We’ve all heard the expression, “only a surfer knows the feeling”. This is your chance to experience it. The feeling of riding across the face of a green wave, harnessing the pure energy of the ocean and being totally in sync with the rhythms of nature. Once you’ve had a good wave, you want more.
We believe surfing is one of the greatest sports around and everyone, regardless of age, gender and ability should be able to experience its uplifting physical and mental benefits.
Personalized Coaching
With only 1 or 2 other surfers at your same level. Coaching includes theory, technique & video feedback.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Uncrowded, easy-to-learn beach break just meters away. Retreat weeks are selected for ideal conditions based on the tides and seasonality.
ISA Certified Coaches
Our ISA-certified coaches are technically sound, patient, and fun. Each with over 10 years of surf experience in Santa Catalina.
National Pro Surfers
Learn with National Pro Surfers and support local talent in the community. (Coaches vary week-to-week due to surf competition schedules).
Safe & Effective Surf Coaching
This is not about pushing you in waves and getting you to stand up, this is about understanding the waves and learning the fundamentals of surfing in a simple, safe and encouraging manner. A low ratio of surfer-to-instructor guarantees you received personalized coaching. Our surf lessons are taken at pace, never rushed with thoughtful instruction.
How we coach surfing
We proudly teach the International Surfing Association (ISA) surf program. A technical program delivered in a simple, safe and encouraging manner, with a combination of in-water coaching, video feedback and surf theory.
Our coaches take the time to explain the fundamentals of surfing with continuous feedback for you throughout the week. Our ISA certified coaches are technically sound, patient, and fun. Every surf coach is here to support you as you achieve your surf goals.
Simple and concise explanation.
Demonstration using key words and cues.
Personalized coaching with a maximum or 2 or 3 other surfers at your same level .
Active, repetitive practice of each skill.
Continuous Feedback - immediate and encouraging.
Our surf lessons are held at the warm waters of Playa Estero, one of the best beach breaks in Central America for beginner and intermediate surfers. We believe the best in Panama with gentler waves compared to Venao and Cambutal and more consistent than Bocas Del Toro. And it’s only 400m away. A relaxed and uncrowded beach with a gentle soft sand bottom and no rips.
For surfers looking to improve their level we will design a coaching plan to suit your ability, maximizing the current surf conditions and your expectations. You will be guided on various breaks we have in our area, including the world-class point break “The Point” just steps away from your room in front of the property.
About
Gallery
About The Host
Vickie and Sergio
Hola! We are Vickie & Sergio. If you’ve come to reading about us you can probably resonate a lot with our story. I was an Advertising Account Director in New York and Sydney working with some of the world’s biggest brands. Sergio was a senior lawyer in the bustling city of Buenos Aires.
We both felt the grind, almost groundhog-like days of working in the city. We were both in our 30s and whilst in completely different parts of the world, questioning...there’s got to be more to life than this. Sergio brings experience and passion for surfing and I for yoga. We had each travelled to surf spots around the world and shared the big dream to quit our jobs and create a Surf & Yoga experience for people like us, in an untapped destination.
As we explored this, we found budget surf camps where the surf program was just about pushing you into waves and having fun. You’re left no more equipped to surf on your own than when you started. Retreats with a solid surf program but only two coaches for a large group which can be unsafe and ineffective. And on the other end, high-end surf retreats with a super high price tag. Although packed with incredible technology and expertise, these retreats were completely out of reach for most of us. We found yoga retreats and camps with junior teachers with little life experience or teaching credentials. Or luxury yoga retreats with bells and whistles that we just don’t need.
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
What’s the situation like in Santa Catalina and in Panama in general?
The energy of the waves and the untouched environment of Coiba and its surrounding islands make Santa Catalina one of the best to visit in Panama. Our small town of Santa Catalina with about 500 residents has an abundant amount of wide open space that facilitates the best possible social distancing. Our yoga studio, pool, restaurant, and social areas are all open-air with the ocean breeze flowing.
During the height of the pandemic, our town experienced a completely isolated environment, which brought the community together in protecting each other and reaching out to the people in need.
More than 80% of the population of Panama has received 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In Panama City and other densely populated areas masks are still worn by somme people indoors, though it is not a requirement in Panama. Masks are required though for entering any pharmacies or medical facilities.
Can you arrange COVID-19 testing for my flight home?
Yes, can arrange for a private clinic to conduct COVID-19 Antigen Rapid tests and PCR tests on-site, the day of your check-out. The cost is $50-$100pp depending how many guests are in your retreat group that week. A pdf of your test results are emailed to you on the same day as the test for antigen and the day after for PCR tests.
What is the average age of people who attend the retreats? How about average group size?
Our groups range from mid 20s to mid 60s! Our group sizes are capped at 10 participating surf guests, 12 participating yoga guests, non-surf & yoga partners are in addition.
I’ll be traveling solo, is that OK?
Absolutely. Most of our guests tend to be solo travelers. This is the perfect experience for you. In addition to solo travelers, other guests who visit us include friends traveling together, couples, adult age Mother & Daughter, Father & Son, siblings.
Is there WIFI?
Yes, we have complimentary broadband WIFI throughout the property.
What is the weather like?
Santa Catalina enjoys warm tropical weather all year round, divided by the wet and dry seasons. The dry season is Panama’s summer and runs from December through April. The wet season runs from May to November. During these months we’ll have some rain throughout the week, usually in the afternoons.
I’m nervous about coming during the rainy season, will it ruin my vacation?
Absolutely not! It rarely rains all day. The mornings are usually dry so we plan our surf lessons at this time. When the afternoon rain comes, take advantage of this downtime by taking a siesta, reading, getting a massage, or relaxing in general. After all, you're on vacation and need time to recharge. Most important - you can’t control the weather, so you’ll need to stay flexible. Wet season or dry season, rain or shine, your experience in Santa Catalina is going to be incredible. Don't let the rain dampen your adventures.
If a storm prevents us from carrying out an in-water surf lesson, we’ll substitute with video feedback sessions and surf theory, if the in-water surf lesson cannot be postponed.
Any helpful tips?
Zelle or Cash is preferred for any extra activities you would like to do. Credit cards are accepted with a 6% fee or PayPal with a 4.5% fee.
Coiba National Park - Snorkeling or Diving Adventure: 8 hours: Snorkeling $100 USD, Diving $160 -$190 USD
Massage: 1 hr: $70 USD - $90 USD per person.
Horseback Riding: 1 hour: $40 USD per person.
Guided Nature Hikes: 1 - 2 hours: $15 USD per person.
For any additional drinks or food you would like, beyond what is served during our meal service, just order at the bar. You can pay as you go or close out by credit card or cash at the end of your stay.
Whilst walking around town, feel free to say 'Buenos' passers by. As we are in a rural village, please be mindful when coming back from the beach and remember to dress.
We have laundry facilities available. $7 USD per load for wash and dry, with cash payment at reception.
The tap water in our hotel is safe and delicious to drink.
There is a safe in your room for your passport, wallet, laptop etc
For anyone who would like to leave a gratuity for the staff, we will hand out envelopes on your last day.