Surf Camps vs Surf Hostels
Which Should You Choose?
Planning a surf trip to Bali or Sri Lanka? One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is where to stay?
A quick Google search and you are overwhelmed with options, everything from budget-friendly surf hostels to surf camps offering different levels of surf support and inclusions. Both can put you close to the ocean, and introduce you to surf travellers, however the experience you will remember will be different.
Usually a surf hostel gives you a place to stay and the freedom to create your own surf trip, while a surf camp is built around the surf experience, with the level of support and inclusions varying from camp to camp. Some offer lessons and accommodation, while others provide a more complete experience with surf guiding, coaching, activities, wellness and local knowledge.
So which is right for you?
Surf Hostels
A surf hostel is a great option if you want the freedom and flexibility to plan your own surf adventure.
You’ll have a place to stay, meet other surfers, and organise your days independently. Many surf hostels offer additional surf services such as board rental, lessons, or guiding, while allowing you to decide how you spend your time.
Who is a surf hostel for?
- A surfer travelling on a budget
- A surfer with prior surf experience, who has caught a few waves before
- A surfer who likes to make their own plans
- A surfer who is happy to choose their own surfboard, organise their transport, choose their surfing schedule etc.
- A surfer looking to meet other surfers.
The trade-off with this style of travel is that you have more responsibility for creating your own surf experience, you may need to figure out the surf conditions, organise your way to and from these surf spots, choose a board that you think is right for you and in places like Bali and Sri Lanka these small details can make a big difference.
Surf Camps
A surf camp is designed for surfers who want a more complete and surf-focused experience.
Depending on the surf camp, the level of support can vary. Some provide accommodation and surf lessons, while others take care of more details such as surf checks, transport, coaching, equipment and activities. At Kima, the goal is to make your surf trip as effortless and progression-focused as possible.
Who is a surf camp for?
- A beginner surfer or someone who has never surfed before, and is looking for guidance and lessons
- An intermediate surfer wanting to improve their technique and progress faster
- A surfer wanting to surf the right waves for their level
- Someone looking for a more structured surf experience, with the level of inclusions depending on the camp — from lessons and accommodation to coaching, guiding, meals and activities.
- Surfers looking to meet a community all here for one reason - surfing!
A surf camp can offer a more supported and structured surf experience. Helping you spend less time organising and more time learning.
Surf Camp vs Surf Hostel
The Quick Comparison
| If you want… | Surf hostel |
Surf camp |
|---|---|---|
| More independence and flexibility | ✓ | |
| A budget-focused place to stay | ✓ | |
| To organise your own surf schedule | ✓ | |
| A surf-focused community | ✓ | ✓ |
| Structured surf progression | ✓ | |
| Coaching and feedback | ✓ | |
| Surf guidance and local knowledge | ✓ | |
| Less planning and more support | ✓ | |
| A package built around surfing | ✓ |
Ready for a surf camp experience? Kima Surf Camps is the way to go!
Which camp is right for you?
Explore Our Camps
Bali:
Sri Lanka:
The Biggest Difference?
A surf hostel gives you the freedom to build your own surf trip, while a surf camp gives you a more structured experience built around surfing.
When travelling to world-class surf destinations like Bali and Sri Lanka, having a good and structured set up can make a huge difference! Both destinations offer legendary waves, but with conditions that change daily. Both destinations offer a variety of surf spots, each working at different conditions, swells and tides. Knowing where to go and when can differentiate an average surf session from an epic one.
This is where local knowledge, surf guiding and a good set up have real value.
The Kima Advantage
Plenty of places can offer accommodation near the beach, and some may also provide lessons, board rental or surf guiding, but what Kima offers is a complete Eat, Sleep, Surf Lifestyle built around progression, recovery and community.
Your stay includes two daily guided surf sessions with experienced coaches who know the local breaks, video analysis to help you improve, daily yoga, recovery facilities, surfskating, and a social activities schedule that brings everyone together. We’ll match you with the right surfboard and help you find the right waves for your level every day. The best part of staying with Kima is the people you will meet, get to know surfers from all over the world.
There is a difference between staying near the beach and being part of a more supported and structured surf community and Kima is excited to introduce you to our Kima family! We even have you covered in different surf towns across Bali and Sri Lanka.
