FAQs
If you can’t find the answer to your question here, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
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General
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Where is Surf Maroc?
Surf Maroc is located in the Agadir region of southern Morocco. Taghazout is a unique gem on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Conveniently located 40 min from Agadir international airport it’s a short hop ( 2-4 hrs) from most central European cities. It’s the closest place for any European surfer to get year round warm water, perfect waves and a unique cultural experience.
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How do I get there?
Morocco is served by direct flights from the UK and other major European airports, with flight times to Agadir between 2-4 hours.
Guests travelling from the US, Australia or North Europe can connect either in Casablanca or at a European airport as there are no direct flights to Agadir.
From Agadir airport, it’s a 45-minute drive south-east along the coast road.
Road transfers from Marrakech can be easily arranged and the new motorway has dramatically cut the journey times down to 2 -3 hours and cost approx £80 for 4 people. Surf Maroc do not provide these transfers but can book one for you. Payments for the transfer are made directly to your driver.Skyscanner – great site to see who fly where internationally.
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Do I need a visa?
EU and US passport holders do not require a visa to enter Morocco for tourist purposes. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. If you hold a passport from outside the European Union or United States, we strongly recommend that you check with your nearest Moroccan Embassy.
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Can I bring my children?
Villa Mandala, our yoga retreat center, is an adult-only location (15+) Taghazout Villa and Amouage, our guest house and boutique hotel, welcome family all year round with the exception of Christmas and New Year weeks. Our locations are all very special and welcome all types of guests: solo travelers, couples, groups of friends, and families. Nevertheless, they are not being designed for kids’ safety and therefore children are completely under their parent’s responsibility. Surf Maroc cannot be held responsible if anything happens to them. Children aged under 15 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times to ensure that the children’s behavior is appropriate for other guests within the hotel. At the discretion of the hotel, children may be excluded from certain events or promotions where deemed unsuitable or inappropriate.
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Can I hire one of Surf Maroc's locations exclusively?
Absolutely! Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, group trip or if you would like to run your own weeks here with us. We can tailor-make a package for you. We facilitate holidays for companies such as Big Friday, WaveHunters USA, Animal Surf Academy, AppleYoga, Yoga Haven, The Saunton Hotdoggers, Access Trips, Liquid Yoga Surf, Rob Barbers Body Board School, Surf Southwest. We provide all the accommodation, surfing, logistical, catering and concierge services allowing them to hang out and enjoy the sun, surf and culture with their guests.
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Can I spend Christmas and New Year at Surf Maroc?
Absolutely! Spend Christmas or New Year on the beach in the sun and surf some great waves.
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How about cash? What is the currency? Where can I get it?
The Moroccan currency is the Dirham. Exchange rates at last time of checking were around 12Dh to the £1, 10Dh to the € and 8Dh to the $.
Dirhams can only be obtained within Morocco. There are exchange facilities and ATMs in the airport. There are also plenty of ATMs in Agadir. There are no ATM’s in Taghazout, the nearest is Aourir, a five-minute drive from Taghazout. This machine and many other ATMs in Morocco do not accept Maestro and can be unreliable, if you have a VISA card we recommend you bring it.
We accept Visa and Mastercard in all Surf Maroc location
*Please note: traveller’s cheques are not a good idea for Morocco. They cannot be exchanged at the airport or in Taghazout and there are only a few places in Agadir that will change them.
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Can I use my phone? Is there internet?
Nearly all networks work in Morocco. Contact your network for call charges. Coverage is good.
There is fiber optic in all our locations.
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Is the standard of the services the same at each location?
At all of our locations, the services are run at the same high standard with the same friendly hospitable staff, new vehicles and state of the art surfing equipment.
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What is the surf and the weather like? When is the best time to visit?
Morocco is an all year round destination for great surf and great weather. Surf Maroc is open all year. The summer months (April – October) see small to medium swells with surf mostly on the beaches and reefs on the more exposed north-west coast. This is a great time for anyone looking for fun. There are some bigger days during this time for those looking for something more challenging. During the winter months the waves, that have made Morocco famous, come to life. There is a huge variety of surf in this area of Morocco. There are not many places like it in the world. The region has something for everyone, from ideal beginner waves to challenging reef ledges. Intermediates and those new to the sport should not be put off or worried. Due to the nature of the coastline, there is almost always somewhere sheltered and manageable, and those looking for something challenging won’t be disappointed. Morocco is blessed with well over 300 days of sunshine a year. Between the months November to February, there is a small chance of rain, although statistically, it is unlikely.
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What boards should I bring, do you rent equipment?
With such a large range and choice of waves, you may want to bring a whole quiver of boards. To generalise, the majority of waves are right-hand point breaks from soft, slow, rolling spots to heavy, fast barrelling spots. Bring equipment to suit your ability and what you want to surf. If you don’t want to go big, your everyday board will suffice, there’s nearly always somewhere sheltered. If you do want to charge the big stuff, bring something suitable for mid-winter waves can get up to 15ft.
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What amenities are there in Taghazout?
There is an abundance of restaurants and cafes in Taghazout. The are plenty of grocery shops selling fruit, vegetable and other essentials. There is a well-stocked pharmacy and four surf shops.
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Are there surf shops around, what can I buy there?
There are surf shops in Taghazout. They now stock a fair bit of hardware: leashes, wax, deckgrips etc. The surfboard and clothing selection is also growing. Most of the shops offer board repairs, they are often great value and of good quality.
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What about clothing, what will I need?
Morocco is a liberal Muslim country, and men and women are welcome to wear shorts and T-shirts. Swimming costumes and bikinis are normal on the beach but it is advisable to cover up your arms and legs a bit when walking around town. Shorts, tees and flip flops are the norm. Trousers and jumpers are sometimes needed particularly in mid-winter when the evenings can be chilly so warm clothes are a good idea during that period.
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What food can I expect?
Our food is fantastic! The food served in all our venues is amazing. Our chefs will prepare a mixture of Moroccan and international dishes each week Breakfast is included in all our locations. All packages, apart from RO, include a packed lunch. Please see the table above for what is included in each service option.
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Do you supply towels?
Yes! Both beach foutas and bath towels are provided.
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What about alcoholic drinks?
Alcoholic drinks can be legally served and sold throughout the country. Morocco even produces its own range of wines and beers. Amouage has a bar.
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Do you cater for special diets?
We understand that some people have special requirements. Let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to make sure we have exactly what you need. All guests should be aware that not all ‘specialized food alternatives’ are available.
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Do I have to rent a whole room?
If you are booking a Surf package, you can stay in our mix-gender dorm room at Taghazout villa or Amouage.
If you are booking a Room only, you will have to rent a whole room.
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While staying in Taghazout Villa, can I go to Amouage?
The Amouage Bar & Kitchen is open to the public from 1pm to 9:30pm.
And since you are part of the Surf Maroc family, you get preferential price on day pass if you want to treat yourself with a chill day by the pool (200dhs instad of 400dhs) and at the Spa (menu available on site)
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What about the evenings?
It’s really up to you. You can dine on one of the terraces overlooking the surf and enjoy a drink under the stars, get comfy in the salon and watch a film, go and have a mint tea in the village and check out the scene in this bustling little fishing village or we can arrange taxis for those who fancy checking out Agadir’s nightlife!
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What voltage and plugs do you use?
Morocco is on 220 volts with two-pin round plugs.
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Arrival and departure details
You can arrive at any time.
It is not always possible to have your room ready before 4 pm. If you do want to arrive early and your room isn’t immediately available, start enjoying yourself anyway – we’ll take care of your bags and get you started on whatever service you have chosen. Check out is officially 10 am, but if you would like a later checkout, let us know and we’ll do our best.
Please be aware that if you supply the wrong arrival or departure details and we send a transfer this will count as your transfer.
Please note that free transfers are only available from Agadir airport (if staying with us for 7 or more days on a package). If you would like to be collected from a different location, including Agadir bus station and hotels, please make sure you book this through the Customer Portal. -
Medical information
No vaccinations are required for visitors to Morocco – and anti-malarial precautions are not necessary.
We have first aid equipment along with staff trained in administering first aid.
In the case of an emergency, there are hospitals and clinics in Agadir. Medical charges will apply according to the treatment received so make sure you have travel insurance before you arrive.
There is a well-stocked pharmacy in Taghazout which is open every day.Morocco is a developing country which offers different foods, water, bacteria and climate that you may not be used to. By taking some sensible precautions, you can help reduce the risk of getting an upset stomach which often occurs when travelling to rural areas in developing country. Some guests have found that taking probiotics before travelling has helped to prevent gastro related illness.
If you are pregnant, have any conditions or illness, or generally concerned, we recommend you get in touch with your GP or travel clinic for advice before you travel.
Please note our advice is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not constitute medical or other professional advice.
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Can I drink the water?
We recommend you do not drink tap water at all in Morocco, even in hotels, as it contains much higher levels of minerals than the water in Europe. For local people, this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for travellers from places such as Europe, drinking the tap water will usually result in illness.
We do sell glass-bottled water for 30 dirhams at our locations to help eliminate plastics bottles.
We also provide for free safe, filtered water at our locaitons. We recommend that you bring your reusable water bottle to refill on-site. -
Agadir airport transfer are free?
Yes! We provide free Agadir group transfer for surf package stays over 7 nights. We collect groups of up to 8 in each vehicle. On occasions, it may be necessary to wait for flights landing at similar times ( up to 30 mins ). Please note that free transfers are only available from Agadir airport (if staying with us for 7 or more days on a package). If you would like to be collected from a different location, including Agadir bus station and hotels, please make sure you book this through the Customer Portal.
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Solo Travelers - do you get any?
We get a lot of people who visit Surf Maroc on their own and have a brilliant time – bookings for solo travelers and groups is roughly a 50-50 split. The set up at all our locations and within our surf services allows for such a truly social atmosphere that you’ll be making new friends in no time.
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Can I join the surf groups if I am staying as RO?
If you haven’t pre-booked one of our surf packages, and are staying in RO, but you’d like to go surfing please let your host know by 1 pm the day before. We will do our best to accommodate you. Please note that we can’t guarantee there will be space in any of our vans.
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Where is Surf Maroc?
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Surf Guiding
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Are surf lesson and equipment included?
No, surf coaching is not included in the surf guiding package. If you would like surf coaching please see our Surf Coaching package for more info. Equipment is not included as some guests like to bring their own so we have made it an optional extra.
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What sort of waves will I surf?
Please see our levels section and also our spot guide on the Surf page.
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Can I go surfing later / can I do a half day?
We will always try to adapt to what you would like to do. If your group is surfing nearby your guide will come to pick you up. If they are more than 5 mins drive away it might be more difficult for the guide to leave the group for safety reasons. We will organise a car and driver in this situation if possible but it cannot always be guaranteed.
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Can we go on a excursion in place of our guiding package ?
If the surf is bad or all of your group want to go on a local excursion your guide can take you to Agadir. Please note even if only one person in your group wants to surf our priority is to the surfers. In this case, we can arrange excursion but costs will apply. Please see the excursion section on the About page.
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What's the surf going to be like?
Please see the season guide and the surf forecast section on the Surf Page.
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Whats the water temperature?
Please see the season guide in the surf page!
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What level surfer do I have to be?
We only allow surfers who are level 3 to level 6 to booking onto Surf Guiding, whether that’s for a day or full holiday package. Surfers that are level 1 or level 2 can only book onto Surf Coaching. If any enquiries or bookings are made for Surf Guiding by level 1 or 2 surfers, our reservations team have the right to amend the booking.
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Can I change my surf level group?
Absolutely. If you feel you need to move up or down a group/level just let your host know the night before and we can get you into the appropriate group the next day.
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Are surf lesson and equipment included?
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Yoga Surf Retreats
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Can we stay for less than a week ?
We prefer to create a great group vibe by everyone doing a full week together. It disrupts the flow if people are coming and going at different times.
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Do we need to have any surfing / yoga experience ?
No! Our experienced & talented yoga teachers & surfing instructors are very capable of teaching all levels. Complete beginners are very welcome. We instruct precisely & innovatively on all the basics & always offer advanced options so everyone may progress during their stay.
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What style of yoga do you teach?
We draw together our years of study, diverse influences and myriad trainings to create inspired Vinyasa flow classes. On a Yoga Surf Retreat the mornings are dynamic flow, themed with aspects of the yoga philosophy, chakra system and/or anatomy and physiology. The evenings are restorative, yin based meditative practices to unwind after a day in the surf.
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Is it compulsory to come to all classes?
Not at all, we encourage everyone to do as much or as little as they like, to create ‘their own’ perfect holiday.
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I'm a beginner at yoga. is this retreat suitable for me?
Yes, absolutely! Our experienced and extensively trained teachers create classes for all levels. We set solid foundations at the start of the week for complete beginners and there’s always plenty of options and modifications to enable beginners and seasoned practitioners to deepen and develop their practice. Inspiration for everyone is guaranteed!
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Is the surfing suitable for beginners?
Yes – and we love getting people out on the waves for their first time! Taghazout/Auorir is spoilt with beautiful surf spots that are perfect for beginners, and we have our great surf instructors to help get you ride the waves. We welcome surfers of all levels, and our experienced surf guides will be taking you out on the waves each day (if you wish) and choosing the best places for everyone to have their lessons and safely practice surfing…and have lots of fun.
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What is the food like?
Our fantastic Moroccan chefs, inspired by Moroccan and international cuisine, prepare exceptional gourmet vegetarian food all day every day (with 1 fish option mid-week if requested). Feedback continues to be faultless, with 6 stars on numerous occasions!
A typical day: A bountiful breakfast after morning yoga with fresh smoothies, eggs, fruits, fresh bread…, a delicious picnic lunch on the beach (homemade falafels, hearty salads…), home baked afternoon treats after surfing and a gourmet evening feast after evening yoga (lentil shepherd’s pie, heaps of beautifully prepared and varied veggie dishes, beetroot patties, egg plant parmesana, tagines, guilt free chocolate hazlenut and avocado tart and homemade ice cream..!).
The food is exceptionally good…
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What should I bring with me?
Yoga clothes, beach clothes, beach towel, sun cream (as it’s more expensive here), something warm for the evenings & early mornings (almost any time of year, just in case, especially between Nov – March), an adaptor for 2 prong European plugs sockets, a good book for the beach (?!), something to cover shoulders/legs for markets/towns ladies, like a shawl in summer (not essential but easier to respect local culture). Mostly bring an open heart.
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Do I need my own yoga mat?
The beautiful yoga shala is fully equipped with: yoga mats, yogi toes, blocks, straps,bolsters, blankets, lavender eye pillows and even sand bags!
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Are there any other activities on offer during the week?
Yes, we can arrange any of the following for you while you’re here:
Camel riding, horse riding, quad biking, massage and hammam and other spa treats. Also there’s day excursions to: Essaouira (2.5hrs north), Taroudant (1.5hrs east), Paradise Valley (25 mins inland), Agadir town+souq (20 mins south).
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I'm thinking of coming alone. Are many of your guests solo travellers?
Yes, lots of guests on our Yoga Surf Retreats are solo travellers. We’ve created a truly friendly, relaxed vibe at Villa Mandala. It’s very welcoming and easy for solo travellers to feel completely at home straight away!
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My partner and I are different surfing levels is this a problem?
Yes, no problem. We always have at least 2 surf instructors on our Yoga Surf Retreats. So we can split the groups as necessary according to differing levels and we’ll always go to the best spot for your level. If you or your partner wanted to miss some morning yoga classes to join a more advanced group from our other venues, we can arrange this too.
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Are there any extras that I'll need to pay for that's not included?
A load of laundry costs 100dh (£8.5)
Available activities include:- Paradise Valley trip
- Day trip to Essaouira
- Day trip to Taroudant
- Horse and camel riding
- Souk tours and shopping
If you’d like further information about these before your stay, please contact us directly.
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Is this holiday good for couples?
It is a social, communal holiday in the sense that you practice yoga, surf and eat breakfast and dinner together as a group each day. So, it’s great for couples who are keen to socialize and meet other people. There are options to take time out alone too and the villa is spacious enough to find your own quiet corner to relax.
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Arrival and departure details
You can arrive at any time at Villa Mandala.
Your room will be ready by 4pm.
If you want to arrive before 4pm – we’ll take care of your bags and you can enjoy the pool or rest in the indoor lounges, or go explore the surrundings.
Check out is officially at 10 am, we will need you to free the room by then but can organize for you some activities if your departure is later, or you can also enoy the communal area of the villa until your transfer arrive.Please be aware that if you supply the wrong arrival or departure details and we send a transfer this will count as your transfer. Please note that free transfers are only available from Agadir airport (if staying with us for 7 or more days on a package). If you would like to be collected from a different location, including Agadir bus station and hotels, please make sure you book this through the Customer Portal.
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Is Yoga Surf Retreat always held at Villa Mandala?
under 3 participants, we reserve the right to upgrade you to our location in Taghazout on Surf Coaching and daily yoga classes.
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What time will I have to depart?
On your departure day, we ask guests to vacate their rooms by 10 am.
This is so our staff can clean and change the rooms on time. We will host the group until midday. If your transfer is later that, we have plenty of suggestions for you to fill the time beforehand.
Don’t worry, we will talk about this during the week!
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Can we stay for less than a week ?
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Girls Surf Maroc
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Is it all girls all the time?
All of your coaching and surfing will be with the girls on the all-girls week. The accommodation (not the bedrooms), yoga, and dining are mixed with other guests boys and girls.
*under 3 participants, we reserve the right to integrate you to a mix-gender surf coaching group of the identical level
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What about clothing, what will I need?
Morocco is a liberal Muslim country, and men and women are welcome to wear shorts and t-shirts. Swimming costumes and bikinis are normal on the beach but it is advisable to cover up your arms and legs a bit when walking around town. Shorts, tees and flip flops are the norm. Trousers and jumpers are sometimes needed in the evenings all year round. In winter (Dec-Feb) evenings can be chilly so some warm clothes are a good idea during that period.
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Is it all girls all the time?
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Surf Coaching
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How long are lessons?
Coaching sessions are 2 hours long.
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When can I take my lessons?
Lessons are given in groups ( unless individual lessons have been pre-booked ) and the start time is at the discretion of the coach. He or she will base this decision on conditions daily but it is normally from 9:30 am.
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How many people will be in my group?
We are very sensitive about the number of people we take to a spot. there is a maximum of eight people in a vehicle. on very rare occasion we have to combine groups due to the split levels. We are legally allowed to teach at a ratio of 12 students to 1 coach but our operational average ( 95% of the time ) is 6 to 1.
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What kind of board will I use (beginners)?
Those new to surfing will use soft top boards, essentially these surfboards are designed with safety in mind. They function in much the same way as a normal surfboard and are what everyone on the team chooses when the waves are small (small is good when you’re starting out!)
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Can I do my lesson this afternoon?
If in a group session, the start time will depend on the conditions on the day – this sometimes can’t be gauged until the coach reaches the beach. If you decide not to leave with the group in the morning we cannot guarantee you can be picked up later or that you will be able to have your lesson.
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Coaching pack - is the board and wetsuit included only for the days I have lessons?
If you are on the surf coaching package your board and wetsuit are included for all of your stay.
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Are individual coaching sessions available?
Yes, we offer private coaching, it needs to be pre-booked.
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How long are lessons?