Who can come to the camp?
Members of the ASC and any other student or alumni. But: ASC members receive the booking link earlier than non-members to make sure that our members have a chance on a spot. At a later time the booking is available for non-members too, but with a small surcharge. Of course any student or alumni can immediately become member with us! There is a lot to experience apart from the camp plus you're saving money when you book the camp - a classic win-win situation ;) Just let us know in the booking process that you applied for becoming a member and we will grant you the lower prize and check your membership status a few weeks later.
What is the average age in the camp?
The average age in the camp is 24 years. However, we have a very wide age range in the camp, from 18 to over 34 years old.
What language is spoken in the camp?
The main language is German and English with the staff from the Surf School. But we also speak English and some French.
I am traveling alone. Does it even make sense to go solo to the camp?
Absolutely! Our offer is designed so that you quickly meet new people. It is absolutely no problem if you come to the camp alone or with friends.
I would very much like to come. But the camp is advertised way too early. Can I reserve a place? In addition, I do not know exactly what I will do next year in September, it may be that it does not work out for me. And what if I can't come to the camp after all?
The reason why we advertise the camp relatively early is the non-profit character of the project. Precisely because we calculate cost-covering, we are dependent on an early receipt of bookings to be able to pay for accommodation and other things. Unfortunately you cannot "reserve" a place. But you can try to book and hope that you will get a place.
Also, we have deliberately set the date for both camp weeks to the last weeks of the semester break, since by then most of the students are done with their internships, exams, papers etc. The chance that you will not be able to attend the camp is therefore rather small. If you enroll and the worst case happens, we will replace you with a person from the waiting list if possible, but of course we can't promise anything. Cancellation is very easy: We have a new "Rider Zone". There you will find the cancellation option. Just fill out the form and we will take care of the rest.
If your spot cannot be taken by anyone from the waiting list, we cannot guarantee a refund because of our cost-covering calculations. Please read through our AGBs for this.
What does non-profit mean? Are you really not making a profit with the camp?
Non-profit means for us that the project is calculated to cover costs and we do not pay wages. OC and staff work on a voluntary basis. Amounts that remain overflow directly into association projects such as the renewal of our infrastructure (e.g. new material) or projects such as the SUC, which are very cost-intensive. This way we can guarantee that we are not making profit and that we can calculate everything in such a way that you get more for your money than at a commercial surf camp. Our finances are also transparent in the annual accounts.
Why doesn't the ASCA organize a bus from Switzerland to the camp? Why do you have to travel individually?
For the first two camps we did ineed organize a transport (back then it was to France). The big problem is that hiring a one-time bus company is insanely expensive and unfortunately not worth it for two weeks only. Unfortunately, the club would have to pay for it. However, we are happy to help you plan your trip and organize shuttles from the airport to your accommodation. We can also put you in contact with other participants who are looking for travel buddies.
I have contacted you via the contact form and have not received a response yet. What is going on?
We are a volunteer association and not a company. Therefore, it may take a few days until you receive a response. We ask for your patience.
How do I book?
At the top of this page you will find a button called "Booking Request". If this is no longer available, there should be a button called "Waiting list". Click on it and you will get to the relevant forms. If none of these buttons are present, the project is not officially advertised yet.
How are the places in the Academic Surfcamp allocated?
Basically, the principle of first come first surf applies. However, one of the guiding principles of our project is to network students from different faculties throughout Switzerland. Therefore, we also make sure that the university ratio is fairly balanced. If, for example, in the first 5 minutes only students from University X register and in minute 6 a student from University Y joins, we give this student priority. However, if the time difference between the registrations is more than 10 minutes, this does not matter anymore, because we always give priority to people who have waited for the registration and who register quickly.
I did not get a spot in the camp and put myself on the waiting list. When will I finally be contacted?
The waiting list is basically processed chronologically according to the receipt of registrations. Whenever someone cancels, we can thus replace someone and contact you as soon as it is your turn.
Do you still need people in the camp team? I would love to be on the staff or come along as a surf instructor.
This year we are looking for trainees that are willing to commit to organizing next year's camp! Like this you can join our camp and get some important guidance, insights and experience a year before your own camp would be taking place. We are currently also looking for someone willing to shoot our surfers during their surf lessons and overall get some nice pictures and videos in our camp. If you can offer us any other important talent that we should definiteley consider, do let us know and we will see what could be possible :)