SOME QUICK QUESTIONS
WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY OF SURF LESSONS AT SWELL ?
Please check the slider above on this webpage; it gives a breakdown of a typical learn how to surf with Swell day, including all relevant timings. There are additional surf theory lessons given during the week, along with paddle-practise in our swimming pool at the surf camp.
In order to help you with flight timings, you will not be surfing on your day of arrival, but you should be able to fit in a lesson or a practice on your day of departure as the majority of flights into Puerto Plata arrive and depart in the afternoon.
ABOUT SWELL
ABOUT SWELL :
After living in the Dominican Republic for 9 years and loving the great outdoor watersport lifestyle, Jeroen (from the Netherlands) and Clare (for the UK) decided it was time to share their knowledge of the Dominican Republic all that this stunning country has to offer with visitors from around the world.
Clare and Jeroen were already familiar with surf retreats, surf resorts and surf camps in many different countries and had to stay in some very ordinary surf accommodations in their quest for great surfing waves, they knew that there was something missing in the market of surf camps; a place which was still social, but offering better quality boutique surf retreat accommodation, great food, nicer beds, cleaner rooms: A stylish, luxury surf retreat with surf lessons and surf coaching.
They set about designing the kind of place they would want to stay in themselves: the best luxury surf camp for adults.
THE WORLD’S FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT LUXURY SURF CAMP!
So they hired a renowned Swiss architect for one purpose: to come up with the world’s first purpose-built, luxury surf coaching retreat/ resort.
Since opening in the winter 2009/2010 Swell surf instructors have taught 1000’s of people how to surf in a safe, fun and structured manner. Swell has won multiple awards and has 100’s of excellent reviews from happy guests. Swell continues to be one of the top surfing destinations for couples, groups and solo travellers to go to as the best surf camp holiday.
It’s not just surfing on offer at Swell; You can learn to kitesurf, learn wingfoiling, take yoga classes, go horse riding on the beach or in the mountains and enjoy some truly spectacular outdoor adventure trips like canyoning for example.
Swell offers package surf holidays that take all the hassle out of the planning, transport to the beach and much more, so all Swell guests can enjoy a stress-free luxury surf retreat experience. You just have to book your flights, and they will take care of the rest!
With great food being such an important part of anyone’s surf vacation, Swell delivers there too; with superb home-cooked food at the camp and on the evenings when guests go out to dinner, a large choice of restaurants offering a comprehensive choice of dining are all within a few minutes walk.
So if you are looking for the best surf camp experience, we are confident that you will have a great time at Swell Surf Camp.
HOW DO I BOOK A SWELL SURF HOLIDAY?
Booking a surf trip with Swell is easy:
Check out the various pages on our website, we have a lot of information about what we offer, that way you know exactly what you can expect when you book a trip with us.
We want happy clients at Swell.
We try to be as honest and transparent about what we offer. We do not make promises we cannot keep because we know how important your next holiday is for you. If anything is not clear on our website, do send us an email so we can help you make the right decision.
We hope we can welcome you in our place!
Jeroen & Clare (owners Swell Surf & Yoga Retreats)
- Check the different packages that we offer on the pricing page to get an idea if what we offer suits your needs and budget.
- Send us a quick message with your dates and we get back to you in a few hours to tell you if we have space in that particular week for you (or suggest alternative dates). We will also send you a price quote with exact details on what is and isn’t included in our surf holiday packages.
- To reserve your stay at Swell we require a deposit so we can confirm your stay. Payment is done via 128-bit secured external credit card processor (alternative payment options are available).
Once payment is made, you send us your arrival details so we can make sure we have our taxi pick you up from the airport for a hassle free start of your surfing vacation.
If you have any questions, we are here to answer those for you; we want to make sure that you are booking the right surf holiday (even if that means you not staying with us).
When you send us an email we get back to you very quickly (that’s a promise).
Swell does not work with any travel agents, or external sites for our bookings
I HAVE NEVER SURFED BEFORE, IS THIS RIGHT FOR ME?
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 about age? Am I too old?
We get a lot of these questions in via email:
I want to learn to surf at 40
I want to learn how to surf at 50 or even 60+ etc.
The answer is: Yes
if you can swim and are mobile we can get you up and riding on a wave in our 5-day-learn-to-surf course. Don’t let your age hold you back!
Our local surf beach has one of the best learn to surf conditions in the whole of the Caribbean.
CAN YOU TEACH CHILDREN TO LEARN TO SURF?
Yes, however generally we are more of an adult learn to surf camp. In popular holiday periods, we might be able to accommodate your family for a learn-to-surf holiday. Contact us with the ages and surf level of your kids , and we can see if we can help you.
CAN I COMBINE SURFING & KITESURFING?
If ‘just’ learning to surf or ‘just’ learning to kitesurf 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 Wing surfing.
The surfing is mostly done before mid-day, then at around 13.00 to 14.00 the trade winds kick in for ideal kite and wing surfing.
Just ask us about the packages that we offer that combine different sports, surf in the morning, wind sports in the afternoon and you will surely sleep well and satisfied in the evening.
WHAT MAKES SWELL DIFFERENT?
WHY IS THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC A TOP SURF DESTINATION?
Before we started Swell 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 have a pretty good idea of the different surfing conditions in the various surf locations around the world.
But first, we need to have a look at what makes a good or best surf destination.
There is no such thing as one surf 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.
BEST SURF CAMP DESTINATION 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
PROS
- Pretty white sand beaches, lined with palm trees.
- Friendly Caribbean vibes, in and out of the water.
- Budget-friendly
- Close to an international airport
- Warm tropical climate and water
