Surf & Stay in Arambol: A Week of Beginner-Friendly Surfing at a Goan Surf Club

The surf day starts in the morning with two lesson batches, group sizes capped at four students per instructor, led by an international team. You can book a single lesson to try it, or take a course over several days so you're eventually paddling out and catching waves on your own. Private one-on-one lessons are available and are the recommended option for non-swimmers. Kids between five and fifteen get their own specialised lessons. Boards, equipment and support are all part of what the surf school provides.

Goa's surf season runs from September through May, which is nine months of reliable beginner conditions. Across that stretch there are plenty of days with waves that are fun or even challenging for intermediate surfers, so it isn't only a first-timer's spot. Outside those months the water isn't a beginner-friendly proposition, and Surf Wala doesn't sell it as one.

The accommodation is a secluded guest house behind a large palm grove, a few steps from the surf. Rooms are described as cosy and clean, with the necessities covered — this is a surf house, not a resort, and that's the point. You walk out of your room and you're basically at the break.

The Surf Club cafe is the centre of gravity when you're not in the water. It's a spacious cafe/bar serving coffee, brunch, dining and cocktails, with regular events and, by their own claim, the best pool table in North Goa. There's plenty of seating and high-speed wifi if you want to work a bit between sessions.

Arambol fills in the rest. Restaurants, coffee shops and bars are all nearby, and the team gives you a list of their favourites along with info on parties and gigs. If you want to try something other than surfing, there's juggling, painting, yoga and kickboxing happening in the area, and the staff will point you toward whatever you're after.

What's included

- Accommodation in the Surf Wala guest house (room selection subject to availability) - Access to the Surf Club cafe/bar, pool table and high-speed wifi - Surf lessons with an international instructor team (group or private, depending on what you book) - Surfboards and equipment for lessons - Lesson groups capped at 4 students per instructor - Two morning lesson batches daily - Recommendations list for Arambol restaurants, bars and coffee shops - Info on local parties and gigs - Help finding nearby activities (yoga, kickboxing, juggling, painting and more)

What's not included

- Flights and travel to Goa - Airport transfers (confirm with the team) - Travel insurance - Meals and drinks beyond what's arranged at the Surf Club cafe - Board rental outside of lesson times - Optional activities such as yoga, kickboxing or painting classes - Personal expenses