A day at a Stoke Travel surf camp
While we were travelling around Europe this summer we needed a bit of downtime away from all the pesky crowds. We were exhausted and had to escape from travelling for a few days of just chilling out and relaxing.
Grabbing our togs (swimming gear) we headed to the northwest of Spain to a sleepy village called Zarautz to hook up with the awesome team from Stoke Travel surf camp.
Spending a few days learning to surf has got to be right up there as one of the best summertime activities.
A day at Stoke Travel Surf Camp
Every morning you will wake from your slumber in your tent overlooking Zarautz and the Spanish coastline. The sunrises over the jagged Pyrenees and glistens across the oceans surface at your feet.
Depending on your level of hangover this is the best time to grab a surfboard and head down for a few waves. There is hardly a soul in sight and the wind will most likely be calm to non-existent so the waves will be clean.
No other feeling can even come close to plastering a smile on my face than paddling out with a buddy or two and perfect waves.
With arms turning to jelly after your early morning session you will need to rest. After our first surf we would usually hang around the surf camp waiting for lunch by passing the time with table tennis, catching up on emails (yes there is free WiFi) or even a class of yoga.
Depending on the tides, the surf lessons kick off after lunch for any beginners. The teachers are excellent and the surf lessons small enough that you will get the attention you deserve.
With the easy to learn on surfboards you will find yourself standing up after just a few waves. Just maybe not for that long…
Michelle spent 2 weeks at the surf camp with us and was a pro by the end!
Now comes the hard part of the day. Do you:
a) Read your book on the beach;
b) Play a bit of beach cricket, football or volleyball;
c) Grab an ice cream and wander through the cute village of Zarautz; or
d) Have a siesta.
It’s a hard life but just keep reminding yourself, someone has to do it.
If you haven’t exhausted yourself by now or chose not to have a siesta then your evening is just getting started. The Spanish seem to only get going when the temperature starts to cool down in the evening.
Again you have a couple of options but either way start with a few beers and sangria’s at the surf camp.
Option A: San Sebastian
Make your way into San Sebastian. It is one of those town in Europe that you could easily live in. Not only is it a gorgeous place to visit during the day but it also awakens when the sun goes down.
There is nightlife a plenty and all the delicious pintxos (tapas) you can eat! It’s the culinary capital of Spain with no less than 16 Michelin stars awarded in this sleepy town.
Option B: Watch the sunset from the campground
Sitting on the hillside you can finish off another exceptional day with a bunch of mates and just this view to look at. Not a bad way to spend a few days (or weeks) over summer.
Have you learnt to surf before? Tell us about your experiences below.
Extra Travel Information:
Where: Gran Camping Zarauz, 10kms from San Sebastian in Spain.
When: All summer long from June 1st – September.
Cost: €50 all-inclusive (includes 3 x meals a day, accommodation and surf lessons).
Sleep: Camping accommodation (twin share tent, sleeping mat and bag included).
Extras: Unlimited beer and sangria (€5 a day), party trips, horse riding and yoga.
Disclaimer: We were guests at the Stoke Travel surf camp. However, as always our opinions and words are always our own.
Category: Adventure Travel, Europe
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi slang for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We love all types of adventures that make us step outside our comfort zone, in comfort, including surfing, skiing, snowboarding, diving and cruising on our bikes. You can find out more 
I’m a dreadful surfer – my first time was on a hen weekend in Cornwall in the wind and rain, it even hailed at one point and I nearly got knocked out by my own surfboard. Your trip looks a lot more civilised. I might have to give it another try somewhere warmer one day!
Lucy recently posted..Prague from above: The Petrin Tower
Hahaha that is why we don’t surf in the UK. In Scotland I would freeze to death. Definitely try it again in Spain
So nearly would have been in San Sebastian at the same time as you guys. Ah well. Looks like you had a blast. I really want to learn to surf properly some day
Laurence recently posted..In photos: Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles)
We were only a few km’s apart I think at one stage! Lots of opportunities along the coast of France to learn Laurence
If I was going to learn to surf, this is the place where I would want to do it!
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..ENDANGERED SPECIES SPOTLIGHT: Przewalski’s Horse, the Wild Horses of Mongolia
Warm water, summer sunshine and friendly people. Couldn’t ask for a better spot.
What an amazing place! The captures are gorgeous, looks like you had a ball out there!!
Thanks for sharing, have a nice day
Arti recently posted..Imperial Palace and East Gardens
Was such a fun 2 weeks Arti. Bit boozy every day but the surf was really good and super friendly people
This looks like a great way to learn how to surf! I’ve only tried once and was pitiful (I like to blame the jellyfish that stung me, but it’s my own fault).
Callie recently posted..SNAPSHOTS FROM LIMA
How can it be your fault if a jellyfish stung you?
Definitely try it again Callie. It gets easier each time!
Surfing isn’t my thing but looks like a lot of fun and some good exercise. After a long morning of surfing, I think I would go all Spanish here and opt for a siesta!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Budget Travel Adventures Olympics – my top 3 sports and travel memories
The siesta’s each day were one of the best parts of the camp
Surfing is great fun, I learned in Puerto Escondido in Mexico. Surfing just works so well for a holiday, you just lay on the beach, surf, and then party in the evenings!
Jarmo @ Arctic Nomad recently posted..5 Hard Learned Lessons about Spanish Public Transport
Pretty much sums of what we did for 2 weeks Jarmo!
I like the series of shots that goes from standing on the surf board to the elegant belly flop.
Audrey (@BackpackingTB) recently posted..Insadong Cultural Hub of Seoul, Korea | Photo Essay
Hahaha my friend Michelle is a bit annoyed that I included those photos
I would look so clumsy on a surfboard
Angela recently posted..A trip, a photo – Vegan lunch in Rio de Janeiro
Everyone looks clumsy the first few times. Doesn’t take too long to master though.
This looks fun. And as I learned in Central America, teaching yourself to surf does not work so well
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Travel the World Through Food
The first few times sucks for everyone, especially if learning by yourself. Really need to visit Central and South America to go surfing!
Looks so fun! I’d love to take a surf camp sometime. I live in California and have tried it a couple times with friends and it’s HARD! I think I need some consistent classes to figure out how to conquer the board. Doing that in Spain would be even better.
Gina recently posted..Napa Valley Restaurants: The Country, Upscale and Sandwich
Spend one week in Spain and you will have mastered it Gina
By the way, we love California. We have friends and family in San Francisco and Laguna Beach area.
Born and raised on Maui yet I don’t surf! I plan to be in Spain this fall so maybe I will get myself a few lessons. I’m too embarrassed to do it here at home
Alexandra recently posted..Accommodation Review: Roomorama Apartment in NYC
Will swap places with you and maybe we can go to Maui
Paradise is in the eye of the beholder
Alexandra recently posted..Accommodation Review: Roomorama Apartment in NYC
Lovely article! Although truth be said, I was more impressed by the photograph of the Tapas than anything else!!
) Did try surfing once.. in the frigid waters off the British Atlantic coast. Ice cream headaches deluxe.
OutsideTheGuidebook recently posted..The famous Porto Francesinha – A full belly the local way
Crazy, I did the same trip a year or so back! I spent two days at this camp with Stoke travel and, while I had a brilliant time, I never did manage to stand up on my board. That I learnt in Bali, where you can get one-on-one surfing lessons for but a fraction of the price it would cost in Europe.
Simon recently posted..An unfashionable traveller in fashionable Milan
Yea we would love to do that in Bali. The surf looks great there and the 1 on 1 would be a great help.
Hey Cole,
It’s Jess from the surf camp, I finally remembered to check out your blog,
and it’s so good!
Where are your next travel destinations?
Cheers Jess and great you finally made it to our blog
How are you?
We are heading to Oslo this weekend then I will be back in New Zealand for a few weeks in November/December. After that we will probably move to Berlin or somewhere in the French Alps for some skiing! What are your plans? Hopefully see you again on your travels.
I’m really good, have been travelling with my Mum for a few weeks.
We did Italy, and are leaving Switzerland to go to Amsterdam tomorrow.
That sounds so exciting, is Oslo in Sweden?
I really want to go to Berlin, and the French Alps is beautiful I went to Morzine last January and we loved it!
I’m actually going home in just over a month, due to lack of funds, but have really enjoyed my time here.
Enjoy your travels!
Oslo is in Norway
Pity you are headed home but sounds like you have had quite a few adventures! Hopefully we see you back soon. And keep reading our blog haha
Oh, haha, sorta close.
Yeah, I am a little put out by the change of plans, but plan on saving up straightaway, and hopefully doing North America and Canada next.
Will keep reading the blog, and hope you have an amazing time on all your travels!
Keep up the good work!