Colin really knows how to get kids enthused and keep them interested in surfing. Safety is never a question on his camps as he has so many instructors dedicated to the students' improvement. His own passion for surfing and the healthy lifestyle that it demands and creates is easily communicated to the kids. He is excellent with young people and really knows how to make the trip worthwhile for all involved - even the teachers. Being a teacher himself, he knows the demands of a school trip are huge and thus he does all the work so that you can enjoy yourself: learn to surf or read a book. The choice is yours! The kids are so exhausted in the evenings that they beg to go to bed! Now that's a first on any school trip I've been on! He even has a professional photographer so teachers don't even have to worry about that! The Green Camp addition to the trip was simply superb. We all learnt so much in such an extraordinary environment - and the highlight for me was certainly seeing the kids take part in the interactive Balinese performance art which involved a lot of paint, mud, fire and a full moon! You'll certainly want to have your camera ready to see the kids dressed in traditional costume, throwing paint at a canvas and practising martial arts in the mud! Jane Fisher, Teacher, British School Manila
With the Billabong Surf School, my first experience was amazing. I had gone with my entire year group, so of course anything would be fun! The surf instructors are just so laid back, however they strike the balance with some hard-core encouragement. After my first trip, I decided to come back less than a month later – really shows I enjoyed it! When I saw the surf instructors again, I greeted them with all the inside jokes we had formed. As for my surfing skills, I must say that they did improve within that month and it’s all thanks to Billabong Surf School – and Mr. Kuit, of course! Nicola Nelson, aged 17
The beauty of La Union does not lie only in the surfing – when you participate in the Billabong Surf Camp, expect the whole package; This is what drew us back there: the simplicity of the crashing waves and friendly smiles that this town entails. The instructors running the courses became immediate friends and every successful wave caught was a success shared and felt by all. Every morning began with a surfing session, with the waves progressively increasing in size every day. Green zinc on our faces and rash tops at the ready, we dove into the oceans, ready to paddle…paddle…paddle – and then the moment you catch that perfect, curling wave; when you slide down and feel that burst of ecstasy; this is surfing. You know you have found the magnificence behind it all.
The surf camp was an unforgettable experience, not only teaching us of the love behind surfing, but the importance of keeping the environment around us clean as the whole town collaborates in a weekly beach clean. La Union is in its entirety, one of the most amazing places in the Philippines – a definite surfers’ paradise! Erin Lane, aged 17
I had so much fun on this trip! The accomodation was stunning, as I was lucky enough to be able to stay in the President Suite. I loved waking up everyday to a magnificent view of the ocean right outside my window! Of course, the surfing was incredibly enjoyable, not only because of the quality of the waves, but the quality of the instructors. I found myself laughing with them, as well as learning! I would definitely recommend this Surf Camp to all of my friends, and I wouldn't be surprised if I booked another trip up to La Union soon! Helen Lawrence, aged 17
Billabong Surf School was a great experience for me. Everyone had a great attitude and the instructors were really the best, always helpful, patient and just great at what they do. At the start of the trip I had little experience with surfing, I was always too lazy or tired to paddle back after catching a wave, but towards the end of the trip the instructors inspired me to try harder. In fact, the experience was so great that I felt like a professional by the end of it! The Billabong Surf School was definitely one of the most memorable experiences I've had! Ibari Fafunwa aged 17
I think Bali was awesome because of the surfing and the instructors who taught well. The rooms and food was good and the experience was great because I could stay with my friends. Andrea, aged 13
I liked it by far much more than any trip! Everyone was kind and it’s a chance to learn surfing with excellent teachers. I liked the food, accommodations and dinner party with the Balinese dancing. Sam, aged 13
After surfing for 5 days and having surfed in La Union, it made me realize why people dedicate their lives to it. Once you get up on that board, it’s like a never ending thrill. And once you crash, it’s just hilarious! Thanks so much Mr. Kuit! Riane, aged 13
Surfing in La Union was one of the greatest experiences of my whole life. I would go surfing all the time – it’s thrilling. Paul, aged 12
I cannot even begin to explain how this week has made me feel. It’s been a hell of a ride – like seriously – being up on that board, cruising the water, just puts me in a state of delirium. It’s a feeling that you wish would never come to an end. Riane, aged 12
I’ve only ever surfed once before, but now I never want to stop. La Union has been the ride of my life. When I finally got up on the board I wanted it to go on forever. Holly , aged 13
Before I came here I never really understood why some people dedicated their lives to surfing, but after this amazing week of experiences, all I want to do is join them. Surfing is, hands down, one of the most incredible experiences ever. Being a one with the wave as you cruise over the water is just indescribable – I love it. Philippa, aged 13
Surfing is one of the greatest experiences of my life. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. With the help of the instructors it was really easy – really amazing actually!
Dele, aged 13
Mr Kuit
We would like to pass on our sincere thanks to you for organising the Surf Camp over the recent mid-term break.
Our boys, Hugh and Guy Aikman, returned home on Friday, tired, but elated after a terrific week learning to surf.
We can only imagine the amount of time and work that you have devoted to organising and running this camp and we just want you to know how much we appreciate it as by all accounts it was a very successful time.
The boys reported that they enjoyed the whole camp and in particular, the local surf coaches, the accommodation and meals.