If you’re thinking about booking your first surf camp on your own, you’re not alone.
In fact, one of the biggest surprises for many first-time guests at Xanadu is just how many other people have arrived exactly the same way – with a suitcase, a little excitement, and maybe a few nerves.
Over the years, we’ve welcomed hundreds of women travelling solo. Some had never surfed before. Others had travelled extensively but were trying a surf retreat for the first time. Many told us afterwards that booking the trip felt much scarier than actually arriving.
If you’re wondering what to look for when choosing a surf camp, these are the things we’d consider.
Don’t just ask if it’s “safe”
Safety matters, but it’s worth asking what makes a place feel safe.
A good surf camp should make you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive.
Questions worth asking include:
- Is someone there to meet you if you’re arriving late?
- Is transport from the airport available?
- Are there staff on site throughout your stay?
- Can you easily get to cafés and shops?
- Do you feel comfortable returning after dinner if you head out in the evening?
At Xanadu, many guests arrive knowing nobody. By the end of the first evening, that’s usually changed.
Look for a camp with a strong sense of community
This is probably the biggest one.
Some surf camps feel more like hotels, where everyone does their own thing.
Others naturally bring people together.
Shared breakfasts, welcome dinners, yoga classes, surf theory sessions and simply spending time around the pool often make it incredibly easy to meet people without feeling like you have to force conversations.
Many of our solo travellers tell us this was one of their favourite parts of the week.
We also find that fixed arrival and departure times (everyone arrives on the same day) facilitate new connections. This is why our weeks run Saturday-Saturday at Xanadu Retreat and Sunday-Sunday at Xanadu Village.
Small groups make a difference
It’s easy to assume bigger means better.
In reality, smaller groups often create a much more personal experience.
Your coach gets to know your surfing, the team remembers your name, and it’s easier to connect with other guests.
For many solo travellers, that makes a huge difference to how comfortable they feel during the week.
Make sure coaching matches your level
You shouldn’t feel pressured into waves you’re not ready for.
Likewise, if you’ve already been surfing for years, you don’t want to spend the week practising the basics.
A good surf camp should group surfers by ability rather than simply putting everyone together.
Learning alongside people at a similar level makes the whole experience far more enjoyable and much less intimidating.
Check what’s included
Not because you’re looking for the cheapest option, but because it makes planning much easier.
Things worth checking include:
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Surf equipment
- Coaching
- Video analysis
- Yoga or mobility sessions
- Transport to surf breaks
Knowing what’s included means less organising and more time enjoying your holiday.
Read the reviews – but read between the lines
When you’re travelling solo, look beyond the star rating.
Instead, search reviews for words like:
- solo traveller
- travelling alone
- female traveller
- felt welcomed
- community
- made friends
Those comments often tell you far more than a list of facilities ever could.
Don’t worry if you’ve never surfed
This is probably the biggest misconception.
Many women think they need to “get fit first” or “learn a bit before booking.”
You really don’t.
Most beginner surf camps are designed for people who have never stood on a board before.
Everyone starts somewhere, and no one expects you to know what you’re doing on day one.
Trust your instincts
Every surf camp has its own personality.
Some are party-focused.
Some are luxury retreats.
Some are all about chasing the biggest waves.
Others, like Xanadu, are built around coaching, connection and creating an environment where people genuinely feel looked after.
There’s no right or wrong choice – only the one that feels right for you.
Why so many women choose to travel solo
One thing we’ve noticed over the years is that many women arrive thinking they’re coming for the surfing.
By the end of the week, they often leave talking just as much about the people they met.
There’s something special about spending a week learning a new skill alongside people from different countries, sharing meals after long mornings in the ocean, cheering each other on in the water, and celebrating every little milestone together.
Some guests return year after year.
Others come back with friends they first met at Xanadu.
And quite a few tell us that booking a solo surf trip gave them the confidence to travel on their own again.
For us, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Read more –> Going it Alone: The Magic of Solo Travel with Xanadu
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a surf camp suitable for solo female travellers?
Absolutely. In fact, solo travellers make up a large part of our guests each year. Many arrive alone and leave with new friends from around the world.
Do I need surfing experience?
Not at all. Our beginner programmes are designed for complete beginners, while more experienced surfers are grouped with coaches and guests at a similar level.
Will I have my own room?
That’s entirely up to you. Many guests choose a private room for extra comfort, while others enjoy sharing with a friend or partner. We also have a shared room option (twin room) if you’d like to be paired with another guest.
Is Lombok safe for solo female travellers?
Lombok is generally considered a welcoming destination, and Kuta has a friendly surf community with visitors from around the world. As with any destination, it’s sensible to take normal travel precautions, but many women travel here independently every year and have a wonderful experience.
Will I feel awkward if everyone else comes with friends?
Probably for about five minutes. Then someone will ask where you’re from over breakfast, you’ll paddle out with your surf group, and by the welcome dinner you’ll realise just how many other people arrived on their own too. But again, we can’t speak for other surf camps, but at Xanadu we have many solo traveling guests.
