9 Pies, escuela de surf

Who they are

9 Pies is a surf school and surf camp based on avenida de la Playa in El Palmar, next to the Cortijo el Cartero, in the municipality of Vejer de la Frontera. It has been teaching for years on this beach open to the Atlantic and also gives lessons in Conil. It teaches from the first wave to advanced level, hires out boards, wetsuits, bodyboards and paddle boards, has a surf shop and publishes on its website a live camera of the beach and the forecast for waves, wind and tides. It is open every day from 9:00 to 21:00. Its website does not mention a founding date, federation or instructors' qualifications.

Courses and lessons

For adults there are beginner, intermediate and advanced courses. One or two days are enough to learn the basics; for more complete training they recommend a five-day or one-week course. Groups are a maximum of six students, with board, wetsuit, insurance and instructor included. A single two-hour lesson costs €35, and courses of two to five days, €65 to €135. You must be able to swim and have a basic level of fitness, and bring a swimsuit, sun cream and a towel.

Children start from age 6. For ages 6 to 8, the introduction is in groups of three students if the sea allows, from €40; for 9 to 14, in groups of up to six per instructor, from €35. There are intermediate and advanced courses for kids and reduced prices for families in El Palmar and Conil. The school insists that safety comes first and on choosing the best conditions of the day for each session. It also offers private lessons in surf, paddle surf and bodyboard, alone or with a partner, friends or family, and surfing adapted to each person's needs.

Surf camps

The surf camps combine lessons with accommodation near the beach and run all year. One week costs €525 in autumn, from 1 October to 12 November; €490 in winter, from 12 November to 1 March, and €540 in spring, from 1 March to 30 May. There is a two-day weekend for €70. The website does not detail the type of room or the meals.

When to go

According to the school itself, there are waves suitable for beginners all year; intermediate surfers make the most of September to June, and experts, October to April, with January and February the months with the most good days. Outside summer there can be waves of more than two metres. The recommended wetsuit runs from 4/3 in midwinter to 3/2 in autumn and spring, and in summer a swimsuit or shorty is enough. On good days and public holidays the beach fills up, so it is best to go early.

Booking and languages

Courses are booked online from each listing, or by phone on 620 104 241. The website does not publish cancellation conditions: ask when booking, especially if the sea is running big. They speak Spanish, English and German.