98
MLBLUE
WINTER2017
With a maximum capacity of 12 guests, the camp is small enough that
everyone becomes friends and as far as instruction goes, these guys are
pros; adults get one coach per two people and each kid gets their very
own coach. These coaches are locals and foreigners alike and they are all
as stoked to be in the water as their students. There are on-beach lessons
as well as extensive time spent in the water. It’s an incredibly effective
way to learn. We spendmornings in the water, then everyone comes back
to the resort to eat lunch.
After lunch the adults have the option to do yoga with a local instructor to
stretch their weariedmuscles (and I mean wearied), while the kids go off
on adventures with a couple of the surf coaches. They play in tide pools,
visit waterfalls or go for gelato. They always have a blast and give parents
exactly what we need: time to recoup from themorning’s pummelling.
In the evening after a family-style dinner around a huge table, we do
surf theory classes. We learn the difference between ground swells, wind
swells, point breaks and beach breaks. We learn how to deal with rip
tides, how surf competitions work and we do a night of video analysis to
learn from our mistakes.
It's now our last night and we’re celebrating with a bonfire on the beach
at Playa Hermosa. All the staff has gathered for dinner and drinks while
the sun goes down and the stars splatter across the sky. We laugh as
the kids run up and down the beach, collecting hermit crabs and goofing
around with each other. They've all become incredible friends.
“We originally started with a surf camp for adults,” says Hillary Harrison,
as we watch the kids playing, “but then we just found the family camp
was way more fun.”
And it's easy to see why. The feel-good, family vibe at the camp is
incredible, supportive and open. It’s a healthy learning environment for
both parents and kids. Hillary and Ryan’s three-year-old daughter Coco is as
much a part of the Peaks ‘n Swells family as any of the guests or staff; she’s
constantly making sand castles, chasing geckos, or making new friends.
I came here withmy wife and son. My wife Rheanna had never surfed
before and stood up on her first day. I’m better at surfing than I’ve ever
been. Our son has learned, and grown and changed somuch over the past
seven days; he’s made friendships, developed skills and learned to surf.
But more important than learning to surf has been our time spent
together. Surfing is simply a vehicle to enjoy each other’s company. As far
as I’m concerned, Peaks ‘n Swells has those lessons on lock.
Myson looksover and for about tenmetres
wearesurfing theexact samewave; laughing
andholleringover the roar of thesurf.
