ACADEMIC SURFCAMP (ASCA)

We connect students of the French, German and Italian part of Switzerland, of different universities and disciplines in one unique Surfcamp. Get on board with us and connect with likeminded people. 

Our legendary project goes into round 6! Based on the experiences of the last four years, we have sat down in the team and revised our concept. More than 1000 hours of volunteer work, feedback from past projects and a lot of creativity are in the upcoming Academic Surfcamp 2024.

As always, all proceeds go directly into the project to automatically offer you better value for money than a commercial provider ever could. Our dream is to connect students through surfing. In the Academic Surfcamp we bring together the EPFL mechanical engineer, the medical student of the UZH, the economics student of the HSG over the art student of the University of Bern up to the astrophysics student of the University of Basel. We break down bubbles, allow you to network, which is unfortunately denied to you at most universities and bring everyone to a common ground: surfing. 

Below you will find an overview of what we offer and what makes Academic Surfcamp different from other camps. After that you will find a very detailed FAQ. If you still have questions don't hesitate to contact us.

(Scroll down for more info regarding the Academic Surfcamp)

The Academic Surfcamp in a nutshell

As you can see from the description above, the main goal of the camp is to connect students from different disciplines and different parts of Switzerland through surfing. This is also the purpose of our club. So this is one of the core projects of our club. We put special emphasis on the fact that you get more for your money than with a commercial provider.
The offer is traditionally packed into the Basic Package, which includes almost everything except courses and travel. For courses there is the Course Package - the travel is done individually or in groups (we are happy to help you here). Below you will find a list of what is offered to you.

Basic Package: What's included

The Surf 

The most important thing first, of course! Galicia, located in the extreme northwest of Spain, was considered the end of the world until the discovery of America. Still this remote part of the Iberian Peninsula is an insider tip and largely spared from mass and surf tourism. In addition, the area is considered the most wave-safe area in Europe.
No Joke: There are comparatively few other people in the lineup except for participants of our camp. This is a luxury you get in Europe only in winter. With about 5 km of beach, there are also various peaks and the whole thing is partly protected from the wind by cliffs.

  • No crowds & relatively empty lineups! Galicia is largely spared from mass surf tourism
  • Kilometer long bay with beach break only 150 meters from our accommodation. 
  • Shooted Sessions. Our media team also gets you in front of the lens while surfing.
  • The most wave-safe area in Europe. In addition, we are on site in September, which is generally a wave-safe month in Europe
  • The bay partially protects the lineup from wind.
  • Moderate to no current

Activities

Ready Set Go!!! Networking is at the forefront of Academic Surfcamp and is clearly something that distinguishes our unique project. We form small teams with the participants to get you out of your bubble. You compete together with fellow students in annually revised challenges. The winning team will receive a sponsored price worth up to CHF 600 as the main prize. We also award Wave and Wipeout of the Week in different categories (also Softboard). If you catch the perfect wave or get a good washing machine, a trophy will be waiting for you. You can take it home with you after the camp. Each participant will also receive a shirt designed just for the camp, which will remind you even years later of the unforgettable time with us in late summer. Of course, a well-stocked goodie bag is not to be missed. In contrast to many commercially promoted camps, we offer our participants all film and photo shoots that are created during the time free of charge. We have a complete media team, which takes pictures during the whole week.
But that's not all: we do everything we can to make sure that the time outside the water is as close as possible to the fun of surfing. Wherever possible we make sure that you can party during your week at Academic Surfcamp. Here you can expect live DJ sets. No week is like the other: Sometimes we provide you with an unofficial bunker rave in the depths of the Spanish cliffs and sometimes we spontaneously rent a party location.
Of course, sports activities outside of the water are not to be missed: We have various balls and other equipment, which you can rent without further ado. Yoga sessions are also a must. An absolute highlight in the sports area from 2024: Our camp has its own ramp incl. wave. Skate equipment is of course available at no extra charge. So you can also work on surf basics or turns in the dry.

Here is a short summary of what you can expect out of the water:

  • Networking! We network you with surf enthusiastic students of different disciplines and universities from all over Switzerland and the near abroad! 
  • Team challenges and other activities where you can win attractive prizes from our sponsors. 
  • Winner Wave of the Week
  • Winner Wipeouts of the Week
  • Surfskate Sessions with Ramp & Wave. 
  • Partys
  • All kinds of ball sports (including volleyball net for the beach)
  • Slackline
  • Yoga Sessions 
  • Pingpong
  • Surf Pong tournaments with prizes from our sponsors
  • Fotos and Videos from you
  • unique Campshirt
  • Cliff diving (if possible)
  • Beach Cleanup 

Our program is of course optional and the surf is clearly in the foreground. We are guided by the swell and if the waves are pumping properly, it's surf, surf, surf! Basically we are very flexible and build certain spontaneous program points into the week. Besides bunker raves at abandoned lighthouses, NERF battles, bonfires and spontaneous riversurf sessions, there are no limits (as long as it is somehow justifiable and feasible). 

All sponsors for Camp 2024 will be announced in spring 2024.

Accommodation: Razo Beach here we come!

We strive to offer you the maximum experience possible. We also do not want to compromise on accommodation. We are at Praia de Razo in a hostel that we book completely for ourselves. The best? The distance to the beach is only 150 meters! The almost 5km long sandy beach with picturesque dunes and cliffs is waiting right outside our front door.

  • Sleeping places in beds (see pictures below)
  • Chill area and community space. Here you can let your soul dangle.
  • Only 150 meters from the beach.
  • Free Wifi
  • Situated between the Atlantic coast and mountains with breathtaking views
  • Camp own Skate Ramp and Wave

Food 

There is a buffet in the morning for breakfast as well as to pack lunch bags. In the evening we cook warm meals.
We can also cater for special requests without any problems - for example if you are allergic. We buy our food regionally and support local caterings and restaurants.
If we organize events where alcohol plays a role (e.g. Surfpong), this will of course be sponsored by the association.

  • Rich breakfast
  • Packed lunch for the beach
  • Warm dinner
  • Alcohol at selected events

Galicia: The Surrounding 

Just the beauty of the area where the Academic Surfcamp takes place is stunning. If the waves are flat, we organize trips to the surrounding area. Praia de Razo offers everything the surfing heart desires and offers a 5 km long bay with picturesque dunes and cliffs, a landscape with Galicia flair. In addition, A Coruna and Santiago de Compostella, the largest cities in the area, are within reach.
 

Extras: Surfclasses and Rental 

We offer courses for every level (up to Advanced). The courses include the complete material. We also offer video analysis.

  • Courses for each level: Bloody Beginner, Beginner, Intermediate, Slightly Advanced, Advanced (including lessons for snaps and floaters).
  • Courses take place over 5 days and last 120 minutes per day. 
  • 2x video analysis per week
  • Complete material included
  • Exclusively certified instructors according to ISA (at least level 1 or higher)
  • Pictures and videos of you in the courses

We recommend attending a course. This way you can get the maximum of learning progress and get to know new surf buddies even better. Of course you are not forced to take courses. We also rent the equipment individually.

  • Surfboards (hardboards as well as softboards in various lengths)
  • Wetsuits

We expressly reserve the right to modify the course program should circumstances require it. 

Travel

All roads lead to Rome. Thus, all roads lead to the Academic Surfcamp. We show you the easiest ones here! The options are sorted by travel time. Of course we leave it up to you how you arrive. If you don't want to fly, we recommend a trip in two stages, with a stopover on the French Atlantic coast. Here you can warm up your surfing.
In the Riderzone you will find useful links about transportation.

Why we don't offer a bus from Switzerland to Spain? All your questions are answered in the FAQ section. 

Don't worry! We are happy to help you with the planning of your journey. If you are looking for travel companions, we will be happy to help you! Please contact us for this. 

Air Travel 

There are various flights from Geneva and Zurich to Santiago de Compostella (direct!) and also to A Coruna (with stopover). These are the closest airports. We recommend you to book your flight as soon as possible after you have booked your surf camp. The earlier the cheaper your trip will be.

  • Costs from CHF 100-200.- , if you book early enough
  • Travel time from 2h (depending on whether direct flight or not)
  • Airport shuttle at selected times directly to the accommodation (organized by us)
  • If you want to bring your own surfboard, you can give it to us. This way you save costs. (contact us)

Roadtrip 

A car trip from Switzerland is quite feasible - as long as you have enough people with whom you can take turns at the wheel. The journey takes a good 18 hours. It is recommended to make at least one stopover. Keep in mind that there are tolls as well as fuel costs. It is recommended to make a stopover at the French Atlantic coast. Thus you could already surf in. 

If you have a car and are looking for a passenger, you can contact us. We will help you to find a car.

Interrail

Another possibility is to come to Spain via Interrail ticket. If you have a lot of time, this is probably the most ecological way to get to the camp. Note that the journey time by public transport takes about 2 days. 

After Movies of the last years 

Prices

Regular Package Prices Academic Surfcamp

  • Basic Package: CHF 649.- 
  • Classes (complete equipment, i.e. board and wetsuit, as well as theory sessions and video analysis included): CHF 249.-

  • Rental Hardboards (unless a course is taken): approximately CHF 90.- per week
  • Rental Wetsuits (unless a course is taken): approximately CHF 50.- per week

Installment option for ASC members

Since we know very well the situation that as a student you are sometimes not always directly liquid, there is the possibility to pay in installments (ASC membership is a prerequisite for this). If you would like to pay in installments, CHF 299.- will be due within 5 days of receipt of your booking. Thereafter we ask you to transfer CHF 150.- per month until your booking amount is reached in full. If you have problems to pay the amount, please contact us as soon as possible. In justified exceptional cases we will modify the installment payment conditions for you. 

If you want to change or rent equipment within the camp - or even just rent a different board for a day - this is usually possible without any problems.

FAQ

Who can come to the camp?
All current and former students of universities according to Swiss Universities.
Member of Swiss Universities

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 English. But we also speak French and German.

Which degree programs are most represented?
Medicine, mechanical engineering, business administration, economics and law are the most represented. 

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. 

Can only ASC members to the camp?
No. However, we give ASC members priority to the seats in case of doubt. ASC members also get along cheaper. 

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 most of the students are done with their internships etc. then. 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 upon your request. Of course we can't promise anything but so far this has worked without any problems - even up to one week before the event. The waiting list is usually quite full until the camp. 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.

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 out to make a 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?
We have organized the first two camps a transport (then still to France). The big problem is that hiring a one-time bus company is insanely expensive and unfortunately not worth it for so few weeks. 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 enroll?
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 definitely like to be on the staff or come along as a surf instructor.
For our camp staff we give priority to those members who have worked at Academic Surfcamp before. Thus the team is mostly complete. If you still think that you have to become an irreplaceable part of our team, you are welcome to apply for the camp mail. Maybe you will be lucky.
Nevertheless, we are always looking for people who would like to help us expand our camp offerings. If you want to organize a camp yourself, you can apply for it.

Any questions ..?

If you still have questions, you can ask them here:

Legal Informations 

The Academic Surf Camp is a joint project of all ASCs together  and is structured as an association in the sense of the Swiss Civil Code. The association operates on a non-profit basis. Members are all Academic Surfclubs while the board is arranged by members of different Academic Surfclubs. 

Board

Samuel Liechti
Simon Lieffering