Max grits his teeth and wraps the roll of plaster tape a little tighter. He counts 20 open spots on his little hands - two on each finger. Five days of surf camp have left their mark. "Are you crazy?" he replies in amazement when his counsellor asks him whether a day's break might be in order today. "I'm doing my first power jibe today! I'm already so close. My mate Ivan can already do it too!"
Common sense cannot explain why a 12-year-old would want to end the day with a blood blister 21 to 22 just to keep working on a new manoeuvre. But anyone who has been to a surf camp knows the reason: surfing in a group quickly develops a rousing momentum of its own - you meet people of the same age who surf at the same or a higher level and try tricks that you would never have dared to do on your own.
Add to this a good learning area and competent and motivating coaches, and you learn in fast motion. Open hands are no reason to stay on land. If necessary, the pencil at school next week will simply be held with your teeth.
Something for everyone
The windsurfing camps and riding technique clinics on offer are extremely varied and range from absolute beginner level to freestyle or slalom camps for the regatta cracks of tomorrow. There are also events for special target groups such as the Frontloop Challenge, family camps or girls' camps for women only.
There are great offers for young people in particular during the school holidays, where the respective organisers - mostly local surf schools, but also special surf trip organisers such as the Surf & Action Company, Sun and Fun or Quiksilver Windsurf School - offer an all-round carefree package of surf lessons, accommodation and meals, so that parents can stay at home with peace of mind.
The great thing is that not only do there seem to be no limits in terms of target group and riding level, but the camps also take place in a wide variety of locations - from a quarry pond in central Germany to an Atlantic beach in Morocco. International camps have another advantage: they often communicate and teach in English! What may initially instil respect in some children quickly turns out to be the most fun English lessons of all time.
As a parent, the only thing you have to live with is that your offspring will overtake you on the water afterwards, speak better English - and probably won't be able to hold a pencil for a while.
All surf camps at a glance
Whether for families, children, women, beginners or cracks - everyone will find something suitable in our large overview. On www.surf-magazin.de you will find a constantly updated overview of the coolest camps of the year throughout the season.
Take a look and enjoy the new season on the water!
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
