Frequently Asked Questions
Why Surfer Girls?
Surfer Girls is THE surf school for girls and women, from beginners to advanced surfers. Surfer Girls has been teaching surfing worldwide since 2000. We are the only surf school that offers a luxury overnight surf camp in multiple locations around the world. We have highly qualified professional instructors and we can guarantee we will have you standing up with a smile by the end of your first lesson. Choose Surfer Girls, voted the best surf camp by the Travel Channel.
Where are you located and where do we meet for surf lessons and surf camps?
We are located in San Diego and Los Angeles, California; Maui, Kauai and Oahu, Hawaii; Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina, Brazil; Costa Rica, and Bali. When you sign up for your surf lesson online we will send you an email telling you exactly where to meet your instructor depending on the location.
How early should I arrive?
We suggest you give yourself at least 30 minutes before your lesson in the summer months to be sure to find a parking spot and to also have time to put on your wetsuit and sign your waiver.
What should I bring to a surf lesson?
Please wear your swimsuit or bikini under your clothes. Bring a towel, a change of clothes and something to drink. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen before the lesson starts!
What should I bring to day camp?
Campers should pack a healthy lunch, snacks, drinks, a long sleeve sweatshirt or jacket, a towel, sunscreen, shoes, and some cash just in case.
What do I do if I wear contacts?
You should be okay. Just make sure to close your eyes tight underwater and bring an extra pair just in case. If you don’t wear disposable contacts make sure to wear an old pair.
What is the water temperature like?
Check www.surfline.com for current temperatures and surf conditions.
Do we get to use wetsuits?
Surfer Girls has a wide selection of wetsuits and rash guards for your use. You are also welcome to wear your own wetsuit. If you don’t want to wear a wetsuit we’ll give you a rash guard. We suggest you bring a pair of board shorts.
What qualifications do Surfer Girls instructors have?
All Surfer Girls instructors, male and female, are experienced surfers who have been surfing for over 5 years, while some are even pros! All are certified in CPR and first aid, and some are even certified EMTs and ocean lifeguards.
Do I get a discount for bringing my own equipment?
We do not give discounts for bringing your own equipment.
Do you offer any discounts?
We offer discounts for larger groups and for more than 3 siblings in a family. Please contact our office for further information.
How good of a swimmer do I have to be?
You need to be able to swim with your head above water and must be able to swim to shore. Smaller kids and weaker swimmers will be kept in shallow water, and our instructors will be with the students at all times.
Do you rent surf boards after the lesson?
You are welcome to rent surf boards after your lesson if we have the equipment available.
Are there restrooms or changing rooms nearby?
At some locations there are restrooms close by, but at others there are not.
How can I physically prepare for surfing?
Overnight campers can get ready for Surfer Girls camp by swimming, stretching, doing push ups, and strengthening your biceps and triceps. Yoga also compliments surfing.
Are there sharks?
No sharks have been seen. However, you may occasionally see some dolphins further out in the surf.
Are there stores and restaurants in the area?
Our schools and overnight camps are close to popular restaurants, clothing stores, and supermarkets.
Questions for Teen & Adult Overnight Surf Camps
San Diego – Hawaii - Costa Rica - Brazil
When does the 5 Day Overnight Camp start?
The surf camp begins Sunday afternoon at 5:00pm. We have a short orientation and check-in for parents who bring their children.
When does the 5 Day Overnight Camp end?
The 5 Day Teen overnight camp ends on Friday at 5:00pm for parental pick up.
What time does the Weekend Camp end and when can my parents pick me up?
Weekend camp ends Sunday afternoon at 1pm. Parents can pick up their kids between 1-2pm.
Adult overnight camp ends Sunday afternoon after sunset.
Do you provide food and how much cash should I bring?
For teen camps, we provide three meals a day including drinks and dessert at dinner. We have a breakfast buffet, while lunch and dinner are served and made for campers with “camp helpers” participating in preparing the meals. You will need cash for extra snacks or special needs. You will also want to bring some spending money for personal items and for extra-curricular activities if you choose. Usually $150 will suffice for the week.
How many meals a day do you provide for 5 Day ADULT Overnight Camp?
We provide a breakfast buffet and dinner at night. Some nights you may choose to eat out, but most nights we have barbeques or theme nights such as Mexican night, pasta night etc.
Can we bring cell phones to camp?
Yes, of course you can bring your cell phone! Though teen campers are only allowed to use cell phones during specified times because of our rules & regulations.
Do you have meals for vegetarians?
Yes we do. Please contact our office well in advance for special arrangements.
Do you have supervised activities in the evenings for TEEN overnight campers?
After dinner we usually have a number of activities: sight seeing trips, go to shops; have bonfires by the bay, we watch movies, or sometimes even go to Sea World!
What activities do ADULT campers do in the evenings?
Adult campers participate in group events until after dinner. Some nights we go out for dinner. After dinner you are FREE to do as you please, but you need to be sure you are up and ready for action by 8:30am! Our camp coordinators would be more than happy to direct you to the best nightlife at your location.
What do I need to bring to the beach during Overnight Camp surf lessons?
During the day we suggest you bring sun block, sunglasses, a hat, a beach towel, snacks, and drinks.
Questions for Teen & Adult Overnight Surf Camps in San Diego
I am flying into San Diego’s Lindbergh Field Airport, what time should I arrive for my airport shuttle?
Weekend campers flying in must arrive on Friday afternoon between 2-4pm. Campers arriving at other times at the airport will be charged a $25 surcharge.
What time can I book my return flight if I am staying for the 5 Day Overnight Camp?
You should schedule a flight on Friday between 2-4pm. Campers who have an earlier or later airport drop off will be charged a $25 surcharge fee.
Questions about Surf Trips
Do you send out any brochures or information packets?
Once you have signed up for a surf trip we will send out information packets via email or by fax.
What is included in the Surf Trip?
We provide accommodations for 7 nights or 14 nights including a breakfast and dinner buffet. We supply all the equipment for your daily surf instruction. We also offer transportation to other beaches, an airport shuttle, and English speaking guides.
What can I expect from the Surf Trip?
By the end of the trip you will be able to: paddle and ride small and mid-sized waves; stand up and glide down the waves controlling your board; turn left and right to follow the natural peeling of the wave; turtle and duck dive waves. You will also understand ocean safety, be able to read currents, and understand rules of priority and surfing etiquette.
What are the age groups of surf trip students?
Most students are adults between the ages 18-25 and 25-45.
Do I need to travel with a group?
You need to have a group of at least four to book a surf trip.
Do you have internet access at your surf camp bases?
Yes, there are a lot of internet cafes available.
What other costs will there be?
You are responsible for purchasing your airline tickets. Extra activities such as diving, dune boarding, yoga classes, massages, and nightlife are at your own expense. Last, bring some spending money!
Do we surf in any weather?
You may surf in any weather as long as the surf is good and safe.
Can I do the surf trip without the accommodation?
We have surf schools all over, and you are welcome to attend our regular surf school.
Can I book the accommodation and not the surf trip?
Yes, we can arrange for accommodation packages only. Please contact us at surftrip@alohasurfergirls.com for more information.
Can I just rent surfing equipment?
Yes.
Travel questions
Do I need travel insurance?
It is always recommended to get full coverage travel insurance in case of any accidents, or unforeseen circumstances.
Do I need a visa to go?
Please contact us so we can assist you to prepare to travel.
Can I get my domestic flight tickets through Surfer Girls?
No, you need to book your own flight.
Will I be picked up from the airport?
You will be picked up at the airport by our private van/car and a Surfer Girls team member holding a name card.
Accomodation questions
Are we lodged in single rooms or shared rooms?
Your lodging will mostly be in shared rooms.
Can I arrange for a private room?
Yes, we do have private rooms available for an additional cost.
Are our accommodations on the beach?
All Surfer Girls surf trips and camps are beach front. Depending on the season and availability some rooms even may have ocean views.
Are the accommodations/rooms safe to keep our personal belongings?
All rooms have safes for you to store your personal goods. We suggest you bring some cash, travelers checks and your ATM card. Surfer Girls is not responsible for any lost or stolen personal belongings.
Payment questions
How can I pay for my Surf Trip?
You can pay online or send a check to our office. You must make a 50% deposit 90 days prior to your travel dates. If you’d like, you can pay the balance upon arrival in cash or travelers checks.
Can I wire the whole amount in advance?
Yes, you can in the US. Please contact us at admin@alohasurfergirls.com
Can I pay by Credit Card?
You can pay by Mastercard, Discover or Visa online. We do not accept payment by credit cards overseas.
What currency should I bring on my Surf Trip?
You can bring US Dollars or Euros.
