Jamaica Surf Camp: Learn to Surf, Skate & Live the Reggae Lifestyle

Jamnesia is Jamaica's first and only surf camp, and it's still a working surf school. The Wilmot family — Jamaica's first surfing family — built it to groom new surfers and push the local scene forward through contests and events. The camp is right on the coast near Kingston, close enough to the airport that you can land and be paddling out the same day. Accommodation is on-site and it's deliberately affordable: you're paying for waves and time in the water, not for a polished resort. Rooms are basic and clean, and the whole property is set up so surfers can roll out of bed and check the surf.

Surf lessons run daily with some of the most experienced instructors on the island. The school has produced most of Jamaica's top surfers, and the coaching reflects that — you'll get real feedback on paddling, positioning, and reading waves, not just a push into whitewater. Board hire is available if you don't bring your own, and there are waves for complete beginners through to experienced surfers. Sessions are usually split by level so everyone gets the right spot.

Beyond surfing, there's a skate scene on-site. Jamnesia is home to Jamaica's first skate ramp, and the Freedom Skatepark and DIY Sk8 Gully are a short walk away. Between surf sessions you can skate with the crew, or just hang out. The camp also runs river excursions, Blue Mountain hikes, and cultural sightseeing tours, so you can mix in some time off the board.

Food comes from Shack's, the on-site kitchen. It's vegetarian, Jamaican, and made fresh — think ital stew, rice and peas, plantain, callaloo, and fresh fruit. If you want to learn to cook some of it, they'll show you. Saturday nights there's a live music session with local musicians, and the camp is tied into Kingston's art and nightlife scene, with tours into town if you want to see more than the beach.

Jamnesia is not a luxury retreat. It's a surf camp run by a family that has been surfing these breaks for decades, and the experience is built around that. You come here to surf every day, eat well, skate a bit, and hang out with people who actually live this. The pricing is economical, the vibe is relaxed, and you can stay as long as you like as long as there's a bed.

What's included

- On-site accommodation (simple, affordable rooms) - Daily surf lessons or guided surf sessions - Surfboard hire (if needed) - Access to the on-site skate ramp - Vegetarian meals available at Shack's (check package details) - Access to common areas and camp facilities - Saturday night live music sessions (when scheduled)

What's not included

- International flights - Airport transfers (can be arranged for an extra cost) - Travel insurance - Some meals (unless specified in your package) - Optional excursions (river trips, Blue Mountain hikes, sightseeing tours) - Skateboard hire (bring your own or ask about local options) - Personal expenses and nightlife tours