Surf Coaching Camp
in Vaadhoo
4th – 11th May 2022
Vaadhoo Island, Huvadhoo Atoll, Southern Maldives
4th - 11th May (8 days)
Check in: 4th May 10:00 am; Velana International Airport, (MLE), Malé Maldives
Check out: 11th May 18:00 pm; Velana International Airport, (MLE), Malé Maldives
Maximum 8 surfer guests
Intermediate surfers
Be a confident surfer. We will be aiming for remote waves.
Mixed conditions: powerful and easygoing waves
Shared room 2200 USD per person
Sold out
More than 10 quality waves in the area, with our speedboat.
The Team
ESTITXU ESTREMO
High Performance Coach
Estitxu Estremo is a renowned female pro surfer at European and international level. She has been European and world champion in several occasions in between 1997 and 2010, both in shortboard and longboard, in a time where there barely were any female surfers. Nowadays she is a high performance coach, her school, Alawa, is located in Pantín, Galicia, Spain.
Estitxu started surfing at the age of 14 in Hendaya, France. Two years later she was already competing at national, European and international level. Since then, her life revolves around her passion: surfing and helping others to improve their surfing.
SILVIA DE SAN LAUREANO
The Ocean Spell Fundadora
Hola hola!
Looking forward to meeting you all and experiencing this life-changing unique adventure together.
This surf coaching trip is a rare edition on land, so as to offer a more affordable budget option in order to enjoy the remote Southern Atolls of Maldives.
I’ll be the host of the trip and will share my surf-yoga practice at the end of the day.
Stoked to share this experience with Estitxu as our coach!
Personalized
Surf Coaching
Estitxu is one of the very few coaches in the world that can teach both longboard and shortboard, thanks to her wide experience in both disciplines.
Video Analysis
Guided Surfing
What is Included
• 8 days surfing package at the camp;
• 7 nights shared accommodation at our camp;
• Breakfast, lunches and dinners included;
• 24/7 water, tea, coffee;
• World-Class surf breaks for intermediate surfers onwards;
• Professional high performance surf coach Estitxu Estremo;
• Daily surf coaching session with 1 video analysis per day (total 8) + 1 to 2 guided surf session per day;
• Surf transfers in speedboat to other spots;
• Local experienced surf guide;
• Domestic flights (return) from Malé to Huvadhoo, included up to 20kg of luggage (2 USD per extra kg);
• Lifts to airport/camp/airport;
• Late check out;
• GST, green tax and service tax (all taxes included);
• 1 bbq dinner at the beach;
• Snorkel, fishing and trips to other local islands.
What is not included
- International flights;
- Drinks, sodas (there is no alcohol on local islands);
- Photo package;
- PCRs.
Our Land Base in the Remote Southern Atolls
Our base is on the local island of Vaadhoo, on one of the southest atolls within Maldives, is a small guesthouse run by locals with a total of 8 rooms. Offering a familiar service.
All rooms count with air conditioner, fan and its ensuite toilet with shower.
PRICING
Sold out
Owen Watson – Cronulla, Australia
“I have been home a few weeks now and cant stop thinking about how good this Maldives trip was. They have created the ultimate surf trip experience by incorporating surf coaching with video analysis and yoga for the mind and body. The surf coaching part of this trip is such a great concept, video analysis is the key to breaking down your surfing so the coach can give feedback on mistakes you are making and gives you the techniques needed to improve your surfing. My surfing definitely improved over the 10 days and I have lots of new skills to work on to make my surfing more enjoyable. This trip was awesome to share with my son (truly a family friendly trip) and all the other like minded people on the boat, it was such a great experience meeting all these people from around the globe becoming good friends and having a fun surf trip together! Thanks!”
Kerri Heard – Cornwall, UK
“My trip to the Maldives with Silvia from The Ocean Spell was INCREDIBLE. So well organised and I felt confident throughout the process of booking that I was going to be looked after by the team. I had the best trip of my life. Met incredible like minded souls and had the best coaching I could have ever imagined. I recommend The Ocean Spell to anyone, you’ll be guaranteed the best trip of your life and with amazing people to support you and show you that you are capable and can achieve anything. Cant wait till the next trip!”
Sunshine Makarrow-California, USA
“In the two weeks I spent working with the coaching in the Maldives, my surfing improved more than it would have in months if not years on my own (I have been surfing more than 20 years). The daily video analysis was especially helpful to truly understanding how to improve. I highly recommend The Ocean Spell surf coaching trips to anyone looking to take their surfing to the next level.”
Iván Fernandez – Spain
“I had a great and awesome surf trip with The Ocean Spell, all the organisation was fantastic, great surf coaching sessions, very nice boat (double room, AC, private toilet, towels), awesome surf photographer, and obviously amazing waves. Yoga sessions on the rooftop during unbelievable sunsets, unbeatable experience. Besides, the small group and the staff creating a cozy environment, good vibes. This trip was for experience surfers, and I can assure you everyone improved in the 10 days of perfect waves and video analysis. I also joined the group trip as The Ocean Spell has a strong purpose promoting environmental actions. Obviously everything can not be perfect, but was very close. I highly recommend to book your surf holidays! Great organization.”
David Becerra – USA
“If I could give them 10 stars I would!! The Ocean Spell team is formed by amazing, funny and down-to-earth people, I feel like I have made new friends for life. Definitely the best surf trip I have been on. The whole trip was super organised. After more than 20 years surfing, the video analysis was super educational, I was able to make changes to my surfing and improve in the 10 days I was there. Now I have a ton of tips I can work on to get my surfing to the next level for many years to come.We spent the entire time surfing, laughing, learning and having a blast. They are very well respected by the locals and regulars in the water, and they make sure to educate everyone on proper surf etiquette to maximise fun in the water for everyone. Highly recommend to any surf at any level who wants to surf great fun waves and meet some cool people. Will be definitely going back!”
Annie Croteau – Canada
“I have been in one of the all women surf trip in the Maldives and strongly recommend the experience if you want to improve your surf. 10 days in paradise with an amazing group of inspiring women that I am so happy to now call my friends. An excellent coach, very patient and passionate. I improved a lot in 10 days and I now know what to work on in the next year to keep improving. The yoga was also very nice after long days surfing, my back needed this! Thanks The Ocean Spell for the unforgettable experience.”
Karmen Lopez – Spain
“UNBEATABLE. I joined the only women Maldives trip, 10 out of 10! The boat with all comforts, surf coaching incredible, I have improved my level in just 10 days, what could have taken a couple of years! I have returned with amazing photos as we had a professional photographer on board! The food was varied, I am vegetarian, so I was afraid that I would be hungry, but the crew would surprise us each day with different delicious meals, lucky that we burnt all the calories while surfing! The opportunity of meeting women from all around the world, in an amazing atmosphere, it has been so much fun that the bad thing has been to return home. The Ocean Spell team took care of us, showed us the best waves in the Maldives. Every night Silvia would give us a yoga session on the top of the boat, watching the stars. Next year I will repeat! I recommend it 100%!” ❤️
Haruna Pager – Japan
“l really enjoyed my Maldives surf coaching trip, I went to the all genders trip. One of the best quality waves in the world with great people. The coach was very professional, passionate and funny.
Silvia is kind, caring and always making sure everyone is happy and things are going well.
My surfing skill definitely improved in 10 days especially with the video analysis was so helpful in understanding what needed to be improved.Also evening yoga helped my bad neck and shoulder a lot, to survive surfing 3 times a day for 10 days.
I highly recommend this trip to anyone thinking of joining. It included what you need, comfy boat, nice food, professional surf coaching, yoga, every morning surf session video and awesome photos, off the scale of my expectation!
Thank you so much, hopefully see you soon!”
Yael Zamir – Israel
“Highly recommended, amazing experience. Great hassle-free organization,professional attitude, with super fun environment. Will definitely do it again.
It was my first trip without my family (I’m a mum of three grown up kids), initially I was going with a friend to one of the only women surf coaching trips that The Ocean Spell organizes, but my friend pulled out…and honestly I was going to cancel it, as I was scared of traveling alone, joining a group of unknowns. Silvia transmitted trust and confidence and told me how everyone was in the same position as me, with doubts and fears. So good she insisted me, I have repeated again after that trip! And soon more! My recommendation, don’t think it twice, don’t look for a friend with who to travel…as you will find plenty of like-minded people at The Ocean Spell.”
Do I need to bring my own surfboard?
Yes its a must, we are going to have an adventure exploring the remote Indian Ocean, nowhere to rent a board.
We recommend you to bring at least two surfboards, in case something happens. You know how boards are sometimes handled at airports, also things happen in the water too.
If this is a problem, please notify our team with time, so we can arrange an alternative solution with our local partners.
What else do I need to bring regarding surfing?
Note: we highly recommend you to bring reef booties, no matter your level. Its good to have them with you, just in case.
Are there any pre-requisites to join?
If you just want to join us, cruise, enjoy, go with the flow…you are more than welcome to come along.
If you are a beginner or low intermediate, keen to join, and you are aware that possibly the waves will be big, and you will have to either sit wide open or on the boat; if you feel comfortable with this, you are welcome to join this adventure. We will encounter lots of different type of waves, however beginner/low intermediates will not be able to surf most days. If you are comfortable with that, happy with sailing, swimming, snorkeling, chilling, hanging out with like-minded women and keen to have a blast, and listen to our recommendations regarding surfing…then we are stoked to have you on board.
Is there an age limit/requirement?
Minors are welcomed on our family trips, or on our kids surf coaching trips. Please contact us for more information.
Am I too old to join?
Most of our guests range between 30 and 55 years old.
I do not have with who to travel...is it a problem?
If you are waiting for a friend to join you, our recommendation is “just go”, the people joining our trips are with similar circumstances to you.
If I do not surf...can I join?
Yes you can join us, although if you intend to learn to surf as a beginner, we will not be available for you, as this group is tailored for intermediate level onwards.
There are other activities available such as snorkel and swim while we are surfing, you can always join us with the dhoni. Kayaks and sups are also available for you.
Shortboard? Longboard?
Everyone is welcome to join! We have both longboarders and shortboarders on board. Some of our guests bring different kind of boards to play around with.
This trip is aimed for small fun conditions.
Is there WIFI?
Can I work from my laptop?
Dietary Requirements
Do I need to bring snorkel, mask and fins?
We would advise to bring along your own mask and snorkel as this means you’ll be assured your mask fits your face properly and is comfortable and less likely to have leakage. We find that peace of mind goes a long way. A mask and snorkel is small and light and should take up very little space in your suitcase.
Do I need to arrive one day early?
If you decide you want to arrive early in order to rest and become acclimatized to the weather, we can help you book a hotel close to the airport with pick up and drop off.
When & where do we meet on the first day?
We will meet at Malé Velana International Airport, at 10 am on the 4th of May.
When & where do we finish on the last day?
We will finish at Malé Velana International Airport, in the afternoon on the 11th of May.
How much cash do I need?
This depends on personal preferences.
Almost everything will be covered: accommodation, meals (water, tea, coffee), airport transfer to the camp (as a group).
Here are some things you might need cash money for:
– alcohol, softdrinks (remember, no alcohol available on the island);
– photo package (aprox 200 USD);
– SIM card (50 USD for 30 gigs)
Local Currency and Banking in the Maldives
One US Dollar is equivalent to aprox 15.5 Rufiyaa. The US Dollar is accepted as legal tender. All major credit cards can be used.
The national bank, Bank of Maldives has a branch and an ATM in Male’ International Airport.
The banks in the Maldives are very particular about the condition of bank notes and will refuse deposits of old style USD$, even though still an active currency, damaged notes, badly creased or well-worn notes will also be rejected. Therefore, if presenting such a note as form of payment you may be requested to change to a note of better condition. Please do not take offence, it is purely that the note will have no worth to the individual to whom you are paying. Also, note that small bills .i.e. $1 and $5 have a lower exchange value, as the Bank of Maldives charges for small notes to be deposited.
Time
Note some resorts operate Island Time, which is 1 hour ahead of Maldives standard time.
Travel Insurance
You can buy an insurance package to suit you and your travel plans, allowing you to depart on your holiday confident that you are covered. We recommend our clients to get quality travel insurance with a well-known company: Blue-Cross, Manulife, Escapade, RBC, TravelGuard, etc. You should check the small print in the policy to make sure activities like surfing, snorkeling are covered. You need to be covered for medical expenses abroad and any emergency repatriation that may be required due to your illness/injury. We also recommend that you take out cancellation cover and baggage cover.
IMPORTANT: We must have your travel insurance details (policy number, issuing company details, and emergency telephone number) before you depart or you may not be allowed to join the trip.
Booking Information
A video-call must be organized with the team, in order to be invited to book your space in this adventure. To fully confirm your spot, a non-refundable deposit is needed.
Private and shared rooms availability are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please book your reservations early to receive your preferred accommodation.
Travel & Flight Information
If you decide to extend your stay, we can assist you to book your desired vacation in our luxurious resort recommendations.
Travel Documentation & Insurance Policy
Maldives Entry Requirements with Covid-19
Citizens/residents from most countries are currently allowed to enter Maldives by air. Passengers traveling as tourists arriving from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan or Sri Lanka are not allowed to enter.
Quarantine not required.
Specific entry requirements that must be met:
1) Mandatory Maldives PCR Test for Entry
All tourists traveling to Maldives in COVID-19 must take a mandatory PCR TEST (nucleic acid nasal & throat) taken no more than 96 hours before the departure time of the first ticketed flight to Maldives, counting from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives. If the tourist makes a transit during the journey, the initial PCR test will be valid if the transit does not exceed 24 hours. If the tourist makes a transit exceeding 24 hours, the passenger must repeat the PCR test within 96 hours prior to embarkation at the port of transit.
Maldives Immigration requires the Negative PCR test results to show the name of the passenger (name as in passport), name & address of testing laboratory, testing officer & testing officer signature, type of test stated as a PCR test, date & time of sampling, result.
Tourists who have completed the full vaccination process and hold a valid vaccination certificate for a vaccine approved by the World Health Organisation are still required to take a mandatory PCR test for entry to Maldives when traveling to Maldives in COVID-19.
The PCR test result should be submitted through the IMUGA portal within 24 hours prior to departure to Maldives. In addition, the lab result should be presented in paper or electronic format during the airline check-in.
2) Pre-fill Online Health Declaration Form
The Health Declaration Form must be pre-filled 0-24 hours before traveling to Maldives. The Negative PCR Test results must be attached.
Recommended to take a screenshot of the form’s QR Code upon completion.
A separate form must be pre-filled 0-24hrs prior to your departure from Maldives . Take a screenshot y of the new QR code again upon departure as it’s required to enter the departures hall for flight check in.
3) Confirmed Reservation & Return Flights
Travelers must have a confirmed reservation at our licensed accommodation facility when traveling to Maldives (including a resort, liveaboard, guesthouse, that is approved by the Ministry of Tourism in conjunction with safe tourism guidelines).
4) Passport Validity
Passport must have 6 months validity from departure date for entry.
Exit Requirements
Cancellation Policy due to Covid-19
We want to make the booking process as re-assuring as possible.
In the extenuating circumstances that the entire group trip needs to be rescheduled to new travel dates, due to international border closures and/or restrictions due to Covid-19, all funds paid will be rolled over to the new travel dates. New dates will be discussed with all attendees before being confirmed. If attendees are unable to attend on new proposed group travel dates, existing booking payments will become credit for other The Ocean Spell signature group trips (value to exclude any group fees previously utilised to a third party supplier). Credit not redeemable for refund.
It is mandatory to purchase travel and health insurance with cancellation cover, that in the event of individual attendee tests positive for Covid-19 in the days prior to the trip departure, the insurance provider will refund the credit, always with the proper evidence and proof. The Ocean Spell or our providers cannot refund the money, that is why it is mandatory to be covered for such circumstances. We do know various good insurance providers and we also work with some excellent products, please get in touch with our team.
Non-Covid related refunds. If you cancel 90 days or less before the trip departure date, we will reimburse any payments made to us (excluding admin fee and any non-refundable monies paid to third party suppliers), as long as we are able to resell the place(s) that we have been holding for you. The reimbursement can be either in the form of a refund or held in credit for a future booking. Either way, we will retain a $200 admin fee per person. We will be able to offer a partial refund (excluding admin fee and any non-refundable monies paid to third party suppliers) only if we are able to resell the place(s).
Please note that fear to travel due to Covid is not a valid reason for cancellation or for any insurance provider.