Surf Camps / Cheap Destinations

[John Grisham]

Hello, All

I more or less have the next nine months to do what I please - no work or school. I surfed for the first time in Costa Rica a few years back and was able to get up on the board and ride waves during the first hour of a group lesson. I also snowboard and am decent after only a few years of experience (can traverse easier black diamonds). Surfing has always been something I want to become good at, and I'm looking to take advantage of my time off to really push myself at surfing. I'd love to just fly somewhere remote (Asia? Australia? South America?), enroll in a surf camp, surf all day, meet interesting people, read novels, take pictures, and hang out on a budget for a few weeks or more.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

-- JG

[r896neo]

Where are you? Also fro some inspiration read 'Riding the magic carpet' by Tom Anderson. mmmm Itchy feet!

[MexicoLivin]

Man you got made with 9 months to surf. Personally, i would recommend somewhere that is remote, but still known for good surf year round, with a variety of wave types. Also i would recommend somewhere that you've never been, and somewhere that english is not the native tongue (new languages kick ass). Also,don't join a surf camp, bc you will not be able to progress. Join more of like a local crew (no, not a gang) but some locals who wouldn't mind having a new guy around. Plus, for them, it even gives them the chance to progress because they will feed off your newbie stoke and energy, and believe me, most good surfers (not like pros or guys who think there pros) love to give advice because they usually feel pretty good about it...kinda humble i guess. Like for me, im 17 and live in West Mexico for half of the year. I have more surf and surf spots than i know what to do with, im learning spanish faster than i learned to count, and really good friends with even the most territorial rippers around here. It's about respect...respect respect respect. But hell, come here for all i care, ill show you the ropes. Also, dont for get your goal...so SURF EVERY SINGLE DAY NO MATTER WHAT.

Peaccceee

[John Grisham]

I have a nine-month window, but I'm only looking to spend a month or two on a trip. Any suggestions on Indonesia on a budget, i.e., accommodations, camps, specific locations?