[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Never in my life would I have imagined myself standing on a surfboard given the fact that I’m not much of a sporty person – especially not in the water, so I was really excited that my internship at WTC gave me the amazing opportunity to visit Surf Camp Australia for 5 days.
My journey started on Monday morning at 9.10 at the Wake Up hostel where we were picked up by already super motivated staff members of Surf Camp. We were a group of around 30 that was chosen to go by train as there was no more capacity on the bus, but that didn’t spoil our fun. I soon made friends with some fellow group members on the ride there which took about 3 hours. Once we arrived at Gerringong station, there were already vans prepared to pick us up and drive us to camp. 5 minutes later, we joined the rest of the group that had arrived by bus at the common area of the camp. We were given a short induction about our schedules, food and a few simple rules at Surf Camp. After that we split into groups of 6-9 and were given our rooms.
The rooms at surf camp are designed as little huts around the common area, so you could just sit at the porch and still be a part of the whole group sitting in the middle.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_single_image media=”32667″ media_width_percent=”100″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Soon after, we had our first surf lesson! But before you can surf, you have to get your wetsuit! My roommates and I had great fun putting them on each time, as it can get quite tricky when they are still wet from the last time you have used them. But once you’re in, you’ll feel much warmer, so we left the upper part around our waist for the most time. After putting on sunscreen provided by the team, we embarked on out first lesson.
Over the course of 5 days, there were 8 surf lessons in total, almost all of them started with a theoretical bit that we could then directly put into practice after. The first lesson was obviously focusing on safety in the water, the parts of the board, but we were also already taught how to stand up on the board (in theory). I was surprised when I first went into the water as I expected it to be freezing cold, but the wetsuit really helped keeping all the cold out. After being smashed in the face by a few waves, I managed to catch a wave and ride it lying down – and even just that feeling was amazing! The next day I was able to stand up on the board and catch a few more waves than day 1. As time went on, we were taught some tricks, how to slow down/speed up on the board and how to turn. Surfing sure is a feeling that is one of a kind.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_single_image media=”32673″ media_width_percent=”100″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In between our surf lessons we had plenty of time for another fun thing to do which is eating! The food at Surf Camp was served three times a day and it was a mixture of burgers, hotdogs, pasta, pasta bake and salad for lunch and dinner and granola, toast and fruits for breakfast. There were also always vegetarian and vegan options available.
There was also enough time to relax at the nearby playground (where the wifi was best), listen to music and lay in the sun. On Wednesday, they even offered a yoga lesson to relax the muscles that had been used the days before and I really enjoyed it![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_single_image media=”32671″ media_width_percent=”100″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The evenings at the common area were also a great way to relax, have a drink and chat to everyone else in the camp. Some people played cards, some played beer pong with the instructors and others were just sharing their experiences in Australia so far. The atmosphere in Surf Camp for me is almost impossible to describe as there was such a feeling of freedom and cosiness at the same time – you really have to experience it for yourself. After 10pm most of the campers would move to the beach to enjoy the scenery at night time and that is really worth it. The night sky was so clear that you could see lots of stars and the sound of the ocean just made the whole situation even more relaxing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_single_image media=”32670″ media_width_percent=”100″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I might not be the best surfer (..yet), but it sure was an experience I will never forget – and I will surely try surfing again on my own! Looking back, going to Surf Camp is definitely a choice you shouldn’t even think about making – just do it![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_single_image media=”32672″ media_width_percent=”100″][/vc_column][/vc_row]