Surf Camp Ribadesella

Who they are

Surf Camp Ribadesella has taught surfing on Santa Marina beach since 2007; its website speaks of more than twenty years of lessons in Ribadesella. As well as single lessons and multi-day courses, it organises week-long camps for adults and for under-18s aged 12 to 17, with its own accommodation opposite the beach. Its team, of more than thirty people in season, is made up of instructors qualified by the Spanish Surfing Federation, with training in lifesaving and first aid. The website does not give the founders' names. The meeting point is Santa Marina beach itself, next to the Roberto Frassinelli hostel, on Calle Ricardo Cangas.

How the lessons work

Small groups of two hours, split into beginner, for those who have never stood up on a board, and improvement, for those who already catch waves and want to improve their manoeuvres. The board, wetsuit and insurance are included. The timetable is set each day according to the tide and published in advance; it is best to confirm a few days beforehand. If the sea does not cooperate they change your session or day at no cost. You surf in the rain too: they only cancel if the sea is dangerous. They admit pupils from age 6, and children are grouped by age.

Prices

A group lesson costs €40. Courses are two hours a day: €70 for two days, €90 for three, €110 for four, €135 for five, €160 for six and €180 for seven. Passes can be used on non-consecutive days and expire at the end of the season. A private lesson is one hour and costs €45 per person or €80 for two. Groups ask for a price on WhatsApp. They also hire boards and wetsuits to people who already know how to surf.

The camps

The adult weeks, for beginners and advanced surfers, include shared accommodation, lessons, equipment, activities and a T-shirt; if you come with friends, ask for a room together on arrival. In the weeks for under-18s, ages 12 to 17, the young people go in age groups, separate from the adults, with qualified supervisors 24 hours a day; families receive news during the week and hand in authorisations and emergency contacts on arrival. They stay at the Surf Palace, opposite the beach, with breakfast, or at the Villa Pilar chalet, open all year near the centre, if the first is full. There are offers for long weekends and holidays, such as the December long weekend or Easter.

How to book

You book and pay in full online, by card or Bizum, and the booking is confirmed immediately. They also answer on 619 327 020 and 609 607 200 and at [email protected]. The website does not publish cancellation terms or the languages of the lessons: ask when you book.