FAQ's
Sun protection. This includes waterproof sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a rash guard.
Water bottle. You'll be sweating a lot while surfing, so it's important to stay hydrated.
Beach towel. You'll need a towel to dry off after your surf sessions. The lodge does allow you to use their old towels but advised you to bring your own, or alternatively you can purchase a surf poncho.
Flip-flops. If you have sensitive feet, it is nice to bring a cheap pair of Flip-flops for when you walk down from the surf school to the beach.
Surfboard or wetsuits. It's a good idea to bring your own if you can, especially if you have a specific type of board or wetsuit that you prefer. However if you don't have we do have a wide variety at the surf school and it is included in most packages.
If you are not sure, here is our guide, however if you still not sure once you arrive we recommend speaking to the coach or joining the beginners lesson and advancing when comfortable.
We have 3 different levels available:
Beginner, Beginner-Intermediate, and Intermediate.
Beginners will be in the shallows where they can still stand, they will be catching broken white waves and generally surfing a soft-top surf board. This might be your first time or you have tried surfing before but still not experienced.
Beginner-Intermediates will be paddling to the backline (behind the waves) and starting to catch unbroken green waves. Your coach will advise you where to paddle, when to paddle, what direction to paddle and when to pop up. You will mostly be just riding the wave for as long as you possibly can. Your coach may push you onto the waves however if you are in the right area at the right time, then you will be encouraged to do it solo, as this will only further your experience.
Intermediates know how to catch the unbroken green waves, can paddle to the backline and identify where to sit. You may still need guidance determining which waves are best to catch however you can catch the wave without any pushing. Your objective is to learn how to cutbacks and turns while staying on the face of the wave.
Intermediates will also focus on:
Yes, all extra -actvities can be booked on the day of arrival. However there are some activities that have limited space. This will then work on a first booked basis, however we will still try scheduling in this on alternative date for your stay.
If we are unable to achieve this, you will not be charged for this activity and refunded where necessary.
All Airport transfers will be booked according to your landing time.
For departures leaving from the Surf Lodge, you will be given the freedom of choosing what time you would like to depart from the Surf Lodge to arrive at the airport. This transfer time is about 1hr30mins. While this is a domestic flight airport some travellers like to be there earlier than others which is why you would be needing to advise us on your departure time.
If you have booker a special retreat (example Rajo's Guide Surf Camp) we may wait a total of 45mins after your landing time in order to pick-up any other soon to arrive traveller.
All bookings require a 50% deposit in order to successfully confirm your booking.
The remaining 50% for Surf Camp Packages we ask that you pay this 1 calendar month from your arrival date. If you have just booked a stay, activity or participated in an event you are welcome to pay this on arrival.
All extra costs accumulated during your stay will be billed to your booking and will be settled on check-out.
An estimate price at a normal restaurant:
Burger with chips R100/€5
Salad bowl R120/€6
Steak + side R180/€9
Beers or ciders from R30 / €1.50
Craft Beer or craft Cider R55 / €2.80
Cappuccino R35 / €1.80
Soda R30 / €1.50
If you have booked a package which includes surf lessons, extra lessons can be added if coaches are available. The price will be determined on how many lessons you have already received and where relevant the package prices will be applied.
If you have yet to book a surf lesson, you can add this to you booking by contacting our team with your booking number and we will happily add this to your booking.
All privates rooms are not shared unless you are participating in a Special Retreat.
If you have booked a Special retreat, then you may share a room with one other person if you have booked the package "Shared-Private Room" in this situation, the room will be set up with twin beds and you will share the room with one extra person. If you have booked "Private-Room" or "Suite", you will not share the room.
All dorms are also shared rooms and spaces.
Our routine schedule is like this:
7:30 - Breakfast is ready
8:30 - Leave for surf lesson
9:00 - Start surf lesson
10:30 - End surf lesson
11:00 - Leave back to lodge
12:30 - Leave for an extra activity / relax & tan / Surf again
18:30 - Dinner - this may be a lodge included dinner (specified in a package) or a self catering dinner or joint outing at a restaurant
In Jeffrey's Bay (JBay), South Africa, there is a robust safety protocol in place to protect visitors from encountering sharks. No students have ever encountered any issues with sharks in the area, and the authorities are committed to maintaining this safe environment. The safety procedures and measures implemented are designed to minimize the risk of shark encounters and ensure the well-being of beachgoers.
While the risk of shark encounters is typically low, it's crucial to remain cautious and vigilant when in the water. By adhering to the established safety procedures and guidelines, you can enjoy your time in JBay with confidence and peace of mind.
It is recommended to have a travel-insurance that will cover you for the following guideline, however please speak to your insurance about their recommendations.
Medical Coverage: Travel insurance can cover the cost of medical treatment if you fall ill or get injured during your trip. This can be especially important if you're traveling to a location where medical expenses can be high.
Trip Cancellation or Interruption: If you have to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as a medical emergency, family emergency, or natural disaster, travel insurance can reimburse you for the non-refundable expenses you've already paid.
Baggage and Property Coverage: Travel insurance can compensate you for the loss, theft, or damage of your belongings, including personal items and luggage.
Travel Delay: If your trip gets delayed due to reasons beyond your control (e.g., flight cancellations or severe weather), travel insurance can cover additional expenses like accommodation and meals.
Emergency Evacuation: In case of a medical emergency that requires evacuation to a different location or back to your home country, travel insurance can cover the costs involved.
Liability Coverage: If you accidentally cause damage to someone else's property or injure someone, travel insurance can offer liability coverage.
All Special Retreats Surf Camps have a STRICT Cancellation Policy. This means all booking made under this category will be liable for 100% of the total of booking if cancelled. No refunds will be offered under any circumstances. We will attempt to fill your position should you be unable to attend and if we can successfully fill this space and receive full payment, a refund will offered.
General Cancellation policy:
3 months or more before stay date: 20% of the total is to be paid to Surf Lodge South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
1 month or more before the stay date: 50% of the total is to be paid to Surf Lodge South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
2 weeks or more before stay date: 80% of the total is to be paid to Surf Lodge South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
1 week or more before stay date: 100% of the total is to be paid to Surf Lodge South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
ALL CANCELATIONS MADE WILL HAVE A 10% CANCELLATION FEE
South Africa is renowned for a high crime country. However these statistic are in highly populated areas. Hence Jeffreys Bay is generally considered to be a safe city. There is a low crime rate and most of it is petty crime. The Surf Lodge is based in a suburb called Paradise Beach. This well known to be even safer as it is isolated and well guarded by various security.
Remember that while there are risks associated with traveling to any country, many visitors have enjoyable and incident-free experiences in South Africa. By being aware of your surroundings and taking appropriate precautions, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering any issues during your trip.
South Africa may be a Third-world country but still have up-to-date payment facilities. 90% of the business accept card (Yes including, Apple Pay / Android Pay) However should you need cash there are ATM's to withdraw.
You can also check with you banks as some have high fees for swiping the card in a foreign country. So it may be cheaper to have cash. There is a safe at the lodge where you can store cash should you need.