Structured Surf Performance Camp in El Salvador

The whole thing is built around what they call The Surf Sequence, a progression system the coaches follow with everyone. It works a bit like belt ranks in martial arts: you start where you are, and each level has a clear set of things to nail before moving on. A Beginner gets a step-by-step intro to the fundamentals with personalised instruction, usually someone who has never really been in the ocean or has been out a handful of times. A Novice is already paddling out and catching unbroken waves alone, so the focus shifts to longer rides and getting more out of each one. Foundation surfers are working on positioning at the peak, taking off with confidence, and completing top-to-bottom manoeuvres consistently.

Every coaching day follows the same structure: theory and warm-up (30 min), filmed surf session with your coach, break, video analysis (45 min), then drills (45 min). The video work is the part most people say changes things fastest. Your coach goes through your posture, positioning, speed and wave selection on each wave, tells you what worked and what didn't, and emails you the clips so you keep a record of the week. Then you go and drill whatever came up, in the lap pool, in the gym, or on the skateboard in the concrete wave.

Groups are small by design. Maximum four participants per group, three groups running on any given week. That means close coaching, not a line-up of twelve people fighting for the same peak. Coaches assign you a board each day from the academy's quiver, though you're welcome to bring your own and use it all week if you'd rather. Your group travels to the surf spot by car with your coach, and the driver stays with the vehicle for the whole session so you can leave your gear safely.

Accommodation is on-site at the hotel, with a private single room, a private double shared with a friend or family member, or a spot in the six-bed mixed dorm. You can also do the camp without staying there if you've sorted your own place. One breakfast per day from the house menu is included; there's an optional paid meal plan if you want lunch and dinner handled too. The camp runs at three durations: 4 nights with 3 coaching days, 7 nights with 6 coaching days, or 14 nights with 12 coaching days.

The camp is set in El Salvador, which means warm water, consistent Pacific swell and far fewer people in the line-up than you'd find at the well-known breaks further north or south. Afternoon activities round the day out: restorative yoga most days, a mobility class, an ice bath with breathwork, and a BJJ or self-defence class on Friday, plus one massage a week. On the two-week camp there's a half-day tour to see more of the country. Surfing is weather-dependent, and if conditions make a session unsafe it gets replaced with land-based technical work; if days remain afterwards, coaches may extend future sessions to make up for it.

What's included

- Room of your choice for 4, 7 or 14 nights (single, double or dorm) - House breakfast daily from the house menu - Surf coaching days: 3, 6 or 12 depending on camp length - Daily theory and warm-up session with your coach - Daily filmed surf session with coach - Daily video analysis session (45 min) - Daily drills on land, in the lap pool, gym or concrete wave - Daily board rental selected by your coach - Wellness shot (cold-pressed anti-inflammatory juice) - Afternoon classes: yoga, mobility or self-defence - Ice bath experience with breathwork - One relaxing massage per week - Roundtrip airport transfer - Half-day local tour (two-week camp) - Video files of your sessions emailed to you

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Optional meal plan (lunch and dinner) - Additional massages - Personal expenses and tips - Nights before or after the camp - Accommodation arranged independently, if you choose the camp-only option