We specialise in teaching people to surf from beginners, but our surf instructors are expert surfers themselves, so they can help you progress your surfing, yes.  A lot of people call themselves an intermediate surfer when they have attended one or two surf camps previously, but actually, if you don't surf regularly and can already perform a number of techniques (such as reliably catching your own waves and turning/riding down the line, at the very least) you are still a novice and our learn to surf programme is great for you.   

The main thing that real intermediate surfers need is the right surf conditions and whilst we have great waves, surf forecasts are only visible and reliable a few days in advance.  Ideally an 'intermediate' surfer has shoulder to head high take-offs.  October, November and May are historically the best months for these kind of waves.  

Every surfer wants perfect surf conditions, but no surf camp or surf retreat anywhere in the world can guarantee wave conditions (if they do, they are simply not being truthful).  Working with the waves on the day is all part of becoming a surfer.  If you are unsure whether our instructors can help you with your goals send us a message detailing your current ability and we will give you our honest recommendations. 

Yes! We set up our learn to surf program to be a perfect match for complete beginners who have never surfed before to intermediate surfers who have had some surf lessons before but need surf coaching to learn more advanced surfing techniques.

What you will learn at our beginner learn to surf course:

Mastering the surfing pop-up
-Dry land practice
-Timing and coordination
-Common mistakes to avoid

Paddling techniques
-Efficient paddling
-Duck diving basics
-Reading the waves

Identifying wave types
-Understanding swells and tides
-Positioning yourself correctly

Surf safety 101
- Ocean awareness
- Rip currents and how to handle them

Surf etiquette
-Right-of-way rules
-Safety with other surfers in the lineup

For more advanced surfers, we can focus on*:

- Wave selection
- Techniques for riding smaller boards
- How to generate speed on waves
- How to make bottom and top turns

*Our surf instructors will assess your current surf level and goals for the week so that we can personalise your action plan for your surf course at Swell

Jumping into surfing can seem intimidating, especially if you’ve never surfed before or haven’t seen much of the beach in recent years.

Swell Surf Camp understands this and takes every step to make the experience approachable and fun. Our surf camp is ideal for absolute beginners, so all your anxieties and questions are totally normal and expected.

With a tight-knit team of surf instructors who genuinely love teaching, every surf lesson is tailored to your own ability. We break down the basics of surfing, offering clear instruction.   You won’t just learn how to ride the waves, you’ll also pick up knowledge about the ocean, safety fundamentals, and surf etiquette, all in a supportive beach environment. 

There’s a powerful community vibe at our surf camp, driven by fun beach activities, group encouragement, and shared progress; everyone’s cheering each other on, celebrating every small victory. You’ll practice on the sand before you hit the water, getting comfortable with basic maneuvers with our instructors by your side while you’re surfing those first waves. At Swell Surf Camp, we believe learning something new should feel empowering, friendly, and truly thrilling, which is exactly what our surfing lessons deliver. Take that first step with us: the waves in the Dominican Republic are calling, and your perfect surf adventure is waiting!

If 'only' learning to surf or 'only' learning to kitesurf or wingfoil is not enough, and you want the ultimate watersport action holiday, then yes you can combine our learn to surf holiday with kitesurfing or the new sport of wingfoiling (lots of our guests do in fact).
The surfing is mostly done before midday, then at around 13.00 to 14.00 the trade winds kick in for ideal kite and wing foiling.  With wind sports, you pay by the hour and classes are taught one-on-one, so it's easy to add a couple of hours of either kite or wingfoil lessons before deciding to continue.  You don't pay in advance for those, but if you know you would like to try one in addition to your surfing, or you would like to add surfing in addition to your chosen wind sport, do contact us 
We can offer you a package that combines different sports; surf in the morning and a wind sport in the afternoon. 

Since we started in 2009, we have taught over 9,000 guests the basics of surfing. After a surfing holiday with Swell you will have ridden several waves by yourself.

The surf beach where we teach has ideal surfing conditions for beginners: On most days we enjoy mellow, small waves that break in chest-to-shoulder high water.

Our qualified surf instructors have years of surfing & teaching experience. We can (& have) taught people from ages 6 to 82 the basics of surfing.

So what can you learn / expect from our 1-week surfing course:

- The correct paddling technique to catch waves and paddle out.

- The all-important pop-up technique.

- Taking the correct stance.

- Turning the surfboard on the wave

- Surfing etiquette

- Surf theory: Wave formation and wave types, how to select the right wave, dangers and ocean currents to be aware of.

- The ins and outs of surfing gear.

Requirements:
Even though we teach in shallow water, you must still be able to swim comfortably in water a little deeper than you can stand in.  During Winter months (November to April when waves are larger) children must be at least 12 years old and a minimum height of 4'10" (1.47m).   Summer months (May to October) are far better for kids to learn to surf.