Just in time for Christmas, we have been given – or rather emailed – a wonderful little present: a poem just for us & our Santander Surf Camp team! We are super chuffed and would like to say a BIG, BIG THANK YOU to Maureen and her family for such wonderful words!

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“Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen – good attitude is best;
Star Surf will most certainly provide all the rest!”

Thanks for your kind words, Maureen!

We are stoked!

High in the hills in the mist of the morning,
Doing a “down dog,” “cobra” or “lotus” pose,
Who would have guessed that my practice of yoga,
Would be amongst surfers on the Cantabrian coast.

“Playa de Oyambre” is broad, stunning and fine-sanded,
With white waves breaking and some that’s just landed.
Surrounded by hills in a natural park all green,
Nestled between Comillas and San Vincente – it’s a must see!

The surf camp is pitched in the gorgeous rolling hills,
The bohemian setting will provide us new thrills.
Not beach bums, nor drop-outs or reserved for just pros.
Surfing’s for everyone – even us city folks.

For old and the young – for kids of all ages,
Dudes and dudettes – surfers of all phases.
Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen – good attitude is best.
“Star Surf” will most certainly provide all the rest.
Manuals, goodie bags, surf boards and leashes,
Wetsuits, rash vests and a tanned person who teaches.

Oh least I forget – take bed sheets and a plate setting,
With our last minute plans -had no clue what we’re getting.
Never assume what “deluxe” means when camping,
We were quickly reminded that this is not “glamping.”

Suppers are served in a communal atmosphere.
With healthy warm meals – your hunger will disappear.
For extra euros – strong drinks/cocktails you can order,
Or enjoy free infused water with lemons or cucumber.

After breakfast and dinner beautiful notes are being strummed,
My daughter and new friend – sung – people were stunned.
Nightly ‘fun-tivities’ – movie, theme party, a sunset walk,
Or a Beer Pong competition – it was absolutely the talk.

One rule to abide by – silence from 11:30p.m.,
It’s music off, voices down – to avoid any mayhem.
As early the next morning, some must meet by the sea,
To warm-up – stretch, do eagle poses – whatever will be.
For yoga and surfing has an ongoing love affair,
Focussed breathing, core strength, flexibility -some traits that they share.

This summer surf story now makes quite a twist,
This plot change surely you must not miss!

For about 2 days, we were warned of heavy rains,
Our anticipation was not in vain.
For it was about twenty three thirty three,
That heavy winds came and caused a melee.

Surfers were blown involuntarily to their tents,
The wind “huffed and puffed” – it blew malcontent.
Disappoint? the weather gods surely did not,
The flapping tents could end up in one giant knot.
It rained, it stormed, winds whistled all night,
But the tipis sturdy fabric were ready to fight.

The next morning the camp ground was quite a sight,
We shared tales of excitement, of worry, of fright!
There are pros and cons vacationing in the north of Spain.
Now we know that rain does not fall “mainly on the plain”.

But all’s well that ends well – with the calm after the storm,
As conditions for surfing became better than norm.
For after the red flag, came perfect waves you see,
Then pros and beginners could practice with glee.

Alas – this rhyming story must come to an end,
As my surf summer fun took quite a sharp bend
and landed in a tale of an unruly storm,
So now my story takes on a new form.

Maureen