TheCaliCamp Surf Camp — Local services in Dana Point

I stayed at the Cali Camp in September 2018 and it was the perfect starting point for my California travels. From the booking to the final airport shuttle everything was super well organised and I didn’t have to worry about anything. Daniel, Dave and Regan were very friendly, answered my question in no time and ensured that I would have the Cali surf-week I wanted. The Camp is organised very professionally but without too much bureaucracy. Compared to other surfcamps in Europe, the DanaInn is definitely more a motel/hotel. I had a huge room with king-sized bed, own bathroom, AC, TV, fridge and big terrace. The rooms are cleaned daily and the staff is also very helpful. Breakfast is quite American but you can get your fruits, yoghurt, oats and coffee for a good start. There are plenty of shops and supermarkets around where you could also grab something for lunch. The restaurants also offer amazing sea food, so should def go for dinner there (prices are average compared to Europe). I brought my own board and booked the guiding on top. We left early in the morning to find waves before the wind started to pick up. I couldn’t believe that it was possible to surf empty line-ups in California! Regan and Dave know the coast by heart and they always found the best waves for every level. For them, it is absolute priority that YOU will find your perfect wave. Again, I have to underline how much I appreciated that Dave and Regan managed to be helpful instructors but made it feel like having a fun session with good friends and the same time. The guiding is also a great chance to get to know the area of beautiful SoCal without renting a car yourself. We always got two surf sessions and went for a walk around the area and lunch in between. All in all, eating out makes the stay somewhat more expensive but was still far from over-priced. Groups are small (we were only 4 people) and we always had one instructor in the water while the other one would do video/photo analysis or explain surf rules and technique to the beginners. Regan and Dave don’t only show you great surfspots, amazing sunsets and cute coffee places (with delicious cinnamon buns), but welcome you...

If you’re looking for a totally memorable, good-vibes-only California surf experience no matter what your skill level, the Cali Camp is for you. Every day feels like a laid back, fun, easy-going SoCal adventure. You forget you’re at ‘surf camp’ and instead feel like you’re hanging out with the coolest, nicest surfers in Southern California.

Dave, Regan, and Rhys are experienced, professional, local surf guides who scout out not just the best surf spots for the day, but also great places to eat, shop and explore. The groups are small and the guides take everyone’s skill and comfort level into consideration when deciding where to surf for the day. These guys are passionate about surfing and genuinely stoked to share what they know to help you learn and improve. That said, they never make you feel like a student being “schooled”. From day one it really does just feel like you’re surfing with friends.

As a solo female traveler, novice surfer, and first-timer to California, I felt that the Cali Camp crew always had my safety, comfort, and happiness in mind. What I love about their instructional style is that they share their surf knowledge and experience, give you friendly tips on how to read the waves & do some basic moves, and then just invite you to join them in the ocean and play. Patient and encouraging, they knew just when to give me a gentle nudge out of my comfort zone and thanks to them I rode my first California green wave at Huntington Beach!

I’d originally booked to stay at the Cali Camp for one week but soon after arriving fell in love with their whole vibe and decided to stay for three. With clean, comfy accommodations, two surf sessions a day, great people, and plenty of free time to explore the surrounding areas, the Cali Camp is an absolute must-do for anyone wanting to make their California surf dreams come true.

Heartfelt thanks to Dave, Daniel, Regan and Rhys for an amazing travel experience and all they do to keep the spirit of surf alive and kicking at the Cali Camp. Wishing you guys much success & look forward to catching some waves with...

Edit: I was just there 5 weeks ago and since I’m traveling at the west coast I took the chance to go for a second week. And as my first it was sooo amazing and super fun. I improved so much in such a little time. I never could have thought of that but again with all the guides I felt super safe and comfortable to paddle out and surf some actual waves 🌊. If you have the chance and never surfed before, I recommend to go at least for 2 weeks so you‘ll get the best experience out of it and I’m sure you’ll have great Improvement.

Thanks you again Dave for this wonderful week. You guys are doing an absolute fantastic job!!!

—— Here my first review: My week in TheCaliCamp was super amazing and fun. I‘ve never surfed before and the guides help you step by step to learn how to surf. Monday was demanding because you need complete new muscle if you never surfed before. But the surf guides are aware of it and try to save your energy, so you can go to every surf session the whole week. No one’s pushes you to something, if you feel tired or uncomfortable in any situation you can always skip a session or doing something you feel comfortable with. The pick up every in morning by the hotel was super smooth and we had always a little motivation prep talk with Dave and the surf guide. At the end of the week I was tired but at least able to catch some real waves and do a little bit of surfing. I really recommend the Surf Camp. I loved it how easy and uncomplicated it was to talk to the people and Dave and the booking was so easy with no unnecessary steps. The Pick up from the Airport was perfectly in time and during the ride you have the chance to chat a little with Dave and he tells you everything you want to know. The promises they make were absolute fulfilled .

Thanks to Dave, Ali, Josh, Yann and Daniel for your patience and your tip and tricks. I...