EWWS TEEN CAMPS
NEW YEAR'S EVE CAMP 2022/2023 - GALICIA & PORTUGAL
Our headquarters, the Galicia Progression House is located a bare 10 minutes walk from Frieira Wave, one of the most reliable big waves in Europe. No other location in the old continent offers such certainty at this time of the year. That's right, whether this is your first time on a big wave, or you are a seasoned freestyler preparing for the upcoming wave worlds in Columbus, Galicia is the place to be.
The objective number 1 of this Camp is to get as much wave training in as we can, so you'll need your freestyle boat as your first weapon of choice. With that said, and taking into account the uncertainty underpinning our sport, the right water conditions do not always align. That's why we have a plan B - and oh my... it might just be better than plan A after all!
Our plan B is simple. Galicia and Northern Portugal offer some of the best whitewater in Europe, and the variety you'll find here can't be rivalled anywhere else at this time of the year. Because of the uncertain nature of this trip, the EWWS will be happy to offer its fleet of creekboats and halfslices at no extra cost to those paddlers taking part in this camp. So here is the deal; you bring your freestyle boat and we will put the creekboat from our side.
- Bu-bu-but what rivers are we going to run if levels do not align for Frieira? Well, the answer is it depends. It depends on water levels, the level of the paddlers who take part in the Camp, and how much we want to push ourselves. In any case some rivers that should be in our hit list include; Tea, Mouro, Deza, Deva...
ARRIVAL - Aim to land in Oporto (OPO) airport on Monday the 26th of December before 20:00. Monday will be entirely a transit day.
DEPARTURE - Look for a flight departing from Oporto (OPO) on Monday the 2nd before 21.00. We will aim to do one last session in the morning before packing and heading back to the airport.
As we already stated, the plan will be highly flexible depending on water levels. We may spend more days freestyling if the water levels are right, whilst if the wave is too low or too high we might be forced to do more river running and creeking days.
TRIP FEE - 1150,00€
INCLUDES
- Loco Parentis (24h supervision) from point of drop off at departure airport until hand over at return airport.
- All transport once the camp starts.
- Accommodation in Airbnb-style accommodation.
- World class, personalised, low-ratio coaching led by Quim Fontané, David McClure and Agata Sobieraj.
- All meals included except one eat out per week and the meals during transit.
- Final review to help your progression once the camp finishes.
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.
- A suitable travel insurance.
- About 50,00€ spending money per week.
I JUST LEARNT TO SPIN, CAN I JOIN?
We do not look for world-class paddlers (hopefully we will help you become one). We look for motivated, passionate and open-minded individuals ready to commit to a full-on week that will transform your paddling and develop your thinking! A solid roll and basic freestyle skills make you a potential Burner! It is your mindset that counts. Expect to be pushed hard.
WHAT SORT OF STUFF DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
Sleeping bag, documents (ID, passport…), some pocket money, your favorite board game, a book, an open mind, lots of motivation… oh, and your kayaking gear might be useful too 😉
MY ENGLISH IS NOT THAT GOOD... IS THIS OK?
Can you think of any better opportunity to study English over the summer 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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
