What is a surf camp really like on the inside? The question comes from families who have heard about Somo, La Maruca or Sardinero but cannot quite picture their child’s day-to-day routine. This guide walks you through how a Natuaventura surf camp works: the daily routine, the equipment, the partner surf school, the beaches and everything worth knowing before enrolling.
What a day at a surf camp looks like
No two days at camp are the same, but there is a common rhythm that combines the surf course on the beach, the multi-adventure activity in the afternoon and the evening programme at the hostel.
Wake-up and breakfast: the hostel stirs gently, morning wash, home-cooked breakfast in the indoor dining room and a team meeting to prepare the surf or activity session of the day.
Morning on the beach: transfer to the beach where the surf course is run with the partner surf school. Theory is taught on the sand, then participants enter the water with a board and wetsuit provided by the organisation.
Lunch and rest: return to the hostel, four meals a day with an on-site kitchen and home-cooked food. Supervised free time in the communal areas of the hostel.
Afternoon activity: mountain trails, workshops, games and gymkhanas, Humor Amarillo or ropes garden depending on the day and the specific camp.
Evening programme: after dinner comes the evening event in the multipurpose hall or common room: themed activities, team games and quiet chat in the corridors until lights out.
Levels of learning
The surf course welcomes participants who have never stood on a board as well as those with prior experience. Groups are tailored to each person’s level, and progress is made in stages (getting comfortable in the water, position on the board, paddling, first waves, technique). Activity leaders adapt exercises so each child progresses at their own pace. No prior knowledge is needed to enrol.
The role of the partner surf school
The surf course is not run by the camp’s own activity leaders but by a partner surf school with qualified instructors who handle the technical teaching and water safety. The camp’s activity leaders accompany the children from the hostel, organise the groups and remain present throughout the beach session, but the sports instruction is handled by the school.
Equipment provided by the organisation
What is provided
- Surfboard adapted to the participant’s level.
- Wetsuit.
- Activity leaders and support from the partner surf school.
- Transport to and from the beach.
What families need to bring
- Swimwear, towel and sun cream.
- Rucksack with a change of clothes for after surfing.
- €20–30 recommended pocket money.
- The mobile phone travels with the child but is collected on arrival: it is returned for calls home every 3–4 days.
The beaches: Cantabria as a classroom
The Natuaventura camps in Santander are based at the Albergue Montecorona (Calle Aviche 37, Santander, Monte neighbourhood). La Maruca beach is just 10 minutes away. Cantabria offers stretches of coastline with different conditions for learning to surf: gently breaking waves for beginners, sandy seabeds and a coastline where each beach calls for a slightly different technique.
Safety: what is always in place
Ratio of 1 activity leader per 8 participants
This is the ratio applied at all camps: one team adult for every eight children, plus the surf school staff in the water.
Small groups
Groups are divided by age with a maximum of 40–50 participants per group, allowing close individual attention both in and out of the water.
Communication with families
Calls home every 3–4 days using the child’s own mobile, and an organisation diary on social media so families can follow the day-to-day.
Approved equipment
Board and wetsuit are provided by the organisation, fitted to the participant’s level and size.
Frequently asked questions about surfing
Does my child need to be able to swim?
Yes. Being able to swim is a basic requirement for taking part in the surf course. A competitive level is not needed, but participants must be able to manage in the water to enjoy the learning safely.
What surfing level is needed to sign up?
None. The course is designed so that a child who has never stood on a board can start from scratch. Those who already have experience are grouped separately to continue progressing.
How much can you learn in a camp of just a few days?
Realistically, participants learn the fundamentals: position on the board, paddling, basic wave reading and first pop-ups. Reaching a serious level of surfing requires returning summer after summer, but the camp does guarantee a solid and thoroughly enjoyable introduction.
What equipment do I need to buy before sending my child?
Nothing surf-related. The board and wetsuit are provided by the organisation. Families only need to bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes and sun cream, plus the usual camp luggage.
Who looks after safety in the water?
The partner surf school and the camp’s activity leaders. The ratio is 1 activity leader per 8 participants and groups do not exceed 40–50 children. Technical instruction is the responsibility of the school; overall support is the responsibility of the camp team.
Discover the Natuaventura surf camps
Two formats in Santander to find the one that suits your child.
We organise trips for primary, secondary and high school
School Trips
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summer camps
2026
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