This retreat is for LGBTQ surfers of all skill levels who want to unwind in a beautiful tropical setting and make meaningful connections with other LGBTQ folks doing the sport we all love.
The retreat is hosted by Rich from Canada and Steven from Spain. Rich and Steven’s goal is to create an inclusive, fun, chill, and social experience where LGBTQ surfers can turn their digital connections into real friendships and experience solidarity as we paddle out and catch waves together.
Playa Venao is perfectly positioned for the ultimate surf vacation, with year-round swell, waves suitable for all skill levels, and an uncrowded lineup.
The surf camp package includes things like board rentals, daily breakfasts, up to 2 hours of surf instruction per day, plus video analysis, open board rentals, and a photo and video package of your surfing to take home with you. There will also be lots of time to relax in the beachfront pool, go on nature walks, and lounge in the hammocks. For more experienced surfers, there will also be opportunities to catch waves at nearby, more challenging breaks. Read more below to see everything that’s included!
Gallery
About The Host
Rich and Steven
Rich lives in Vancouver, Canada and first built his skills as a surfer on an LGBTQ-friendly surf safari in Costa Rica back in 2015. Now, he tries to get away once or twice per year to the warm waters of Mexico and Central America to chill on a beach and catch waves.
At 44, Rich loves a longboard and is working on walking up and down his board as he cruises long beach break waves. Rich travelled to Playa Venao and spent a week at the retreat place, where the idea of a week-long retreat for LGBTQ surfers first began to gain traction.
Steven was an international DJ from the gay circuit who lives in the Canary Islands, Spain. He gets to surf most days and started when his midlife crisis hit (it was surfing or a Porsche!). He also organizes surf retreats in Morocco, Sri Lanka, and the Canary Islands.
Surfing has now taken over his life and he’s passionate about sharing that love of the sport with others. He’s now training to be a longboard instructor (at 49 years old!). If Steven is not on his island paradise, you can find him in Costa Rica or Brazil, most of the winter.
He says himself that surfing has saved his life, and is happy to share his joy with the rest of the world. It was Rich who reached out to organize a surf retreat for “our” people in Play Venao, and Steven was delighted to work on this project. He loves to share the knowledge he has and see people smile and progress in the water. He’s also a mediation leader.
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
What about passport & covid entry requirements?
You must have a valid passport to travel to Panama. Please check your passport expiration date and make sure it is valid for at least 3 months after the end date of your retreat. Currently, there are no COVID testing or vaccination requirements to enter Beach Break Surf Camp or Panama. See more detailed info here: https://pa.usembassy.gov/covid... We will keep you posted if this changes prior to your retreat. However, registrants are personally responsible for complying to local laws, at their own expense.
Do we need to have travel insurance?
The purchase of travel insurance is required for this trip.
Do I need to have some previous experience?
No experience is necessary for this course. Just come with a focused and open mind to learn the techniques that could keep you safe during a big wipeout.
Any tips on flights?
If flying from Canada or USA, search first for round trip tickets to major hubs that fly direct to Panama City (Houston, Miami, Newark, Denver). Then search for flights from that major hub, round trip to Panama. You may find that buying two separate round trip tickets will be far cheaper than the airline coordinating your layover flight to Panama!
How will we get from Panama city to Playa Venao?
Again, we’ve got you covered! We've arranged for a coach bus to take our group from Panama City to Beach Break Surf Camp. The ride is 5 hours from city-to-sea, but it's worth it! We will stop 2x for bathroom/snack breaks along the way. The same coach bus will take the group back to The Executive Hotel after the retreat.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
You bet we can! Gluten free/dairy free. Vegan, Vegetarian, Grain free. Just let us know. We’ve got you covered. If you or your family have allergies, please make sure you let us know!