EWWS x burners TEEN CAMPS
EWWS BIG wAVE WEEKEND 2023 - EUROPE EDITION
EWWS is gaining an immense reputation for providing the best paddle sport coaching on the planet. Our main programs are a week-long minimum, but we wanted to offer our combination of amazing locations with this level of coaching so that you can sample just what all the hype is about over a shorter more intense period.
Of course, there is a weather dependency but there is a good level of certainty that our chosen features will be in at this time of year. We coach full days with all our amazing coaching tools on display… These are the tools that have helped some of the best paddlers in the world get where they are today. We should warn you, we are used to long days so bring plenty of energy! It really is going to be a ‘PUT IN BIG AND TAKE HOME HUGE' kind of long weekend.
This 3-day-long weekend is suitable for teen paddlers throughout Europe with flights into Munich. We offer both shared accommodation and transport whilst on the camp as an add on to the standard cost of program. It’s not our lowest priced option as our costs are high but this is the type of short camp that can set you up for months to come so should not be compared not like for like with other weekends as this is very different from all perspectives.
The big Wave Freestyle Weekend takes place on Hardcore Wave as our first-choice spot. Hard-core wave is an incredibly exciting feature as you might have guessed already, it works between 240-350m3/s on the Salzach at the Nonntaler Brücke gauge and has great eddy service. It has a big steep green wall and the foam-pile can go from retentive to almost green depending on water levels. Bounces are huge and the wave has incredible potential. You might have also heard stories about the hole awaiting behind the wave... well, the hole really is there but it isn't that bad at all, can be surfed out from easily and if you get a beatdown you'll flush after throwing a couple ends.
Smoothie Wave is our high water alternative. 7km downstream of Hardcore, this is a wide wave with a fluffy foam pile. Less technical than hardcore it isn't as steep and the ramp is very smooth making it the perfect place to try new tricks. No eddy service.
And if these are not working we have wonderful fall back low water alternatives of Plattling and Kuchl. Here’s the description….
Plattling needs little introduction. It is a 250m wide hole with several pockets, a huge eddy and is one of the most popular freestyle spots in Europe. Plattling has been the venue of many international events. It does turn into a wave at high water.
Kuchl is a rapid on the Salzach, upstream of Hardcore that offer a nice variety of waves at different water levels. There is at least 3 different spots allowing for a good variety of wave tricks. In general, the lower the water level the better it gets.
ARRIVAL - If you need to fly in we suggest you fly into Munich (MUC) or Salzburg (SZG) Airports. Check with the coaches in case you need to arrange a pick up from the airport - in that case aim for a flight arriving late on Friday the 28th of April.
DEPARTURE - Look for a flight departing from Salzburg (SZG) or Munich (MUC) on Monday the 1st of May as late as possible. If you need a lift to the airport check with the coaches first.
DAY 1 - SATURDAY
The day before the start of the Camp we will evaluate the water levels and decide where we will be paddling on the first day of the Camp.
8:00am - 8:30am - Greet and meet at the local cafe. The coaches will introduce themselves and will walk you through the schedule and structure of the weekend as well as the coaching methods and philosophy of the EWWS. We will ask you questions related to your paddling background, goals and generally gather a little of information that will help us decide what style of coaching may work best for you.
8:30 - 9:00 - Feature inspection. We will all go for a checkup of the spot. First we will look at the bigger picture and talk about safety issues as we look out for potential dangers and hazards. We will also talk about the strategy to tackle the wave. Is it a paddle on feature of do we need to drop in from above? If so, where are we going to put in and take out?
Once we understand the bigger picture, we can go into specifics of the feature where we will be surfing. Where do we need to surf to avoid early flushes? Is the wave steep, flat, what does that mean to us? What tricks might go and where?
Once everyone is comfortable and has understood how we need to approach the spot we will go get changed.
9:00 - 12:00 - Exploration Session. Our goal is to make the feature feel like home. We must learn how to surf the feature effortlessly, which parts of the foam pile are retentive and which ones are likely to occasion a flush, how to surf out in case we need to take a breath... We will also start trying those tricks that we feel comfortable with as we gain confidence with every other ride we do.
12:00 - 14:00 - Lunch Break
14:30 - 17:30 - Back at it! Expect the coaches to be very active and to start encouraging you and push you out of your comfort zone. We will start exploring the current limits of your paddling skill with the aim to expand them, targeting specific areas where we think you can make the most progress in the next few days.
17:30 - 18:00 - End of day one debrief. We will wrap up the session and propose some reviewing exercises to stimulate your curiosity for tomorrow.
DAY 2 - SUNDAY
Again, we should have sent you a message late on Saturday evening about our meeting point today. It might be the same spot or any of the other alternative features.
Expect the day to have a very similar structure as Saturday but with coaches being more demanding so you can shine at your brightest throughout the day. This will be one of these days that will remain in your memory for the incredible amount of progress you made.
In the evening we will go to have dinner together as a group.
DAY 3 - MONDAY
We will aim for one last session that should help you catalyse everything you learn in the last couple days... and then some more! We want the whole group to put on a firework show on the water.
Before everyone departs, we will do an individual debrief to evaluate your progression over the long weekend and to set you up with goals and a clear path ahead. This is possibly one of the most important moments of the weekend and the full coaching team will be present to give you their final piece of feedback.
TRIP FEE - 295,00€ / £260,00
This includes all the coaching fees as well as the amazing media we will produce throughout the weekend and that we will share with you on a daily basis.
Price does not include:
- Flights
- Express pick ups and drop offs to the airport - although these can be arranged covering the cost of the transport
- Accommodation
- Diets
* Although these are not included with the standard fee, they can be arranged as an add on. Please do contact us if you are in need of accommodation, transport, diets and we will find the formula the help out.
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.
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.
