FAQs about Surfing and Surf Camps in El Palmar

Do you have questions before booking a surf lesson, a Surfcamp, Surf Coaching, a surfskate lesson or surf equipment in El Palmar? Here you can compare the options and check the most common conditions for each service.

Choosing the right experience

Which option suits me best?

If you want to spend several days surfing and share the experience in our Surfhouse, choose a Surfcamp. If you prefer to focus on a session in the water, you can book a group or private lesson. If you already surf independently and want more specific work, choose between a Surf Coaching Session, Online Surf Coaching, Intensive Surf Coaching or Surf Coaching Camp, depending on the time, follow-up and format you are looking for. Surfskate lets you work on positions and movements out of the water.

If you are unsure, message us through the WhatsApp button on the website and we will help you choose according to your level and goal.

Can I book a lesson without staying at the Surfhouse?

Yes. Surf lessons, the Surf Coaching Session, Online Surf Coaching, surfskate and equipment rental do not require accommodation. With Intensive Surf Coaching, you can request a stay at the Surfhouse as an additional option, subject to availability. The Surf Coaching Camp includes the stay stated on its own product page. The Surfhouse is not offered as standalone accommodation.

Surf lessons

Do I need previous experience?

No. You can start from scratch or continue if you have already had several lessons. We adapt the work to each participant's level.

What is the difference between a group lesson and a private lesson?

Group lessons have a maximum of 7 people per instructor and let you share the session with other surfers. Private lessons offer more individual attention and can be booked for up to 3 people with compatible levels.

Is equipment included?

Yes. Lessons include a surfboard, wetsuit and lycra top. You only need to bring swimwear, a towel and sun protection.

Where and when are the lessons held?

Lessons take place in El Palmar. We choose the spot and time according to wind, tide, wave size and the group's level to find suitable and safe conditions.

What happens if the forecast shows wind or bad weather?

Wind, swell and weather forecasts can change, especially several days in advance. An unfavourable forecast alone does not mean the lesson will be cancelled. We follow the evolution and confirm the time and spot according to the most up-to-date conditions, trying to decide as close as possible to the session. If the actual conditions ultimately do not allow an independent lesson to be run safely, we reschedule it at no extra cost.

If you want a simple reading of what swell, period, wind and tide currently mean for your level, check our Will there be waves in El Palmar? tool.

Surf Coaching

What level do I need?

For Surf Coaching formats you need basic independence in the water: paddling on your own, entering and leaving the water safely and catching waves without continuous assistance. You do not need to compete or have an advanced level.

Which Surf Coaching formats can I choose?

• Surf Coaching Session: a focused session of around two hours, with a maximum of 6 people, to identify what is worth working on first and apply specific corrections.
• Online Surf Coaching: send us your own videos and receive personalised analysis, work priorities, a plan for the month and follow-up without travelling to El Palmar.
• Intensive Surf Coaching: 1 to 5 days in El Palmar, in private, semi-private or small-group format. It lets you repeat the cycle of surfing, analysing, applying and checking again what changes. You can request accommodation at the Surfhouse as an additional option, subject to availability.
• Surf Coaching Camp: a group experience over several days combining technical work, video analysis, surfskate and a stay at the Surfhouse according to each edition's programme.

You can view and compare all four formats in our Surf Coaching in El Palmar collection.

Is video analysis always included?

It is included in the formats that specify it. We record when conditions allow us to obtain useful footage and then review positions, decisions, lines and manoeuvres to define what to work on. In Online Surf Coaching, the analysis is based on the videos you send us.

Surfskate lessons

Do I need to know how to skateboard?

No. You can start from scratch. We adapt the session to your level and provide a surfskate, helmet and protective gear.

What is surfskate used for?

We use it to isolate and repeat positions, lines and movements related to surfing. It is not about automatically copying movements from asphalt to water, but about understanding and practising them with more repetitions.

Surfcamps and Surfhouse

Do I need to know how to surf to join?

Not for Surfcamps open to all levels. We organise sessions according to each participant's experience. Surf Coaching Camps do require independence in the water; each edition's page states the required level.

What does each Surfcamp include?

Each edition has its own programme. On each Surfcamp page you will find the nights at the Surfhouse, surf sessions, meals and activities included. Depending on the edition, the programme may also include video analysis, surfskate, technique, training or other specific content. Always check the page for the exact date because duration and programme vary between Weekend, Long Weekend & Holiday, Week-long, Surf Coaching and special editions.

Which meals are included?

It depends on the edition. Many Weekend and Long Weekend Surfcamps include breakfasts and a barbecue or group meal; the Week-long Surfcamp has its own meal plan, while Surf Coaching or special editions such as New Year may be organised differently. Each Surfcamp page states exactly which meals are included.

When an edition includes meals organised by Carving Social Club, we need to know in advance about allergies, intolerances or relevant dietary requirements so we can plan the menu and shopping.

What ages are the Surfcamps for?

They are exclusively for adults aged 18 and over. Most participants are between 25 and 45, with common groups both from 25 to 35 and from 35 to 45, although we welcome adults of different ages.

Can I come alone?

Yes, and it is very common. Many participants arrive without knowing anyone and connect with the group during sessions, meals and shared time. We also pay special attention to group cohesion so that anyone arriving alone feels part of the experience from the beginning. You can read our guide about what it is like to come to a Surfcamp alone.

What is Surf Libre?

When conditions allow, we go back into the water together for a Surf Libre session, outside the structure of a lesson. It is a chance to try what we worked on in the lesson, video analysis and Surfskate without the pressure of a directed session or constant corrections, while also sharing waves and enjoying the water with the group. It often coincides with the last hours of daylight and can become one of the most special moments of the Surfcamp.

What happens if it is windy or conditions do not allow surfing?

We do not cancel a Surfcamp solely because the forecast shows wind, rain or unfavourable conditions. Models can change right up to the last moment and the actual conditions may end up better, worse or simply different from what was predicted. That is why we follow the evolution and make decisions about the water as close as possible to each session.

During the Surfcamp we adapt times, surf area and programme order to make use of the best windows that actually develop. If it is not safe to enter the water, that session will not take place and we may reorganise the programme with Surfskate, video analysis, technique, ocean reading, training, mobility or other related content.

If the actual conditions ultimately prevent an included surf lesson from being run safely and we also cannot move it to another time within the Surfcamp, that lesson is not lost: it remains available for 12 months. You can use it later as a standalone surf lesson or apply its fixed value to a future Surfcamp, always with prior booking and subject to availability. It is personal and cannot be exchanged for cash.

Group safety always comes before carrying out a particular activity. See the full terms in our Cancellation and Refund Policy.

Does cancelling a surf session mean cancelling the Surfcamp?

No. Cancelling, adapting or replacing one activity because of sea or weather conditions does not mean cancelling the whole Surfcamp. An unfavourable forecast does not cancel the Surfcamp either. We would only consider the Surfcamp itself cancelled if circumstances prevented the experience as a whole from being reasonably delivered and Carving Social Club decided that it could not take place. In that case, our Cancellation and Refund Policy applies.

How does the Week-long Surfcamp work?

It is designed to share several days of surfing, group life and practice in El Palmar. If you are travelling alone, you can pre-register without making any payment; we confirm the Surfcamp when the minimum group stated on the product page is reached. If you are already a group and have a specific week in mind, message us on WhatsApp to check availability.

What happens if an edition is full?

You can join the waiting list via WhatsApp. If we gather an additional group of at least five people and the second Surfhouse is available, we can open new places. Joining the list does not guarantee that additional places will open.

When we use both Surfhouses, accommodation may be split between the two houses, although lessons, meals and activities are run as one Surfcamp.

Equipment rental

Can I rent a board and wetsuit without booking a lesson?

Yes. You can rent equipment if you are independent enough to surf safely on your own. Availability depends on the sizes and boards available.

Bookings, payments and cancellations

How can I book?

You can book directly from the service page. If you have questions about level, dates or availability, message us through the WhatsApp button on the website before paying.

Can I pay in instalments?

For compatible bookings, you can select Klarna at checkout and split the payment into 3 interest-free instalments.

Do you offer discounts or promotions?

Yes. Check the current conditions on our Promotions page. The different Surf Coaching formats have different pricing structures, so check the specific product page before applying a promotion.

What is the cancellation policy?

It depends on the service booked. Review the conditions on its page and our Cancellation and Refund Policy before paying. The policy distinguishes between in-person services, Online Surf Coaching and Surfcamps.

About Carving Social Club

Are you the same Carving Social Club that was in Madrid?

Yes. Carving Social Club was founded in Madrid in 2011. Today we concentrate our activity in El Palmar, where our Surfhouse and surf programmes are based, as well as Online Surf Coaching for people who want to work on their surfing remotely.

Can't find your question?

Message us through the WhatsApp button on the website and tell us what you need to know. We will help you choose the right service and answer any questions before you book.