BarbadosWomen's Longboard Surf Camp

Some nights / From £0000 Book now

Experience seven nights dedicated to longboard surfing in a tropical beach paradise. Develop your technique on warm Caribbean waves while enjoying delicious local food, beautiful accommodation and expert coaching alongside a supportive group of like-minded women.

Why choose to go longboarding in Barbados?

Unlike general surf camps, this Women + Waves trip is dedicated entirely to longboarding. Your coaching will be tailored to your ability, experience and personal goals. Whether you are beginning your longboarding journey or looking to improve your flow, footwork and control, our team will help you progress at a pace that feels right for you. With first-hand knowledge of Barbados’ surf breaks, your local instructors will choose the most suitable waves for the group each day. You will learn how to make the most of a longboard’s glide, stability and turning style while building confidence in warm, welcoming waves.

What to expect

With Women + Waves, everything is organised for you, from a personalised itinerary and expert longboard coaching to optional group dinners and beautiful beachside accommodation. In the water, your coaching will include wave selection, positioning, paddling, take-offs, trimming, turning, generating speed and moving confidently around your board. Depending on your ability and the conditions, you may also begin working on skills such as cross-stepping and noseriding. Video analysis and land-based coaching will help you understand your technique and see where small adjustments could transform your surfing. All you have to do is show up, enjoy the sunshine and spend the week immersing yourself in longboarding. Our trips are fully insured and have received more than 350 five-star reviews, so you can be confident that you are in safe and supportive hands.

Who’s this course for?

This women-only longboard surf holiday is suitable for beginner, progressor and intermediate surfers who want to learn or improve specifically on a longboard. You might already ride a longboard and want focused coaching, or you may be a surfer who would like to explore a different style of riding. You do not need to know how to cross-step or nose ride before attending. Beginners can work on the foundations of paddling, catching waves, standing up and controlling a larger board. More experienced surfers can concentrate on positioning, trimming, turning, footwork, style and making better use of each section of the wave. We provide as much support as you need to overcome any barriers and build your confidence. Everyone is welcome. Around 90% of participants arrive solo and more than 40% are over forty, so there is nothing stopping you from becoming the longboarder you have always dreamed of being.

What level am I?

Cultural Secrets

You’ll be longboarding through turquoise Caribbean water, surrounded by tropical scenery, turtles and, if you are lucky, dolphins. Away from the waves, you will experience the island alongside our local team, discover the laid-back Bajan lifestyle and enjoy the culture, food and natural beauty that make Barbados so special. Combine warm water, long rides and a week spent with an inspiring group of women, and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable longboarding experience.

When to go

Your trip falls between Barbados’ wet and dry seasons, offering warm water, consistent waves and quieter line-ups. This time of year can produce the playful, manageable conditions that are ideal for developing your longboarding. Your coaches will use their local knowledge to find the most suitable breaks for the group, taking wave size, tide, wind and ability levels into account. The white-sand beach is just a 25-second walk from your accommodation, so you can roll out of bed and begin another day of tropical longboarding.

Quick facts

Water Temp

28°C

Climate

28 - 30°C

Wave Types

Points, beaches and reefs

Language

English

Your Trip Leaders

Your Barbados crew has decades of combined coaching and travel experience. Every member of our team is trained in-house, fully insured and passionate about helping women develop their confidence, ocean knowledge and longboarding skills in the safest and most supportive environment possible. Your coaches will help you understand how to position and move a longboard through the wave, rather than simply telling you what manoeuvre to attempt. They are more than instructors. They are mentors, motivators and the best surf buddies you could wish for.

Chelsea RoettBarbados, Costa Rica & Nicaragua Trip Host

Chelsea began surfing competitively at just 12 years old and has since earned over 100 wins and more than 50 titles on the international stage, even representing Barbados at the Olympics. One of her proudest achievements was winning the APSPR Corona Pro in Puerto Rico, where women and men received equal prize money.

An ISA Level 2 Surf Coach and qualified Montessori Teacher, Chelsea combines her teaching expertise with her lifelong connection to the ocean to help women build confidence, skill, and joy in the surf. She co-hosts our Barbados Camps and leads all our Costa Rica trips, where she has been surfing and coaching for more than a decade.

Accommodation

You’ll be staying in one of two spacious, self-catering apartments directly overlooking the beach at Freights Bay. The accommodation has been hand-picked, tried and tested for its safety, security and proximity to the surf. You will be staying just steps from the sand, making it easy to enjoy the relaxed rhythm of island life throughout your longboarding week. Rooms are allocated according to booking order, with the largest rooms assigned to those who book first.

Show all photos Longboarding Barbados Surf Retreats

What people say

"Just back from Women + Waves Barbados trip. AMAZING, PHENOMENAL and FANTASTIC! The trip was amazing, warm small green waves, such fun, fantastic coaches - I want to go back!"

Georgina

"The most amazing surf trip I have been on, everything was so well thought-out and organised, I felt very comfortable travelling solo and have left with an amazing gang of new surf friends!! "

Hannah

" I’ve come away from Barbados with loads of new skills, clear goals for my next surf sessions and wonderful memories from spending a week in the sun with likeminded women. I couldn’t recommend this trip more and will be back!!"

Liz

"Unforgettable moments and lasting memories shared with the most inspiring, beautiful and fun loving women. I loved every minute! I’ve definitely improved and this trip has given me the confidence to progress to the next level of my surfing journey!"

Tui

Itinerary

Please note, sometimes we need to be flexible as some activities will be weather and condition dependent – but don’t worry, we’ll always do our very best to ensure you get the very best out of the trip! All our surf days and suggested activities are completely optional – you can enjoy as much or as little as you desire. This is not a boot camp!

Day One

Touch down in Barbados! You’re about to spend seven nights surfing pristine waves with a group of like-minded women, with adventure, culture and perfect beachside accommodation all thrown into the mix.

You’ll be picked up from international arrivals and transferred to your oceanside apartment at Freights Bay, on the south coast. Everything will be organised ahead of time so you don’t need to worry about a thing. A WhatsApp group will be created ahead of your trip so you can stay in contact with the team and let them know immediately if you have any concerns or problems.

After being shown to your room, there’s plenty of time to freshen up and relax before your chilled welcome meeting. There’ll be a relaxed evening and a chance for you to meet the other women on the trip, share the stoke for the days ahead and admire the ocean view from your beachfront apartment.

Day Two

Today your longboard coaching begins! Wake up to the sound of the waves and jump straight into the ocean for your first surf session with Chelsea and the coaching team. You’ll be in safe hands with our ISA-qualified coaches, who will be on hand to offer support and help.

All your surf sessions will be videoed and photographed so you’ll have plenty of footage to watch back later.

Later on you’ll pick up even more knowledge in a video analysis and surf theory session, set your surf goals for the week using your bespoke Women + Waves log book, and then join a guided free surf session with Chelsea and the coaching team to practise your skills.

In the evening, you have the option to chill out with sunset drinks or head to the supermarket if you did not get the chance on Day One. There’s an optional dinner at Deia Beach restaurant, where the menu includes fresh local seafood, ceviche and pizza.

Day Three

Day Three starts early with your first early-morning surf lesson, followed by video analysis and surf theory. The afternoon is yours to chill, before a flat-water coaching session at tranquil Miami Beach. This session is all about building your ocean confidence and will cover bodysurfing, open-water swimming and plenty more.

In the evening, you can kick back with sunset drinks and cocktails before dinner at Cafe Luna or Casper’s, depending on which has the best vibe on the night.

Day Four

Day Four is your day to explore all the wonders this beautiful island has to offer, on a full island tour. Before you load up into the cars, you have the option of an early-morning short surf to start the day right.

Your road trip kicks off on the other side of the island, visiting the idyllic fishing village of Bathsheba and having some lunch.

After lunch and exploring, you’ll head to a local yoga session for an awesome stretch with a surf-inspired practice. You’ll round off an epic day with dinner at Salt, a cosy little cafe serving everything from truffle fries to Asian wings.

Day Five

Wake up and dive into another early-morning surf lesson, followed by another video analysis and surf theory session. You’ll be picking up from where you left off and continuing your progression. You’ll be able to tick a few more boxes in the log book and work on confidence-building techniques that help you overcome fears in the surf.

In the afternoon you have the option to head back into the water for a guided free surf session with Chelsea and the coaching team to practise your skills. Your surfing holiday is all about building your confidence and ability at your own pace, so you only ever have to do as much or as little as you want to. Your team will support and help on your surfing journey whatever that looks like for you.

The evening is yours for the making. Cook up a storm in the apartments or head out for dinner with your new-found surfing friends to laugh at the wipeouts and cheer each other’s successes.

Day Six

Another fun morning with an early-morning surf lesson at the beach, scoring waves and receiving instruction from your coaching team. For many of you, this surf trip will have been the first step of your longboarding journey, so after today’s surf session, you’ll sit down with the coaches, go over surf theory and video analysis and discuss your next steps.

You will go away from this surfing experience with a clear understanding of how to continue your progression and what to put into practice next. You’ll cover important topics such as surf forecasting and how to plan your next surf sessions in the area of the world that you live.

In the early afternoon, you have the chance to put into practice everything you’ve learnt so far, enjoying another guided free surf session with Chelsea and the coaching team.

In the evening, why not enjoy sunset drinks and an evening at Oistins Fish Fry for delicious local food and a cool Caribbean vibe.

Day Seven

Back to your favourite surfing beach for more awesome longboard tuition in a productive but low-pressure environment. It’s your final day in Barbados, so it is the perfect chance to practise everything you’ve learnt so far. Unless, of course, you want to chill. This is your trip, so you can surf as much or as little as you like.

We’ll look back to see how much you’ve improved in your final video analysis session, followed by an open Q&A where you can ask anything you like about surfing and longboarding.

In the early afternoon, it’s time for a final guided surf session at Brandon’s Beach, expanding on your newfound skills and having the best time surfing with new friends and your coaches. This will be followed by a chilled post-surf yoga session, the perfect way to ease out aching muscles before your final night.

For your final night you’ll be heading to La Cabanne, our favourite spot for an evening cocktail and some of the best food on the island. Grab a rum punch, settle in to reminisce with new friends and watch the sun set over Barbados.

Day Eight

After an epic trip, it’s time to say goodbye to Barbados, for now. We’ll return you to the airport with plenty of time so you’re relaxed and ready for your flight home.

Please note this is a rough guide to the itinerary, as activities and bookings may vary due to the conditions. Your schedule will always be packed full of fun and plenty of surfing.

What’s included

You’ll be greeted at 3pm at airport arrivals by Chelsea or a member of the coaching team and whisked away to your base for the week, around 20 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport.

After a surf-stoked week, you’ll head off at 10am and will be dropped at the airport in good time for a stress-free check-in.

Please note that our transfer collection time is 3pm. If your flight gets in outside of these times, please check out the Travel section for more information.

The trip will officially start at 4pm.

You’ll be staying at one of two luxurious large, self-catering apartments, right on the beach at Freights Bay. These apartments have been hand-picked and are clean, safe and perfect for surfing, with the waves just steps away. The two apartments are ground floor and top floor, and there are single and twin room options available.

As well as being right on the beach, the apartments are brilliantly set up for surfers. There’s an outdoor shower for a post-surf rinse-off and surfboard storage. The manicured front lawn is great for chilling with friends, catching the rays and delivering some of our coaching.

Both apartments are self-catering, but there will be the option to eat out each night. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance to suit economy and high-end budgets. The apartments feature well-equipped kitchens, living areas and open-air balconies overlooking the sea. The water is so close that you can count turtles from your balcony while sipping your morning coffee. Rooms are clean, secure and air-conditioned.

Prepare to wake up and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean.

Private rooms and twin rooms are available.

Top Floor Apartment: This apartment accommodates up to 5 guests. It features 3 private ensuite rooms and one twin room with an adjacent bathroom.

Ground Floor Apartment: Located below the top floor, this apartment accommodates up to 4 guests. It includes 2 twin rooms with a shared bathroom.

Rooms are allocated in the order of bookings, with the largest rooms reserved for those who book earliest.

Get ready to advance your surfing. With five days of in-water coaching, video analysis and theory sessions, you’ll step up your skills and improve your technique. This trip is perfect for new surfers, for those who want to surf out back for the first time, for surfers who have surfed out back and want to develop their longboard skills, and for those wanting to learn to cross-step or nose ride.

You’ll be in great hands with professional surfer Chelsea, supported by Axe, a local instructor who grew up at Freights Bay. Chelsea remains your main trip leader, while Axe supports the coaching team where needed.

On a typical day you’ll be up early to surf at dawn. You can pretty much guarantee you’ll be first in the water. The beauty of your accommodation location is that you can leave the water and have a coffee before jumping in again. It’s that close. After the surf, you’ll go through video feedback while having brunch, before a chill to recharge. You’ll meet up again in the afternoon for activities, drinks and food.

For more details on what each day involves, check out the Itinerary.

During the week you will receive:

Five days of longboard surf coaching delivered by qualified ISA instructors, lifeguards and Barbados locals. You can surf as much or as little as you want throughout the trip. This is a no-pressure surf camp with the focus on fun.
Photo and video analysis.
Training includes a flat-water session to establish your paddle skills and techniques.
There are two instructors per eight guests. These small groups ensure you get personalised coaching every step of the way.
A Women + Waves surfing log book to track your progress and accelerate your improvements.
We choose the best tidal state, swell size and conditions for you to get the most out of your sessions.
All equipment provided. You will have a board waiting for you in Barbados to suit your experience level and needs.

Seeing yourself surf is one of the best ways to improve and gives you a move-by-move breakdown. You get to take the footage and photos home with you, including in-water GoPro footage. It is a great memento, looks great on your Instagram and is a valuable coaching tool.

Enjoy yoga sessions tailored specifically for the women on our surfing trips. The sessions blend mindful asana movement designed to develop and enhance your flexibility, strength and surfing endurance, with breathing techniques to help calm the mind and body. They may also include meditation practices that relax your body and soul and foster a serene, focused surfing mindset.

By integrating these yogic elements you can reduce stress and anxiety, empowering you to overcome mental and physical challenges in your surfing progression.

Learn to surf skate, a fun sport that is taking the surf community by storm. Surf skating is an invaluable tool to help you develop the dynamic body movements required during surfing. It helps improve your balance, generate speed and navigate through turns.

During the trip, you will receive one surf-skating and video-analysis session. Our instructors will deliver drills that enable you to practise toe and heel control, open your shoulders and use your arms to draw clean lines through your turns.

This workshop increases your time spent on a board simulating these manoeuvres. In turn, it improves your balance, strengthens muscle memory and increases your rate of progression on a surfboard.

A visit to beautiful Bathsheba beach to see the famous surf break Soup Bowl.
Superb snorkelling. We recommend bringing a mask and snorkel.
Turtle watching from your front balcony.
Two incredible yoga sessions.
Experience some of the Caribbean’s most scenic and untouched coastline.
Optional organised meals at breathtaking beach clubs.
Optional kayak or paddleboard tours available, not included in the price.
Remember, you are staying less than 20 seconds from the ocean. You can pick up your board and hit the water whenever you feel like it.

Please note that these optional activities may incur an additional charge.

In Barbados, you can eat like a queen. The food here is fresh, locally grown, vibrant and tasty. From fried flying fish, the national dish, to coconut turnovers, there’s sure to be something to satisfy your taste buds. As an island, Barbados does import some items, which you may find expensive, so bear this in mind when planning your food.

Food isn’t included in the trip price, but you’ll be staying in a self-catering apartment where you can prepare lunches each day just the way you like.

Buying simple local brands from the supermarket is ideal for fast snacks to refuel before your next surf. Make up some pasta and sauce or avocado on toast, then treat yourself to a meal out in the evening. You can stay on a tight budget or splash out, as restaurants within walking distance suit all budgets.

The team has tried, tested and hand-chosen places to visit, with a good mixture of fine dining, local vibes and high-energy surf fuel to suit different budgets and dietary requirements.

Travel

Airport transfer collection time: 3:00 pm from Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) in Barbados.

Once you’ve collected your bags we’ll meet you in the arrivals area. You’ll be greeted by Chelsea or a member of the coaching team, who will have a clipboard with Women + Waves on it so you won’t miss them.

Please note that we offer one free transfer per day and ask you to plan your flight times to sync with the 3:00 pm collection.

If you are unable to sync your flight with this, we can organise collection at an additional cost of $25 USD per way. If other group members arrive at a similar time, we will let you know so you can split the transfer costs.

You may have a short wait as the rest of the group assembles. It’s worth bringing a book, Kindle or iPad and some snacks to keep you going.

At 3:00 pm you’ll be whisked away to our base for the week, around 20 minutes from the airport. The trip officially starts at 4:00 pm on the first day.

Once you’ve arrived at the accommodation and checked into your room, you’ll have a group meeting to chat about the holiday and get excited for the waves ahead.

The trip officially ends at 10am on the last day. After a surf-stoked week, you’ll leave your accommodation and be dropped at the airport in good time for a stress-free check-in.

We offer one free transfer per day and ask you to plan your flight times to sync with the drop-off. If your flight is earlier or later than this, we can arrange a transfer back to the airport at an additional cost of $25 USD, or you can chill at the airport with a good book. If other guests are leaving at alternative times, it may be possible to split the costs.

If you’d like to leave later, we have a space where you can leave your bags and chill for the day, but you will need to cover the cost of your additional transfer.

If you’re worried about booking your flight and you’re based in the UK, give Lee at Dial A Flight a call on 020 7295 1556. Lee has been booking flights for the team for the last 10 years and can help find the best deal and connection time.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll send you further information on how everything works upon your arrival. We’ll also track your flight and keep you informed through our WhatsApp group.

Take a closer look

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Dates and prices

Date Fully Booked
26th October - 2nd November 2026

From £2,799

Waiting List

Date
30th November - 7th December 2026

From £3,099

Book now

Date
16th - 23rd October 2027

From £3,239

Book now

Date
29th November - 6th December 2027

From £3,239

Book now

Date
23rd - 30th October 2028

From £3,239

Book now

FAQs

We offer 4 easy ways to pay.

1. Pay in full. Pay the full amount in one payment. (Available online)

2. 50/50. Pay a 50% deposit and the remaining 50% 12 weeks before the trip starts. (Available online)

3. Payment plan. Pay an initial deposit and the rest in instalments. (Contact us using our online chat or email us for this option)

4. Shop now and pay over time with Klarna. (Contact us using our online chat or email us for this option)

We can’t guarantee your place until we receive payment in full or a deposit. Once you have made a payment, you’ll be sent a trip confirmation email.

Klarna’s Pay in 3 / Pay in 30 days are unregulated credit agreements. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. 18+, UK residents only. Subject to status. Ts&Cs and late fees apply.

Due to this trip being in high demand and having limited spaces, we can only hold your space for up to 24 hours without payment.

Of course. 95% of our guests attend alone. We pride ourselves on being welcoming and friendly. You’ll arrive solo and leave with a whole heap of new surf friends for life.

You are welcome to attend for a shorter period to suit your personal schedule, however, the package price will remain the same.

ASAP. These holidays fill up quickly and, with limited spaces available, sell out fast. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to secure your place, it is advised that you pay as soon as you can.

Women + Waves is inclusive to all. We have a great mix of ages and backgrounds.

If you wish to bring a non-surfing partner, that is absolutely fine. Please be aware that this is a women-only trip and contact us via our online chat to discuss this.

You’ll have to pay for all your meals. Please budget around £5 to £30 per meal.

We offer two beautiful apartments for our guests:

Top Floor Apartment: This apartment accommodates up to 5 guests. It features 3 private ensuite rooms and one twin room with an adjacent bathroom.
Ground Floor Apartment: Located below the top floor, this apartment accommodates up to 4 guests. It includes 2 twin rooms with a shared bathroom.

Rooms are allocated in the order of bookings, with the largest rooms reserved for those who book earliest.

We choose the time of year and location for our events based on local knowledge and historical swell data. In the event of flat waves or stormy conditions, we will offer alternative activities and day trips to help you get the most out of your holiday.

We may adjust the format of the trip, for example choosing to run more surf sessions on the days that the waves are at their best.

Please visit our Terms and Conditions for more information.

With decades of experience and knowledge within our team, we pick the best dates when the surf conditions are consistently fun and suitable for the group. We’ll send you a brief predicted forecast in the pre-trip email.

We choose Barbados at this time of year due to the fun waves and gorgeous weather. The shoulder season is before the famous big swells of the dry season hit.

The beautiful long sandy beaches offer peaks for all abilities. The skill is to know which is best on the tide and wind conditions on offer. Our local guides will put you in the right place for the best waves for your ability each trip.

You’ll be coached by Chelsea, supported by Axe as a local assistant instructor where needed.

We do not offer a discount for bringing your own equipment.

Remember to check the baggage size and weight allowance with your airline and read their guidance for carrying surfboards. Baggage handlers can be unforgiving, so you need a tough travel bag and should pack it well.

Pack your board in a protective, padded board bag and write FRAGILE and TOP LOAD ONLY on it. Wrap your towel and clothes around your board inside the bag for added protection.

Place shampoo and other wet toiletries in a separate sealed bag in case of leakage. We also recommend locking your bag zips with a padlock.

Most countries do not need a visa to visit Barbados. For more information, check the Barbados Visa & Entry Requirements page.

If you are under 18 we will need to chat to you on the phone and you will need to be accompanied on the trip by a parent or guardian throughout the holiday, although they do not need to participate in the surfing. If you are 60 or over we’d love to chat to you about the trip before you book. Please email us to arrange a time or call +44 (0) 7544 094518.

On the day you travel please keep your mobile phone handy so we can stay in touch in case of delays and flight changes. Please inform us if you’re early or delayed.

If you need help booking your flight, just drop us a line.

If you can’t find our representative at the airport, stay there and wait. They won’t be far away, having tracked your arrival time. If you have difficulty finding them, call +44 (0) 7544 094518 or follow the instructions in your pre-flight email.

Full travel insurance is a requirement for all guests booking a trip with the company.

Please ensure that your policy covers disruption to travel and cancellations as standard.

You may need additional cover for surfing. It is essential that your policy covers all activities during your stay. Failure to take out travel insurance breaks the contract between Women + Waves and the client.

If you are native to the country where the trip takes place, you do not need medical travel insurance if you have your own personal healthcare plan or are covered by your country’s National Health Service. We still request that you take out trip disruption and cancellation insurance.

Visit Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/barbados

Please contact your doctor if you’re unsure about vaccinations. We advise you to take mosquito repellent.

Barbadian Dollar.

We are a UK-based company that delivers trips all over the world and welcomes travellers of all nationalities.

Yes. You can find the latest safety and security advice for Barbados from Gov.uk.

Staying for longer is fine. We can advise on great places to stay, so please drop us a line.

If you’re based outside the UK and want to chat through the trip details, you can contact us through our online chat.

If your circumstances change and you can’t join the trip, please let us know as soon as possible by email. Your cancellation notice starts from the date we receive it.

Cancellation terms:

If you cancel 12 weeks or more before the trip, we retain 50% of the total cost.
If you cancel less than 12 weeks before the trip, we retain 100% of the total cost.

Cancellation may fall under the terms and conditions of your holiday insurance policy and you may be able to claim.