Having been part of Star Surf Camps for 5 years now, I have had the pleasure of hosting many surf holiday guests from all around the world in our surf camps in Moliets, France, Oyambre, Spain and Fuerteventura. But it’s definitely the University surf trips which have left the most lasting impressions. One of the reasons is probably that I was part of a University surf trip myself with Bournemouth Uni. More likely, however, is that, over the years, I have witnessed some of the most exciting surf holiday weeks during University surf trips from all around the UK and Ireland.

On the 20th of January, our Fuerteventura surf camp had the honour of welcoming Leeds Beckett Surf Club back for a surf holiday week filled with winter sun, great surf and all round good vibes. I was particularly excited for Leeds Uni to come back, because when I was managing our Moliets surf camp, Leeds Uni joined us alongside Cardiff Uni and Exeter Uni, which turned out to be one of the most entertaining surf camp weeks I can remember. Although Leeds is generally not known as a surfing hotspot (this might be due to it being landlocked), I’ve been really impressed with the Uni’s surf club spirit in and outside the water. And last month’s Uni surf trip to Fuerteventura was no exception. But see for yourself!

And if you or your surf club are looking for University surf trips, why not check out all our group surf destinations here!

Fuerteventura is a popular surf destinations for winter surf trips as the Canaries have some of Europe’s warmest climate with temperatures rarely dropping below 20 degrees and consistent swells, providing surfers of all abilities from all over the world with a variety of spots to surf. Such a contrast to the UK!

However, additional to the climate and waves, El Cotillo, our surf camps destination on Fuerteventura, has a great reputation for restaurants and locally sourced food. Upon arrival to the surf camp, this was one of the first things Leeds Uni experienced. Throughout the surf trip week, the group got to eat at a number of different restaurant every single day, a scheme introduced by Star Surf Camps not only to ensure hungry surfers get to a nutritional meat, but also to provide a way to sustainably give something back to the local community. After the meals out, myself and the students would classically enjoy a few beers at one of many chilled out surf bars in El Cotillo. The Swiss Bar was a popular spot with comfy sofas, ambient candle lighting and mellow 50’s rock and blues soundtrack perfect for a Sunday evening arrival. Later in the week, we got to experience some live music in Coyote Bar and showed the new restaurant/bar venue Mas Qe Nada what Leeds Beckett can really do by drinking them dry of their 1€ bottled beers, great times!

After a well deserved night’s sleeps, surfing was on the schedule for the morning and after a quick 5-minute drive to the beach, we all got to experience the warm crystal clear waters Fuerteventura is so very famous for. Surely a vast contrast from Scarborough and the ice cold waters of the North Sea! Daily surf lessons during our University surf trips with surf instructors Pero and Adri meant that Leeds’ students really got to practice and master their pop up technique. I was particularly impressed at how fast the group as a whole progressed, some even managing to surf green waves left and right. Well done guys!

Despite surfing being one of the most obvious attractions to a surf trip, there were plenty of other day time activities Cotillo has to offer. Football was a particular hit with the Leeds Beckett lads and, during the afternoon, we joined together to have one of the most competitive football games to date. A game that even saw Star Surf Camps veteran Sami come out of retirement and show us some class. Additional to football, El Cotillo has some famous snorkel spots and stunning lagoons where we often enjoyed an afternoon swim or sunbathe. Which at night turned into a hotspot for star gazers.

Probably the most notable activity outside of surfing was the day trip to Lobos. This was a chance for the Uni group to take a boat ride across to Fuerteventura’s famous natural reserve island where the activities consisted of climbing a volcano, snorkelling in the tropical bays and eating a locally fished Paella. Definitely a day not to be forgotten easily!

The Leeds Beckett University surf trip to Fuerteventura really was an unforgettable week: With great surf, some fun nights out including a loud shirt night for Anna’s birthday, delicious food and most importantly great surf and company! Thanks also to our in-house surf photographer, David, we also got some incredible surf pics to take home.

Until next time, Leeds. We’ll miss you, legends!

Robbie & the Star Surf Camps Team