retreat. If you want to experience the magic for yourself, check out our Surf & Yoga retreat packages

For more information on kitesurfing Dominican Republic visit this page which has a full kitesurfing dominican republic travel guide

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September 29, 2016April 18, 2018

Surf photos

Paloma has been taking great surf photos of our clients who are enjoying their surf holiday here in the Dominican Republic.

She is great at taking water shots, and she got her new long lens so the surf photos from the shore will also be great.

Prime surf season has started and will be in full swing all the wait into April. This means good waves for beginners – intermediates as well as the experts surfers who are looking for overhead waves at Encuentro or at any of the numerous quality reef breaks around Cabarete.

Interested in joining us for a yoga surf holiday? Send Clare a message today

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September 17, 2016June 29, 2018

Cabarete wind and wave forecasts

CABARETE WIND & WAVE FORECAST

We get a lot of people asking us,”what is the wave or wind going to be like in 3 weeks from now”. Needless to say we cannot guarantee perfect wind or wave conditions for your learn to surf or learn to kite holiday 3 weeks in advance.

There are a few tools you can use for an accurate 7 days forecast or tools that give you an insight into historical wind and wave patterns in the Caribbean.
For an accurate wind and wave forecast for 7 days we use sites like Windguru Cabarete and MagicSeaweed Encuentro[/dropcap]

From our own experience

Waves between October and April:
Bigger waves: suitable for beginners, intermediate and expert surfers

Waves between May and September:
Smaller waves on average: more suitable for beginners and intermediates.

Wind between April and August:
Consistent wind of 15 knots or more on 70% of the days

Wind Between September and March:
Consistent wind of 15 knots or more 40% of the days.

BEST SURF HOLIDAY

Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind surf camp holiday in Cabarete?

Here’s 10 reasons why Swell Surf Camp in Cabarete is your best bet:

The only purpose built surf camp in the Caribbean.
The only surf camp and school in Cabarete with internationally qualified surf instructors.
Located right in the center of Cabarete
Top quality surf equipment for rent: soft tops and hard tops in sizes ranging from 5’6” to 9’2”
Yummy home cooked breakfasts and dinners.
Daily maid service.
Get a ride to the surf beach, restaurants, & nightlife can all be reached easily by walking into town.
Quality beds, mattresses and sheets will make you sleep as well as at home.
Awesome staff; friendly dominicans, 1 chilean manager, our local surf instructor Neno and 2 international surf instructors will make sure that everything is in order during your surfing vacation.
The best vibe in town! Meeting fellow travellers has never been easier; our large communal area is great for playing a game of pool, table football, socialising or watching a surf video. No other place in the Caribbean has the vibe Swell has……Guaranteed.

But don’t just believe our word for it, here are some external companies’ views on what Swell has to offer:

SURF HOLIDAY IN CABARETE

And our love-hate relationship with Tripadvisor continues (even though we have by far the best record on reviews, we are placed lower in the rankings than places which are no longer open just because we won’t allow Trip Advisor to sell our rooms).

So if you are interested in joining us on a great surf holiday vacation in the Caribbean, send Clare an email today. Swell is a small place with room for only 22 guests, so spaces fill up quickly and most times month in advance.

We hope to see you soon!!

Swell Surf camp

If you have any questions about what season is best suited for your level of surfing or kitesurfing, feel free to send us a message.

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June 21, 2016November 1, 2018

Summer in Dominican Republic

Summer in Cabarete

Summer time is here, and contrary to popular belief, it’s actually a great time to be on the North Coast of the Domican republic for a surf holiday. Maybe not for expert surfers seeking to find double overhead barrels, but for beginners and intermediate surfers, the DR offers great conditions.

See the magicseaweed and Windguru forecasts on surfing and kitesurfing conditions in Cabarete in summer

Surfing conditions in the summer in the Dominican republic

Generally wave size between June and September is about 3-4′ or 1,5 meters or waist to chest high. Which we belief to be the best wave size to make quick progress.
Another reason that many of Swell Surf Camp‘s clients keep coming back to Cabarete in the summer time is that the surf is very uncrowded. Swell’s surf transport leaves early in the mornings, and we are usually the first ones at Playa Encuentro for our surf lessons.

Best surfing in the Caribbean

The Dominican Republic is one of the few places in the Caribbean that consistently has waves year round. In general we have about 350 surfable days per year. It might not always be perfect head high and barreling, but if you don’t mind grabbing a longboard in mellow chest high waves, Cabarete is a very consistent surf base in the Caribbean.

Stuff to do in Cabarete

Another reason why many people choose the summer months over winter months is the variety of other water sport activities that are superb in summer time: Kitesurfing and Windsurfing; the tradewinds pick up like clock work everyday at around 1 in the afternoon. There’s a reason why all the pro kitesurfers keep coming back to Cabarete every year.

Rememeber that swell offer year round surf & yoga holiday, or Yoga and Kitesurf camp. Molly gives Yoga sessions 3 times per week in Swell’s backyard.

Looking for a good surf camp deal?

We have dynamic pricing so if you are flexible on when to come to the DR for a one of a kind surf holiday, check the prices for September and August, they will be discounted, since it’s a bit more quit in Cabarete
during those months.

More info on the surfing in the Dominican republic can be found on this website with surf spots and travel tips for a surf holiday to the Dominican Republic

Want to stay up to date what is going on at the #1 surf camp in the Caribbean?
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Want to join us on a yoga & surf camp holiday ?

For those interested in learning to kitesurf on their caribbean, here’s a good starter guide

For more information on kitesurfing Dominican Republic visit this page which has a full kitesurfing dominican republic travel guide

If you are looking for more info on the seasons in the Dominican Republic:

Best time to visit the Dominican Republic

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May 5, 2016September 3, 2018

Swell Surf Camp Summer

We’d like to take this opportunity to update you with what has been going on at Swell. Winter is over, and we had a fantastic time, lots of happy clients, good waves for all; from mellow beginner waves to double overhead barrels for the advanced surfers.

Now summer is almost here, and that means the kite surfers will be happy. As many of you know, Cabarete is one of the top spots in the world for kitesurfing. Ideal learning conditions for beginners, means progress is made quickly and in a safe manner. For advanced kiteboarders Cabarete has everything from flat water to waves.

Staff changes at Swell Surf Camp.
Romy, who was with Swell for the last year, has unfortunately left Swell 2 weeks ago, her smile and enthusiasm is missed.

It was long Romy’s plan to go an infect Canada with her smile, she got her work / travel visa so she’ll be wearing a wetsuit soon on Canada’s west coast, where she is going to continue to be an awesome surf instructor.

Charlie is still with Swell for a few more weeks, before he too will go and explore more of the (surfing) world. We wish him all the best in his travels.
New instructors.

Swell is a surf camp, so we need good surf instructors; Ed is the latest addition to team Swell. A qualified ISA level 2 surf coach from England. He has lots of teaching experience, and is an allround nice guy.

Paloma ( from Chile, like Haudy) is going to be joining Swell Surfcamp in 2 weeks as a surf instructor / surf photographer. Paloma takes awesome surf shots, so if you want to have you pic taken by her, join us this summer.

We hope to see you soon

If you are looking for more info on the seasons in the Dominican Republic:

Best time to visit the Dominican Republic

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April 4, 2016September 3, 2018

Best summer camps

Spring has begun and we at Swell Surf Camp already get a lot of inquiries and bookings in for the summer.

Maybe it’s because we got mentions on a lot of external / independent websites for offering awesome summer surf camp holidays.

Mentions:

Slice Magazine – One of the top hotels for singles
Frommers – 10 best destination surf camps around the world
Tripadvisor – one of the top rated surf camps
BootPrints – Best adult summer camps
Lonely Planet – Top accommodation list for Cabarete
Cooler Lifestyle – One of their editors loved their stay at Swell Surf Camp
Sundance Beach – 1 of 5 Epic surf camp holidays
And a bunch more

Needless to say we are very happy when we get a mention in the media, another thing to say is that we never pay for media coverage or let anyone have a free stay in return for a write up. These reviews of Swell Surf Camp are genuine.

What’s going on in Cabarete?

Winter has provided us with lots of top quality surf days at Playa Encuentro, and the kite surfers have also been happy days with plenty of windy afternoons. With summer coming up: if you have been wanting to learn kitesurfing, the next few months is the time to come over to Cabarete for a kite surfing lessons / course. Steady trade winds in the afternoon will be a steady fixture all the way until the end of August for kiteboarding

Want to learn to surf ? Summer months provide excellent learning conditions for beginners with waves in the waist to chest high range.

Did we mention the Yoga Surf Camp ?

Need more activities? have a look at the active adventure holiday page.

We hope to see you in Cabarete, the action sport’s capital of the Caribbean this summer.

For those interested in learning to kitesurf on their caribbean, here’s a good starter guide

If you are looking for more info on the seasons in the Dominican Republic:

Best time to visit the Dominican Republic

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January 25, 2016October 28, 2019

Swell Surf Camp Video

Have a look at what a Swell vacation is all about.

The video is shot in and around Cabarete and Swell Surf Camp

For more information about the types of surf camp holidays, we offer here at Swell; have a look at this page

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