has anyone used "pure vacations" or "surf-exp

[j]

Has anyone used "pure vacations"? I'm a complete beginner and considering going camping with them in loredo, spain in september. Any feedback on them would be much appreciated.
How about "surf-experience.com" in lagos, portugal. Does anyone know if they are legit and if this would be a good place to go for a beginner in september?
thanks

[robster]

My view on these places is it's often best to go your own way, and i mean this in terms of the impact to the locals. Often they are owned by non local people, the profits get shipped offshore and even their consumables at times can be imported (if not from a local then from some bigger co. in the cities etc).

Why not just turn up with your board, find a place to stay, eat local food and surf with the locals.

The other problem with these places (not all) is they can at times claim a beach/break to be their own. Possibly one of the most evil things you can do.

There is the final idea that it breaks all the ideals of surf travel anyway, you just turn up like a fattened lazy westerner and get fed and watered and entertained... it's a bit... laze and rude init ;)

So yeah, I'd recommend going your own route, you'll get more from it in terms of a travel, surf experience.

The only place I'd recommed one is if you're an ABSALUTE beginner and don't have your own beach nearby to learn from or if it's something like the Maldives where you need to charter a boat (but even that is different).

Hope that helps...

[Atlantic Paddler]

I went to Morocco with them in March, it was perfect and great for beginners right out front of the guest house

[City Starter]

atlantic paddler,

how was your experience in morocco? i'm thinking of going to their agadir location. i'm a beginner as well. seems like the area has other surfing groups. how does this compare?

thanks

[Atlantic Paddler]

Morrocco is an amazing country, but you can't go expecting it to be western. There are more goats than people, and very little in the way of entertainment!

Also there is quite a bit of litter. However these are just small problems really. When I went I was up early every morning, surfed all day, then went to bed by 9:30 as did everyone that I was staying with!