What an Adventure... we had ALL the waves, blues skies, belly laughs, party waves and more!
Such an awesome crew that joined us and so much fun had on this years Wild & Free 'Alan Stokes Surf Coaching Adventure' in Cornwall.
If you missed out this year... we have had a lot of enquiries about when our next one is, so if you'd be keen to join us on the next one, I highly recommend getting in touch via email to let us know!!
We are thinking about launching another one later this year in early October (when the water is at it's warmest here in Devon...oooo yes!), if there's enough interest, or next May 2024 - let us know.
In the meantime here's what we got up to this year...
We kick started the adventure by hitting the waves as soon as the guests arrived... what better way to shake off the nerves and get warmed up for the 4 days surfing adventure ahead!
We pretty much had the beach to ourselves too!!
Nice 2-3 foot at Tolcarne to ease us in and some fun waves enjoyed by all. I got myself a lovely long left that gave me a 'perma-grin' for the evening! A great way to start our adventure and connect to the ocean.
Followed by a welcoming meal by the lovely Tanya Haq (our private chef) and of course an Aluna Coconut welcome mojito to settle us all in.
Then after a good nights sleep, we woke up to blue skies and the sun shining over the valley (where our surf lodge is nestled, a few minutes from the ocean). Over our delicious and freshly prepared breakfast feast and coffee, our Pro surf coach Alan Stokes, talked gave the guests the overview for the next few days from the conditions and beaches we will be surfing... and everyone was already frothing to get in the water!
We were expecting a bit of sunshine and some good waves forecasted, but Mother Nature truly delivered and gave us more than we expected! Due to the changing conditions we moved around the Newquay coast, which gave the guests a great variety waves and conditions across the different beaches at different tides to put their skills in to practice.
Day 1 'Arrival Free Surf' - Tolcarne
Day 2 Morning Surf - Mawgan Porth
Day 2 Afternoon Surf - Mawgan Porth
Day 3 Morning Surf - Crantock Northside
Day 3 Afternoon Surf - Crantock Southside
Day 4 Morning Surf - Crantock Northside
Day 4 Afternoon Surf - Crantock Northside
Mawgan Porth (our local beach where our luxury surf lodge is) really testing those paddling skills with it's typical bouncy waves and certainly got a few of us in the zone! By the 2nd surf on day 2, we were all really ready for a good nights sleep thats for sure. Everyone put in a good effort from day 1 and made the most of their time in the water with Alan.
So what doe a typical day look like on our Aland Stokes Surf Intermediate Surf Coaching Adventure look like...
Schedule
7.00am - Yoga
8.00am - Breakfast
9.30am - Surf Session 1 (2hrs)
12.30pm - Lunch
1. 30pm ***FREE TIME (or massages)***
4.30pm - Surf Session 2 (2hrs)
7pm - Surf/Video Analysis &Theory
8pm - Dinner
Of all our retreats and adventures this one definitely adapts with the flow of the ocean and conditions! Sometimes starting with yoga, or if we need to hit the waves early... a beach warm up in our wetsuits and then yoga midday before lunch - but at least 1 yoga session a day to keep the muscles healthy.
Last year we had a couple of 'dawny' surf sessions (which are always fun!) and one we were up at 4.30am to be in the water for 5am!!
We had a big storm come in and the conditions weren't looking pretty! However with Alan's knowledge of the area and pro coaching skills, we were in the best hands and managed to surf every day. It certainly put Alan's skills to the test and our guests learnt loads seeking out waves in these stormy conditions.
The good news was two of those guests came back!!! One last year and another this year and we were so pleased the sun came out for them this year too. Read Henry's testimonial at the end.
We had all sorts of boards this year, from Alans very own Form Surfboards, shortboards to longboards and there was quite a selection, from 6.1"ft to 9.3ft.
Which also mean't lots of different goals from our guests and some guest Brough long and short boards ... keeping Alan busy and switching his boards too!
Debbie's goals was to 'hang ten' and really get to know her long board and build confidence. Ian who's surfed for a number of years but was looking to take his surfing to the next level as well as sharpen his overall technique. Particularly turns and speed generation were key areas of focus for Ian... and they both mastered them on this 4 day intensive coaching with Alan, yeeeew! Great skills guys.
All helped of course by the legend that is 'Mr B' [Mr B Productions] capturing the guests waves for our video analysis sessions with Alan's back at our surf lodge in between the surf sessions.
Video analysis is so important to help you 'see' what you are actually doing and to break those 'old habits' and build new ones, to progress.
As well as the amazing food that kept us fuelled for all the waves and yoga keeping our muscles healthy!
What. more is there to say... it was an epic 4 days of eat, sleep, surf, yoga, surf and repeat!
A special thanks to Alan Stokes for all his hard work and for always delivering no matter what the conditions... thats why work with a pro surfer who's grown up on these beaches (his training ground for all those competitions he's won!
If this has inspired you to join us on our next one... as mentioned above we are potentially considering another one this year in early October due to so many enquiries from people that couldn't make the May dates this year. As well as another in May 2024, but you'll need to get in there quick as we only take 5-7 people on this Intensive Surf coaching Adventure, so you get the most of your time with Alan and the experience.
If interested please drop us an email at wildandfreeadventures@gmail.com and let us know, if we get enough interest we'll launch another one for you!
Here's more about this Intensive Surf Coaching Course with Alan Stokes from Alan himself, in a previous Blog in our Journal: https://www.wildandfreeadventures.co.uk/post/interview-with-alan-stokes
...here's Henry's point of view (who's joined us twice on this intensive coaching course):
“I’m coming back because I found it to be by far the quickest and best way to improve my surfing! Especially the number of the sessions we were able to do and the quality of Alan’s coaching combined with yoga.
Secondly because the accomocation, food and organisation was all absolutely great! Loved the yoga too.
I also met some really cool people and it was a really nice vibe. The perfect few days to escape busy lives”
Henry C
We are very grateful and proud we have so many repeat customers. Debbie who also joined us this year, has previously joined us on our popular 'Women & Water Retreats' in Cornwall and came back to focus on taking her surfing to the next level (and 'hang ten'!).
You guys coming back confirms we’re providing the adventures and experiences that you guys want! 🫶🏻
Check out the rest of retreats and adventures coming up this year...
Maybe you want to join us on our 'Women & Water Retreat' (check out dates below) and another Blog in our Journal about our popular 'Women & Water Retreat:
Women & Water - 9th - 13th June (4 nights): https://www.wildandfreeadventures.co.uk/cornwall-women-water-retreat
SUP, Surf & Yoga Retreat 16th - 19th June (3 nights): https://www.wildandfreeadventures.co.uk/cornwall-sup-surf-yoga-retreat
Women & Water - September 8-12th and 15-19th (4 nights): https://www.wildandfreeadventures.co.uk/cornwall-women-water-retreat
Only a few spots left (private and shared options available), so be quick!!!
We only take small groups (8-10 people) as it is all part of the luxury experience (we're not a camp!) and we want to get to know you!
If the dates don't work or you have something special coming up that you'd like to celebrate with friends and/or family, then why not create your own weekend, week long escape, when you want, tailor made for you... check out our 'Bespoke Retreats' page here and get in touch:
Big Love Amanda and Joe ...see you in or by the ocean somewhere soon! x
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Great read! Great times 💯🤙🏻🌊