AAVE Trip BLOG » Surf Camp
July 21, 2008
Surf Camp #2 - Surf-Vivor!!!
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Hola Familias-
All of us here on Surf-Vivor Island wanted to send you a Hola Grande!!! The reason I have decided to title this Surf-vivor is because it has been a true test of only the strong survive!! Not intentionally of course, but as it turns out it the waters have been ruff and tough. But not to worry parents …Tranquillo, as they say here, everyone may have a few cuts and scrapes, but I can promise you everyone spirits are high and everyone is for sure mentally and physically stronger than they were when we picked them up a mere 6 days ago.
After walking the boardwalk and watching the fireworks in Puerto Vallarta we headed up into the Sierra Madre mountains to a town called San Sebasian. This was our survival night. The group was amazing and we all made it up to a beautiful viewpoint after a 6 hour uphill hike! The boys demonstrated their manliness and carried not one but two tents taking some of the weight off the others. We were rewarded by lovely weather and got to sleep under this giant overhang under the stars. We built a fire and cooked our soup over an open flame. It was a great way to bond everyone right away, forcing closeness to stay warm!
Next, we headed to Boca de Iguanas to start our surf experience, and what an experience its been. These kids are amazing, I live in Hawaii and some of these guys are surfing better than me already! The surf has been roping (that’s a little surf lingo for large and in charge)! The kids have no fear though and its clear they trust their mighty instructor Javiar. We are hoping the swell comes down a bit, so we can have a less frightening session. The surf forecast is calling for a drop so this is good!
The food has been amazing thanks to your sons and daughters, the are all quite the chefs! We have been blessed with three siblings that grew up in Mexico so our Spanish is getting better! We celebrated a birthday as well after much careful planning on how to transport this amazing tres leches cake on a four hour car ride, but we did it, and we all enjoyed the treat at our home for the next 6 days. Right now the kids are touring the mangroves on a kayak trip. We are learning there is no such things as too much sunscreen or water!
Adios for now!
Sarah from Surf Camp loving the life
July 2, 2008
SC1
Posted by admin in : Surf Camp , add a comment
Hi from the office!
Just checking in on Surf Camp - we’ve heard from Sarah and Allison and they are all doing great! Campers are having fun and the group is doing well. The weather is just fine and the experiences are memorable already - you’ll be in for some great photos!!
Check back and we’ll chat with you soon!
January 30, 2008
Teen Summer Camp Surfs Mexico!
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“It was really interesting to be able to experience Mexican culture, eat Mexican food, and speak Spanish in addition to learn to scuba dive and work on my surfing skills; I can’t believe what a cool summer camp this is! I would recommend this to kids who are looking for an adventure and something a little more exciting than your normal sleepaway camp.”
- Sarah Kountz, SSS1
January 24, 2008
Surf Camp, Jalisco, Mexico 2007
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We had an incredible trip. Here is a link to the video I created to document our adventures:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6708035820987165009
Just cut and paste into your browser to watch the video.
Cheers,
Ryan
September 26, 2007
Teen Camp Adventures in Mexico!
Posted by Chris in : General, Surf Camp , 1 comment so far
“This surf camp has taught me to come out of my comfort zone and that it’s okay to be myself. Also they allowed me to meet other teens and go to different places to learn new things.”
-Noe Barnes-Walker, camper, SSS 2006
“Alysia had a wonderful time on this surf summer camp! Next year we are planning early because she wants to go on to the Australia summer camp! Thank you for taking such good care of her and for bringing her home safely. After reviewing many teen tours it was my impression that you were the best one. Tony and I both believe we made the best choice when we decided to place our most precious possession in your hands.”
- Mary Naples, parent, SSS 2006
July 31, 2006
Mexico Teen Dive Camp
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Hey Abbott,
Just wanted to let you know that things are going well with Scuba school deep in the heart of Baja Sur.
Stephanie Gaspar, who couldn’t dive because of ashma, went on a wave runner/banana boat instead two days ago and loved it. We did some painting this morning and are keeping her pretty busy and satisfied. We’re going snorkeling together. She is a great help~!
Scuba class/dives are super long days. Today should be the last day of diving and then on Tuesday morning, they’re taking the exam and we head to Abreojos on the pacific side for SURFING! and much cooler temps.
It is very possible one or two students will not pass the test as the course is a very demanding mentally and physically. Mick is a great teacher who takes the lessons appropriately seriously.
I’m really pleased with our group and I feel that they are having a great time and enjoying each other and the trip. Mick the dive master is working really hard and being patient with all of them.
Have a great Monday!
APRIL, Ryan, Mike & Mark
July 29, 2006
Surf Teen Camp!
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Dear Surf Scuba Safari families,
We are pleased to report that things are running smoothly in Baja and all campers are having fun. This is a great group, everyone is working together to achieve our PADI certification, cook meals, organize activities and survive the 100+ degree heat and play lots of games. Needless to say we enjoy our time in the water.
Mulege is the town where we are staying for six days. It is a real desert oasis village situated on the Sea of Cortez between two hills, in a valley by a stream near our campsite with SHOWERS! Huge palm trees, orchards and bougainvilleas are common and add a tangle of colors to this stark desertscape. We spend a lot of time at the beach. While one group is in the water diving, the other swim, snorkel sea kayak and hung out.
Mick our dive master is organized and on top of everything, His instruction is top-notch and he makes the extra effort to ensure that each student is up to speed and fully understands each concept. He is getting support from his son Matthew throughout.
In general, the campers have been very satisfied. Most nights we are out in Mulege
after long days of diving. This provides the campers with free time for shopping, internet, and just the chance to wander the town and enjoy themselves. The four of leaders have worked together very well and we maintain a high level of communication.
Thanks again parents for sending these great kids, these guys are super-stars!
Talk to you soon!
April, Ryan, Mike and Mark, from the most rugged, peaceful and beautiful desert in the world!
July 27, 2006
Surf Camp Rocks!
Posted by admin in : General, Surf Camp , 3 comments
Hola SSS Familias!!
Since our safe arrival in San Diego we have been on the road heading south and more south stopping at some of the best surf spots in Baja staying in some of the most beautiful locations the peninsula of Mexico has to offer. Life is very, very good! Surf Scuba Safari Rocks!
We spent our first couple of days learning the basics of catching waves and popping up on our surf boards at a surf locale known as Punta Cabras. Stephen, Ben, and Paulo already had some surf experience and were riding the bigger waves in and inspiring our beginners. Our free time was spent relaxing on the dunes, playing soccer and ultimate frisbee, and taking in the sunsets around an evening fire. We roasted smores that Morgan, Olivia, Zoe, and Stephanie especially enjoyed!
We then tore down our camp, stuffed it in the van, and drove to the a 300 year old Hispanic Mission in the desert town of San Borja. Cirios cacti and yucca saturated the desert scape and providing a Dr. Seuss-like atmosphere. There we learned the daily life of the native family who lives at and runs the mission, digging pits for garbage disposal, carving out irrigation canals around plant life, and removing cacti to cultivate the land. We cleaned up in volcanic hot springs and took a dip in the pool to cool off. Alec won the race across the pool! Carter’s laid back attitude lends itself to the Baja lifestyle. Adam was cracking jokes the whole day. Francesca, our Italian camper was nervous about bathing in the pool but eventually got in and loved it! The Mexican boys who live at the mission guided us through caves decorated with 10-12 thousand year old pictographs. That night Meghan relaxed and studied her PADI book while listening to David’s awesome guitar playing.
After thanking the family for their hospitality and giving a wave “adios” we made our way to Mulegé, a desert oasis located along a river that drains into the aqua waters of the Sea of Cortez. Our 5 day residence is in a campgound speckled with date palms, hooded oriols, white winged doves, and bathrooms with showers!!! Alysia, Val, and Ashley were excited to see the stores with authentic Mexican gifts and crafts. Some of the boys picked up hammocks to string between palms at our camp site.
During the day we will partake in classroom and ocean exercises pursuing our PADI scuba dive certifications. We are fortunate to have 3 more days here before we hit the road again to help with a sea turtle restoration project. That’s all for now! We’ll send you more news of our adventures when internet is available.
We love your kids, the love the trip, we all get along great, we miss you and thank you for sending these spectacular kids on AAVE!!
Surf Scuba Safari 2, 2006
Ryan Hurley-Niezgoda
April Ollivier
Mark Alvarez
Mike Bosse
July 12, 2006
Mexico Teen Adventure Surf Camp
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Things are wrapping up down here in Mulege, site of our diving school. On Friday, we will be heading North toward San Diego along the west coast.
We’ve done and seen some pretty awesome things down here. From eating delicious ice cream, to seeing an underwater shipwreck at Playa del Burro in the Sea of Cortez, and snorkeling by thousands of amazingly beautiful fish, watching them from above, below and along side while scuba diving. The PADI certification class has been a really great acheivement for all of us. We were even able to watch the World Cup way down here in this remote little town in a restaurant made of palm frawns and dried cacti. With a sand floor beneath our toes, we cheered for both France and Italy. It was a very exciting match and we all had a great time.
Tomorrow we leave for the cooler Pacific side of the Baja peninsula and our last few days of surfing. We’re all a bit eager to leave this heat behind us. But sure enough, we’ll miss it here in Mulege. But before we go, we’ve got our last day of diving today, and a bit of shopping later on. Can’t wait!
And last, but definitely not least…After a long 5 days of tough classes and lots of learning, scuba diving has come to an end. Just yesterday, we got some very exciting news…great news…everyone passed!!!!
We’re all PADI CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVERS!!
We hope you’re all doing well at home, and we can’t wait to show you all our
really awesome pictures!
Hasta Luego,
Surf Scuba Safari
July 10, 2006
Surf Safari: Mexico Summer Teen Fun
Posted by admin in : General, Surf Camp , add a comment
Hola everybody!!
Since our safe arrival in San Diego we have been on the road heading south and more south stopping at some of the best surf spots in Baja staying in some of the most beautiful locations the peninsula of Mexico has to offer.
We spent our first couple of days learning the basics of catching waves and popping up on our surf boards at a surf locale known as Punta Cabras. Our free time was spent relaxing on the dunes, eating tasty foods, and taking in the sunsets around an evening fire. We even got help from some locals
pushing our van out of a sand pit we parked in. (We couldn’t have got it out without the help of all of the students and the locals. Our excellent team work served us well.)
We then tore down our camp, stuffed it in the van, and drove to the a 300 year old Hispanic Mission in the desert town of San Borja. Cirios cacti and yucca saturated the desert scape and providing a
whimsical, Dr. Seuss-like atmosphere. There we learned the daily life of the native family who lives at and runs the mission, digging pits for garbage disposal, carving out irrigation canals around plantlife, removing cacti to cultivate the land, and manual washing the daily laundry. We cleaned up in volcanic hot springs and took a dip in the pool to cool off. The Mexican boys who live at the mission guided us through caves decorated with 10-12 thousand year old petroglyphs.
After thanking the family for their hospitality and giving a wave “adios” we made our way to Mulegé, a desert oasis located along a river that drains into the aqua waters of the Sea of Cortez. Our 5 day residence is in a campgound speckled with date palms, hooded oriols, white winged doves, and bathrooms with showers!!!
During the day we partake in classroom and ocean excercises pursuing our PADI scuba dive certifications. We are fortunate to have 3 more days here before we hit the road again to help with a sea turtle restoration project. That’s all for now! We’ll send you more news of our adventures when internet is available.
We love your kids, we all get along great, we miss you and thank you for sending these spectacular kids on AAVE!!
Surf Scuba Safari 1, 2006
Ryan Hurley-Niezgoda
Ginelle Heller
Anne Grajeda