Surf trips can really break the bank, we get it. Not everyone can afford to hop on the next flight to some corner of the world to chase swell. Surf trips are a privilege and we at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp do not take that lightly. So whether you’re coming to surf perfect waves in Tamarindo or jet-setting off to Indonesia, keep these tips in mind and save some cash along the way.
1. Save on the flight
It’s 2018. If you’re not implementing some type of money saver into your flight purchase you’re doing something wrong. Personally, when I am planning a big surf trip, I track my flights for a few weeks before pulling the trigger. There are classic trusted methods such as buying airfare tickets on a Tuesday or buy your ticket 6 weeks from your desired travel date, but now you can save on last minute deals with flight tracking services. There are several free and effective apps available for your smartphone that will allow you to check in on a specific flight price for all flights to your destination within your travel dates and they will notify you when those prices drop. I recommend Hopper, Sky Scanner, or Jet Radar.
2. If you are flying, don’t bring your board
Airlines now charge up to $150 per board in your board bag. If you’re flying round trip, you can almost buy a new board for the price it takes to check one. So if you’re going for a lengthy period of time, maybe purchase a board at your destination and then sell it before you leave.
Or, better yet, stay with us at WRSC and check out our extensive board cage! Our selection ranges from soft tops, Robert August longboards, old-school fishes, and classic high-performance thrusters. The board cage has something for every surfer at every level — and you get to try a bunch of new boards!
3. Look for hotels/camps with inclusive airport transfer and meals
The high cost of transportation and food sneak up on travelers and leave them wondering where their money went. Surf trips typically take a few methods of transportation to get to a reliable surf break. (There aren’t many breaks near airports.) So while you’re booking your surf trip, make sure you look for a surf camp or hotel that provides roundtrip airport transportation. (Pst – Witch’s Rock Surf Camp offers free transportation to and from Liberia (LIR) on Saturdays)
4. Stay right on, or as close as possible to your desired surf break
Here we go about the cost of transportation again. If you have to rent a car to get to the best waves each day, then you will have less money for cervezas and ceviche. The best possible solution is to stay right on a world class break. Where can you do that? Why, right here in beautiful Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Witch’s Rock Surf Camp sits right on Playa Tamarindo, the best beach break around. (Check it out on our live surfcam) The main peak is literally a straight shot across the sand from most of our rooms! What’s better than waking up to world class waves right outside your door? Not much.
5. Aim for chill nights out with friends not wild party nights
Crazy nights out are fun, don’t get me wrong. But, large bar tabs can hit the wallet pretty hard. And if you’re looking to save money on a surf trip, this is not ideal. Plus waking up for dawn patrol can be a daunting task after a night of heavy drinking. A great night with friends, good beer, and great music is all you need! Lucky for you, El Vaquero Brewpub is open till midnight and has happy hours and live music 7 days a week from 4:00-7:00 PM.
6. Choose the right room for your budget
We have everything from rooftop decks at our Beachfront Hotel to our sister surf hotel, the Pueblo Dorado, just a 3 minute walk toward the estuary. You can pack some friends in your room to save money or go all out and book a premium ocean-view room for yourself. Check out our room styles and rates here.
What are you waiting for? Book your trip today! Email for availability: reservations@witchsrocksurfcamp.com or call toll free: 1.888.318.7873