You will be granted accesss to EWWS Autumn Wave Freestyle Camp - Basque Country, Spain.
Dates 30th October - 1st November 2023 CATEGORIES Freestyle Camps, Teen Camps30/10/2023 05/11/2023
Basque Country, Spain
Agata Sobieraj
Quim Fontane
14 - 18 years
Barcelona (BCN) Girona (GRO)
Airbnb Style
Chill Vibes & Wave Freestyle
10 spots
After a very successful first trip last autumn we are coming back to the legendary Basque Country! Join us for an action-packed experience that will leave you with lasting memories and newfound freestyle skills. We've designed this Camp for paddlers aged 14-18 seeking to elevate their freestyle kayaking skills, this camp promises a unique blend of thrilling ocean adventures, chill vibes and skill refinement.
We will teach you how to position on the right spot to catch the waves, how to choose the best waves of the day, how to go back to the line up using the rip currents to your favour and of course, we will help you develop your wave freestyle game thanks to the extra airtime you will get from the ocean waves.
We will be based in a cosy surf hostel, conveniently situated just a few kilometers away from the pristine Laga Beach. The rooms are great, with very comfy beds and enough privacy for everyone whilst still being able to be together and play board games and socialise in the evenings.
The camp will be focused on giving personalised feedback to help you achieve your personal goals, step up your wave freestyle style and guide you through a complex world of ocean conditions and rules. With two exhilarating kayaking sessions per day, you'll have ample opportunities to refine your moves and conquer the waves. We will organise one "rest day" allowing you to explore the ocean from the perspective of a traditional surfboard.
As ocean conditions can be unpredictable, we'll provide in-depth briefings on the first day. We will go through the essentials of wave lineup etiquette, ensuring a harmonious experience for kayakers and surfers alike. It will allow you to gain a comprehensive understanding of ocean currents, ensuring your safety and become a more conscious and independent paddler.
FLY IN/OUT & PICK UPS -You should aim to arrive at Barcelona (BCN) airport on Monday 30.10.2023 before 14:00 or Girona (GIR) before 12:00. We will come to pick you up and drive directly to the Basque Country.
DROP OFF – You should aim to leave from Barcelona (BCN) on Sunday the 5th of November after 17:00.
GAME PLAN
DAY 1 - Arrival & Orientation:
We'll pick you up by 14:00 and drive directly to the Basque Country. We will have around 6-7 hours drive to finally rest at our base in Laga Surf Camp Hostel.
During the following days we will run 2 freestyle sessions per day on our local, stunning Laga Beach. If the conditions at Laga are not suitable for surfing we will explore other breaks: in Zarautz, Bakio, Zumaya or Deba.
DAY 2 - Waves & Etiquette:
In the morning we'll cover ocean safety, surfer-friendly etiquette and group dynamics. Learn how to share the waves harmoniously and apply your lessons during on-water practice, connecting theory with real-life experience.
DAY 3 - Mastering Wave-Catching:
Focus on mastering efficient techniques for wave-catching, supported by individual guidance from our experienced coaches. By day's end, you'll be confidently positioning and initiating wave freestyle tricks of your choice! We will also go through the most efficient techniques of breaking back into the lineup without loosing too much energy and respecting our fellow paddlers.
DAY 4 - Freestyle Tricks:
Experience the excitement of learning and perfecting freestyle tricks, with a focus on roundhouses, blunts, panams, airstrews, and back variations of all the tricks. Under expert instruction from Quim and Agata, you'll elevate your kayaking abilities and add creativity to your repertoire. We will focus on giving you a personalized feedback helping you achive your personal goals.
DAY 6 - Rest & Exploration:
Embrace a day of well-deserved rest, and dive into traditional board surfing and coastal exploration. We will spend the day trying to look at the ocean from a bit different perspective.
DAY 5 - Trick Angles & Precision:
Fine-tune your freestyle prowess by experimenting with different trick angles, focusing on precision and flawless execution. Engage in practical sessions tailored to enhancing your ability to perform advanced tricks with finesse and style. Receive final feedback during the traditional meal out, participate in a reflective debrief, and wrap up your journey with a delicious Spanish cusine.
DAY 7 - Drop off day:
We will spend this day on driving back to Catalonia and organising the airport logistics for your way back home. We will aim to drop you in Barcelona at 15:00 so search for the flights not earlier than at 17:00.
(Note: Camp details and schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions and participant needs.)
INCLUDES
✔️ Loco Parentis (24h supervision) from point of drop off until hand over or check in completion at return airport.
✔️ All meals included except one eat out and meals during travel.
✔️ Accommodation in a surf hostel.
✔️ World class, personalised, low-ratio coaching led by Quim Fontané & Agata Sobieraj.
YOU WILL ASLO NEED
➕ Flights, in case you need to fly in or out at the beginning and end of the camp.
➕ Your own kayaking gear and a freestyle kayak.
➕ A suitable travel insurance.
➕ About €50,00 spending money.
WHY THE BASQUE COUNTRY?
The Basque Country was chosen as our destination for the EWWS Autumn Wave Freestyle Camp due to its exceptional blend of natural beauty and challenging ocean conditions. The region offers consistent waves that are rarely below 1 meter high, making it an ideal playground for paddlers seeking to elevate their skills. With a rich coastal culture and stunning landscapes, the Basque Country provides a captivating backdrop for our camp. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of wave freestyle kayaking while exploring the unique charm of this vibrant region.
WHAT BOAT SHOULD I BE BRINGING WITH ME?
During the Wave Freestyle Camp, you will need a freestyle kayak. You should also bring all of the kayaking gear: helmet, paddle, lifejacket, overthruster, freestyle shoes/neoprene socks, drytop and a solid spraydeck.
HOW BIG ARE THE WAVES GOING TO BE?
The size of the waves can vary, but during this time of year, they typically range from 1 to 2 meters high. The Basque Country's ocean conditions provide an excellent opportunity for kayakers with a freestyle background and a solid eskimo roll in whitewater. During the camp we will aim to surf on our local Laga Beach. If the conditions at Laga are not suitable for surfing we will explore further peaks: in Zarautz, Bakio, Zumaya or Deba.
HOW DOES THE ACCOMMODATION LOOK LIKE?
We will be staying in an airbnb accommodation in a surfing style. There will be a cosy indoor and outdoor space for games and activities off the water. We will organize some space for drying your gear in the garden. There will be a kithchen and a dining room we will use for preparing the meals and eating.
MY ENGLISH IS NOT THAT GOOD… IS THIS OK?
Can you think of any better opportunity to study English without even noticing it? Sessions will be run in English but in case you don’t understand or you have any questions, our coaches do speak French, Spanish and Catalan. Other Burners may be able to help you as well. Don’t worry, we will find the way to understand each other and your English will improve by the day!
WHAT SORT OF STUFF DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
The autumn in the Basque Country can be warm and sunny or cool and rainy. The temperature should not drop below 15 degrees and we wouldn't expect it to be higher than 25 degrees. Bring with you some suncream and a raincoat. As we will be based in an airbnb style accommodation there is NO need to bring sleeping bag. Don't forget all the kayaking gear, towel, hygiene kit, warm clothes and optionally a book.
I AM UNDER 16 AND TRAVELLING ALONE. WHAT COMPANIES ALLOW U16s TO FLY IN THEIR OWN?
Ryanair - This company does not allow unaccompanied minors under 16 years to travel. U16s can travel only in case there is a responsible adult over 16 years of age.
Easyjet - This company does not allow unaccompanied minors under 15 years to travel.
Eurowings - This company allows minors as young as 12 years old to travel unaccompanied. Children between 5 and 11 can also fly if they are accompanied by a sibling over 16 years of age. The company also offers an unaccompanied minors service at an extra charge for passengers younger than 12 years of age. DIRECT FLIGHTS ONLY!
Norwegian - Maybe the best company out there to fly if you are an unaccompanied minor as they accept ages ranging from 5 - 15. From 5 - 11 you will need to contract the Unaccompanied Minor Service. This service is available but only optional from 12-15 and once your 16 you'll be considered an adult.
Vueling - This company allows minors as young as 12 years old to travel unaccompanied. Exception - Italian kids must be at least 14 to be able to travel alone.
Lufthansa - This company allows minors as young as 12 years old to travel unaccompanied. Children between 5 and 11 can also fly if they are accompanied by a sibling over 16 years of age. The company also offers an unaccompanied minors service at an extra charge for passengers younger than 12 years of age, although it is also possible to book for up to 17yo. DIRECT FLIGHTS ONLY!
Aer Lingus - This company allows minors as young as 12 years old to travel unaccompanied. DIRECT FLIGHTS ONLY!
Wizz Air - This company does not allow unaccompanied minors under 16 years to travel. U16s can travel only in case there is a responsible adult over 16 years of age.
REMEMBER: Some countries have specific requirements for any children under 18 years who wish to travel into, out of or within their country. You must contact the country’s embassy website or national authorities for more information before you make your booking, and commence travel as these requirements can vary depending on the country, and can change regularly.
HOW DO I BOOK MY KAYAK ONTO MY FLIGHT?
It is generally easy to book your freestyle boat onto most airline companies. However, some companies have length limitations that would exclude most creekboats. It is important to read the sport baggage policies of the companies you are considering to fly with before booking your ticket. Here is a quick breakdown of the fares of various popular airlines:
Ryanair - 35€ for the regular Sports Equipment, 55€ for a Large Sports Item. It is possible to check in up to 2 Large Sport Items per person per flight. The maximum weight allowed is 20kg, but you might be allowed to fly paying an additional fee of 11€/kg up to 32kg. In general quite a friendly company for both freestyle and creekboats.
EasyJet - The fee is 55€ and only one item per passenger is allowed. You can check in your kayak without problems as kayaks are amongst the items that are allowed on the airline's sports baggage policy. Up to 32kgs. Friendly for both freestyle and creekboats.
Eurowings - Up to 32kg allowed, it has a cost of 50€. Generally a friendly company for both freestyle and creekboats.
Norwegian Airlines - Max dimensions stated on website are 250cmx79cmx112cm. This is more than enough for any freestyle boat and borderline for most modern creekboats. Likely that they would not care about 20cm extra as width and height of the kayaks are much less than their max allowance. 32kg max. weight allowance makes it a good company to chuck your kayaking gear inside your kayak :).
Cost is very reasonable at 30GBP (if booked online) or 50GBP directly at the counter.
Vueling - Kayaks are not on the allowed item list, but surfboards are. You will most likely not have any problems convincing the employees your kayak is actually a paddleboard. The weight limit is 32kg and the maximum length 270cm, which is good for all freestyle boats and many creekboats. The cost is 45€.
Lufthansa - Kayaks are not on the allowed item list, but surfboards are. You will most likely not have any problems convincing the employees your kayak is actually a paddleboard. The maximum length allowed is 3,15m and the maximum weight is 32kg so this is a creekboat-friendly company. The cost is quite elevated, at 70 - 150€ depending if it's a domestic flight or an international flight.
Aer Lingus - Kayaks are not on the allowed item list, but surfboards are. You will most likely not have any problems convincing the employees your kayak is actually a paddleboard. The maximum weight allowed is 23kg and maximum length is 240cm, so freestyle boats are a go, but it is not a friendly company for creekboats. The cost is 40€.
Wizz Air - Kayaks are not on the allowed item list, but surfboards are. You will most likely not have any problems convincing the employees your kayak is actually a paddleboard. A slightly odd company as the price depends on the season and it's higher during the summer months and lower during the winter. Not the most kayak friendly company so better to be avoided if you travel with your boat.
We highly recommend that you book your sports equipment in advance to avoid higher fees in the airport check in, or even worse, finding out that the flight is full and not being allowed to bring your kayak with you on board.
Also, packing your kayak nicely in a bag or using a "sock" for surfboards will maximise the chances that everything goes smoothly and that you don't have any problems.
1,095.00 €
If in doubt, please use the live chat in the corner to make sure the camp in Basque Country, Spain is suitable for your age and experience.
