Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LEARN-TO-SURF CAMPS
enjoy a surfin' safari
BEACHES EVERYWHERE
If the Beach Boys can still tour, then you, my man, can still surf.
—Joe Kita, author and motivational speaker who took surfing lessons in
Vero Beach, Florida
75 |
Anybody who has ever tried to surf knows it's demoralizing, punishing, and psycholo-
gically damaging. So, why would anyone in their right mind take it up? Because it's still the
coolest sport ever devised, that's why. Not only do you get to hang out on a beach all day with
barely clad members of the opposite sex, but surfing even has its own language and music.
And
if
, just
if
, you ever
do
catch a decent wave, it's a magical, intoxicating rush like no other.
The good news is that if you take a learn-to-surf camp, catching a wave—with all the
mystical dividends—is a distinct possibility. In fact, if you believe the claims of a lot of surf
school brochures, more than 90 percent of first-timers (they're called “flounders” in surfspeak)
are able to stand up on the board within the first day. Even J. Paul Getty learned to do it.
Surfing schools are cropping up on beaches everywhere, offering beginners everything
from dirt-cheap board rental to all-inclusive deals on accommodations, meals, and instruction.
Surf vacations aren't just for slackers anymore. Here are a trio of schools where you can find
a really sweet ride.
Hans Hedemann Surf School.
Hollywood mogul Jeffrey Katzenberg is just one of the folks
whom pro surfer Hans Hedemann has taught to surf. He offers five-day surf camps in Hawaii
at various hotels on Oahu, including the Turtle Bay Resort on the famed North Shore. After
17 years on the pro circuit (he has a wall of awards to prove it), he decided to share the glory.
Five days of group lessons are $375 (for two hours of surfing a day) or $495 for four hours;
five days of private lessons are $710 (for two hours of surfing a day).
