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Frequently Asked Questions
Click Here to Watch Our Surf Video...
Why Women Love Surf Goddess Retreats...
There are so many reasons why we are consistently rated as one of the world's best destination surf and yoga retreat for women.
Most importantly we put our guests first. From the moment our guests step off the plane they are taken care of, so all they have to do is show up and enjoy.
Most of our work is done before our
guests even arrive, with every detail of the retreat carefully
and lovingly planned so that our goddesses experience a remarkable holiday
filled with memories they will cherish long after they return home.
We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of instruction
from people who are certified and trained in their area of expertise. We have up to 50 people working with us to create the Surf Goddess experience; all are paid professionals and are never volunteers on a 'work exchange' holiday.
Also, because we have been in Bali for over 10 years and speak the local
language, we are able to create an experience of the island that
most day-to-day travelers never imagine exists. Our activities are five star experiences that immerse our guests in the exotic Balinese culture which is unique to our island alone.
We also believe that you don't have to rough
it to be serious about your surfing and yoga. Our villas are charming personalized accommodation where you will find laid back island living with
a touch of luxury. Our private cooks prepare meals daily with local organic produce and a menu that changes daily so our guests always have new taste sensation to look forward to each day. Couple all this with some of the best tropical surf in the world and you have a surf retreat fit for a Goddess!
Here are just a few places we've been featured...
Ten Fabulous Female-Friendly Destinations - Smart Travel.com
Top 10 Sports Holidays in Asia - July 2008 Asia Spa Magazine
World's Top Spa Vacations (Active Category) - Tatler UK Magazine's 2007 Guide
Fly Solo: The 50 Best Places on Earth for a Girl to Travel Alone by Teresa Rodriguez Williamson
Luxe City Guide: Bali - Highlighting Bali's chicest experiences
Click here to download - Sample Retreat Itinerary
"Thank you for a Surf Goddess Retreat that exceeded all expectations! The accommodations were intimate, comfortable & lovley. The food, simply amazing. The surf lessons offered way more than I thought, the coaches were the best!! I am headed home with my own great piece of bliss." Angela, San Diego, California May 2007
What is the average
age of your guests on the surf camp?
We welcome surf goddesses of every age, with the usual age of guests
being women in their late 20's to 30's & 40's.
Can I travel by myself to your surf camp?
Absolutely! About 80% of the women on the retreats are solo travelers
and are trying surfing for the first time! We have created Surf
Goddess Retreats so you can have a great holiday whether you are
traveling alone or with others. Bali is a very safe place for women travelers on the whole and many of our guests enjoy staying longer on the island after the retreat either by themselves or with the new friends they have made at our surf and yoga retreat.
Why only women?
Bali is a popular destination for people from all over the world, but women traveling alone are sometimes intimidated by the distance and foreign travel. Also we make it fun and easy for women to try out the previously male dominated sport of surfing in a female supportive, non-chauvanistic environment.
Should I spend extra time in Bali?
Many of our guests enjoy extending their stay in Bali there are so many things to see and do on the island and it is very safe and female friendly for traveling.
We recommend that if you wish to spend some extra time in Bali that it is preferable that you do so after the retreat.
We can provide you with recommend places to visit as well as give you an in depth introduction to the island during your retreat with us.
This will make traveling around afterwards very easy, plus you may meet some travel buddies on the retreat who are also staying on.
Can I travel with a
group?
Certainly! A Surf Goddess Retreat is a great way to enjoy a holiday
with friends and family members.
Where do your guests
come from?
Our guests come from many different backgrounds, beliefs, occupations,
ages, and life experiences from around the globe. The majority of
our guests are from all across the U.S., Canada, England & Australia as well as France, Wales, Ireland, Japan,
South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Guam and even
little Cocos Island!
How far in advance should I book my retreat?
Retreat dates can become sold out between 4 - 3 months in advance, and up to 6 months in advance for popular dates. As dates often fill up fast so it is always best to reserve your place as soon you are sure you would like to attend that retreat.
Looking for great airfares to Bali? Check out www.cheapflights.com

Do I have to participate
in all the activities and meals?
All retreats feature our complete surf & yoga program and delicious
meals. All our retreat activities are optional and guests who do
not wish to participate are invited to follow their bliss and enjoy
many of the other activities available such as bodyboarding, relaxing
on the beach, getting spa treatments, amazing shopping, gourmet
dining or experiencing the exotic culture of Bali with the understanding
that these are done at your own expense. We do not offer any refunds or "catch ups" for activities missed.
Will I have time to explore Bali on my own?
Absolutely! Though we include a wonderful cultural adventure in your retreat pacakge, you will have ample time to traipse about the island, hang out with new friends, lay at the beach, lounge at the pool, and frequent local restaurants. You’ll have most of your nights free to try out the numerous eating establishments, to go listen to live music, or to dance the night away. Our Surf Goddess Guides are always available to advise you regarding your free time. They will happily tell you about their favorite beaches, restaurants, and nightspots
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What
if I have never surfed before? Is Bali a good place to learn?
The majority of our guests are absolute beginners and Indo is the
perfect place to learn. The surf breaks where our surf lessons are
held is a great beginner's spots, the water is warm (about 80F or
22C), and they are friendly sand bottom breaks where you are able
to stay close to the shore. With our professional lessons, you'll
be standing up on your board by the end of the first day!
What type of surf break is it?
Our beginner surf spots are sandy beach breaks on Bali's west coast. For intermediate
surfers we will visit a variety of breaks suitable to your surfing
level. All the spots we surf at are chosen because they are uncrowded
and level appropriate so that our guests can get the most out of
their surfing.
Are your surf instructors certified?
Yes, your enjoyment and safety is our highest priority! All our
surf instructors have been certified by the internationally recognized
Australian Academy of Surfing Instruction and have Bronze Medallion
lifeguard certification which includes advanced rescue & CPR
training.
What is included in the surf instruction
/ guiding?
~Transportation for all surfing activities
~Modern surfing equipment - Performance fiberglass boards, Epoxy or soft starter Malibu board (9, 8 &
7 ft.), all with leg ropes.
~Rash shirts, surf shorts, surf helmets, and towels.
~Showering and changing facilities.
~Personal lockers
~Waterproof sunscreen and zinc
~Instructors accredited to Australian and International standards.
~Sealed drinking water during entire session.
Do I have to be a good
swimmer?
Beginner lessons are done in about waist deep water, so you don't
have to be a great swimmer to learn to surf. For a positive surf
experience, we require that our guests be in relatively good physical
condition and feel comfortable in the ocean. Each guest is required
to assess her own abilities and conditions when deciding to join
the retreat.
Don't I need to be young,
or at least very fit to surf?
The only thing you need is to be able to swim and feel comfortable
in the ocean. Surf Goddesses come in all body types, ages and backgrounds.
Surfing is a self-paced activity and our surf lessons are designed
so that you can develop your own surf style in a no pressure and
totally supportive environment.
I'm an experienced surfer. Will I get
coached on intermediate to advanced surfing skills?
Absolutely! If we have surfers of varying abilities, we often break
into smaller groups and our instructors will take each group to
an appropriate break for their level. Our surf schools modularized
program allows students to be coached on intermediate to advanced
maneuvers and ocean experience.
What is the typical amount of time spent
surfing?
We typically spend a around 2 hours per day surfing during our formal surf lessons and surfaris, either in the morning
or afternoon depending on the best tides for the surf break. And
of course you have open access to equipment and the waves to surf any other time
in the day!
Do I need a wetsuit?
Not at all! We love Bali for its warm waters! Water temperature
is usually around 24 -30C or 80 - 90F.
Can I bring my own surfboard?
Of course! We know the special bond a surfer has with her board.
If you prefer not to bring a board, 'Soft Top' malibu boards are
provided in your surf retreat package or you can rent an epoxy or fiberglass surfbaord for an addittional fee.
What exercises can I
do to prepare to become a Surf Goddess?
Upper body and core strength is most used in surfing; as you need
to be able to lift your body weight t from a lying down position
to stand up on the surfboard. So Push ups, sit ups and 'downward
facing dog' & 'the plank' yoga asanas are very helpful exercises
and of course swimming.
Do I have to be good
at yoga?
Our classes are suitable for everyone. Our instructors are able
to personalize the yoga positions to suit all levels. Also, attendance
to sessions is optional and we ask each guest to assess her own
abilities and conditions when deciding to join a class.
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Where can I get a good airline ticket?
We recommend www.cheapflights.com (US) and www.expedia.co.uk (Europe) for checking available flights and the best online air fares.
What time do I schedule
my flight and which airport do I fly into?
The first and last day of your trip are travel days. You should
book your flight to arrive in Denpasar, Bali (airport code - DPS) on the first
day of the retreat before 5pm (ideally, but not a must) and to depart
ideally around 5pm the last scheduled day of the retreat.

What airlines fly to
Bali?
Bali's Airport Code is DPS (Denpasar). We recommend trying to get
your flights to arrive before 5pm, and departing after 5pm or later if possible to have enough time to surf on the final day of the retreat.
From the US / Canada - Malaysia Airlines,
China Airlines , Eva Airlines, Continental
Airlines, Japan Airlines,Korean Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific,
Singapore Airlines, American Airlines.
From UK / Europe - Malaysia Airlines (Best
Value!), China Airlines, Eva Airlines (Check out their deluxe economy
seats!), Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Garuda,
Qantas, British Airways, Lufthansa, Royal Brunei, Japan Airlines.
From Asia - Malaysia Airlines, China Airlines, Eva Airlines,
Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Garuda, Air Paradise,
Australian Air, Japan Airlines, Korean Airlines
From Australia - Australian Air, Qantas,
Garuda, Singapore Airlines, Jet Star.
Where can I get travel insurance?
World Nomads - Affordable travel insurance for the smart adventurer!
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What should I pack to
come on your surf camp?
Basically in the tropics you live in your swim suit, shorts, t-shirt, flip flops and a hat! A complete travel guide & packing list is included with your
informational travel packet to help your prepare for your holiday.
What is the weather
like in Indonesia?
Indonesia is right on the equator so it has warm, sunny
days (85F / 30C) and balmy nights all year. Tropical heat and lots
of sun is what its all about! By virtue of our unique geographic
location, Indonesia offers fantastic year round surfing.
Generally speaking, the "official" rainy season begins sometime in December and continues through March. However, there is still lots of sunshine most of the day.
The norm is for it to rain at night, ending by early morning. Occasionally, it will begin in the afternoon but typically only lasts for an hour, so the rain will not interfere with your surfing as it is usually hot and sunny for most of the day.
Click
Here to find out what the weather in Bali is like today!

What is a typical day
in the life of a Surf Goddess on your Bali surf camps?
Your day usually starts with an early morning yoga session overlooking the garden
and pool. By breakfast time you will be feeling supple and energized
and ready for breakfast. An excellent kick-start for another day
in paradise.
We then head out for a morning of surf lessons on the waves, experiencing the exhilaration of riding tropical
waves. All our activities will invigorate your body and stimulate
your mind and are tailored to all levels of fitness so everyone
can join in at their own pace; we always make sure our lessons are
fun and informative with structured classes that build on your surfing knowledge and skills each day.
After lunch, the afternoons are varied and allow for personal time
in which you can explore the local offerings as you wish or soak
up the sun by the swimming pool. On other days, you will experience
our decadent pampering sessions or enjoy some sightseeing of
Bali's highlights with the group.
The day winds down with enjoying dinners which showcase delicious
western and Indonesian cuisine.
The Surf Goddess team will ensure you have a blissful, unforgettable
week.
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