Well, that was the moment when I realised that I needed a break away, more specifically, a break away in the water. I knew full well that a week of sun, surf and good vibes would be the perfect medicine to reset my system. So I booked a surf trip to Fuerteventura for just me, myself and I and It was exactly what I needed.
Upon arrival I was greeted by the Star Surf Camps team, who kindly came to pick me up due to my arrival time and drove me all the way to the sleepy fishing village of El Cotillo, my home for the next week of my surf trip. The town is an old fishing port on the north west side of the island, tucked away from the tourists and party towns. With a residential population of around 1,300, El Cotillo is the perfect getaway for those of us who seek a more relaxed and concentrated surf trip. The main beach break is only 6 minutes away when travelling with the surf school vans, and a few more advanced reef breaks are only around 20 minutes up the coast. There are plenty of beautifully shaped waves for all levels and a friendly atmosphere where the locals will actually give you way and help you with your technique as you progress. You don’t get that at many breaks so take advantage of it and give it your all!
My surf holiday in Fuerteventura was amazing, heading out daily for early morning yoga sessions followed by a nice solid 3 hour surf and great food in the evening, all of which compliments each other leaving you feeling truly alive and glowing. If you do become restless and fancy a few Gin and Tonics, there is the famous Coyote bar just down by the harbours edge where Axel will serenade you with a number of rock classics in broken english, charming the pants off of any visitor.
On days off when the surf is small and every muscle in your body is worked to the max, you can take out a couple of skateboards and cruise around the long roads to further practice your balance and carve techniques. You can also rent out bikes and explore the area including a pretty sick volcano where at the top you will find hundreds of chipmunks you can feed. Another great activity to do is take the bus over to Corralejo, explore the city and take a boat trip over to the Isle of Lobos with the Lobos Explorer. The guys are great and you can explore the island via SUP board, bicycle or by foot. On the way back, the lobos explorer will anchor down and let you swim with loads of fish with some great photo opportunities. Probably one of my favourites days out ever.
A surf trip to Fuerteventura will leave you feeling stoked beyond belief, progressed with your surfing and bronzed by the sun. Even though I surf in the UK and sometimes over in France or Portugal, there was something about Fuerteventura and it’s stunning breaks that left me feeling pumped for weeks after. It’s healthy for your mind and body to take a break from your studies, worklife and the daily grind to feed your soul, and for that. Fuerteventura is truly the answer.
Thanks for a super chilled surf holiday to all the Star Surf Camps team! I’ll sure be back sometime soon!
Phil James
