Surf and Yoga Camps in Playa Venao, Panama

Days here follow the surf. You book a package, arrive, and get a board and a lesson slot. Private lessons run with an instructor who watches what you actually do in the water and adjusts — video analysis and theory sessions are part of the longer Shokogi camps, so you see your own pop-up and stance rather than just being told about it.

Yoga runs daily on the shorter packages and is included in the Shokogi camps as well. It is there to loosen up shoulders and hips between sessions, not as a separate retreat programme. Breakfast is included each morning: two breakfasts on the 3-day First Wave camp, five on the 6-day Venao Escape, ten on the 11-day Surf Immersion, six on the 7-day Shokogi camp, nine on the 10-day, and fourteen on the 15-day.

The packages differ mainly in length and how many lessons you get. First Wave is 3 days and 2 nights with two private lessons, a free board, one massage and one yoga lesson. Venao Escape is 6 days and 5 nights with four private lessons, a free board, one massage and daily yoga. Surf Immersion is 11 days and 10 nights with six private lessons, a free board, one massage and daily yoga. The Shokogi camps run 7, 10 or 15 days with daily surf instruction, all gear included, video analysis and theory, and a choice of dorm, private shared or private rooms for up to five people.

Playa Venao itself is a bay with a beach break that works for beginners and has enough shape for intermediate surfers to work on turns. The town is small — a handful of places to eat, surf shops, and hostels — and the camp sits within walking distance of the water. Getting here usually means a drive from Panama City or a domestic flight to Pedasí or Chitré, then a transfer.

The Learn & Surf packages add private language lessons to the surf coaching, with daily yoga, breakfast and free surf days built in. You choose your arrival date, room type (shared or private) and duration (3, 5, 7 or 10 nights) when you book.

What's included

- Accommodation (shared or private room, dorm, private shared or private) - Daily surf lessons (private coaching) - Free surfboard use - Yoga sessions (daily on most packages, one on First Wave) - Breakfast (number varies by package) - Massage (on First Wave, Venao Escape and Surf Immersion) - Video analysis and theory lessons (Shokogi camps only) - All surf gear: surfboard, leash, wax, rash guard (Shokogi camps only)

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Lunch and dinner - Personal expenses - Airport transfers (not stated as included) - Additional activities or excursions