NOVICE OR INTERMEDIATE
‘Intermediate’ surfers
The term ‘intermediate’ to a surfer is usually incorrectly applied. What exactly is an ‘intermediate’ surfer? Many people call themselves an intermediate when they have been on one or two surf camps previously, or have had some lessons before.
A real ‘intermediate’ surfer is someone who surfs regularly, paddles independently, selects their own waves, can already surf well down the line, do cut-backs and other surf moves. If you can already do the things listed above, you are a genuine intermediate surfer. Otherwise, we will still count you as a novice.
If you are a novice surfer, it’s actually about being lucky enough to get the right surf conditions to allow progression, especially into unbroken waves. Ideally, a novice surfer wants chest high, unbroken waves. No surf camp in the world will be able to promise you a particular wave height. Surf forecasts are completely unreliable if more than a few days in advance, so if they do, they are not being truthful with you. If the waves don’t cooperate during your surf vacation, you may not make the progress you hoped for, however good the surf coach’s skills are, so always manage your expectations. The truth is though that every time you go into the water, you are learning something, improving your paddle fitness for example, which makes up about 75% of the art of surfing, or learning how to turn a surfboard.
At Swell, our philosophy is that you must learn to paddle into your own waves: We are completely against pushing people into waves because it’s cheating. It’s not fair on the other surfers around you who are also trying to get into waves and you won’t ever be a real surfer if you can’t paddle yourself into one: It is the most important skill you need to learn. Surfing is a very hard sport to learn and it is counter-productive to take shortcuts because once a pusher is not with you in the water, you will not be able to catch your own waves. If you want to be pushed into unbroken waves, then you will need to find a different surf camp.
Our surf coaches will tell you what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong; we don’t have video analysis. We want to teach you skills that you can apply when you are in the water, without a surf coach. There are plenty of surf camps in the world who will push you into waves, and/or promise you perfect ‘intermediate’ surf conditions: We can tell you categorically that Swell is not one of them and rather than you arrive with expectations we won’t meet, we prefer to give you the ‘bad’ news now.
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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]