From first pop‑up to advanced coaching: My surfing story
August 25, 2025If the idea of sharing waves with new friends and chasing sunshine across the globe sets your heart racing, you’re in the right place. My name is Lucas, I’m from France, and I’m excited to share how I went from a curious beginner to a confident surfer through more than seven Lapoint camps and dozens of weeks over the past seven years.
With great coaching, welcoming communities, and magical locations, each stop shaped my journey and made me come back several times over.
A single wave that changed everything
Eight years ago, I caught my very first wave on a little beach hidden between the Caribbean Sea and the Colombian jungle. Those few seconds were clumsy and brief, but the rush that followed was unlike anything I’d felt before. As soon as I got back home, I rushed to find a place to surf again.
After devouring surf videos and blogs, one name kept appearing: Lapoint Surf Camps. The photos of smiling faces and the promise of learning in beautiful places were enough to convince me. I booked a week in Portugal without thinking too hard, unaware that decision would alter the course of my life.
If you’ve ever daydreamed about gliding down the face of a wave or wondered whether a surf camp could actually make a difference, let me share some stories. This isn’t a how‑to manual; it’s an honest look at the joy, frustration, community, and growth that come from chasing waves all over the world.
2018–2019
The early years: Learning to stand up
Finding my feet in Portugal
When I arrived at Lapoint’s camp in Ericeira, I was both nervous and excited as it was my first-ever surf trip and solo trip. The house sits on a cliff, close enough to hear waves crashing, and the setup makes it easy to settle in, with cosy rooms, a heated pool, and even a skate bowl.
I remember squeezing into a thick wetsuit and wobbling out to the white water, wondering what on earth I’d signed up for. The instructors broke everything down into small steps, cheering each of us on when we managed a pop‑up or rode our first unbroken wave.
Those first days were humbling, but they were also full of laughs. Between sessions, we explored Ericeira’s cobblestone streets, devoured pastel de nata, and swapped stories over post‑surf beers. By the end of the week, I could trim along the face of a wave and had a new group of friends. I left with the realisation that surfing wasn’t just a hobby, it was a lifestyle I wanted to be part of.
Chasing warmth in Bali
My appetite for waves was crazy, and later that year, I boarded a plane to Bali. Lapoint’s camp in Canggu is tucked in the heart of Canggu with two pools and a lush garden.
Warm water and mellow beach breaks like Batu Bolong and Legian were a dream for building confidence. Mixed with road trips to quieter reef spots, it was a dreamy place to learn as a beginner/intermediate surfer. We even had a photographer with us for every session!
Living on Bali time felt like living in a surfer’s paradise. We’d wake up before dawn, catch glassy waves, then refuel on smoothie bowls and nasi goreng. Off days were spent hiking volcanoes, watching the sunset from clifftop temples, or snorkelling with mantas. I left the island feeling stronger on a board, but more importantly, deeply connected to that sport and lifestyle.
Quitting my job to pursue my surf dream
The following year, I made a big decision. I decided to quit my job to travel the world and surf for a few months. I was so excited about this new chapter opening, and to kick it off, I decided to explore a new camp in Sri Lanka. Lapoint’s colonial-style villa in Ahangama is surrounded by palm trees and sits just a few minutes walk from playful waves.
Surfing in bath temperature water was a bliss, and with small student-to-coach ratios, we all progressed quickly. We’d surf until our arms turned to jelly, then hop into tuk tuks to explore the surrounding areas, hidden waterfalls, and rolling tea plantations. Evenings were about curry buffets, card games, and laughing until our cheeks hurt.
Later that year, I went back to Bali, this time ready for more challenging waves. We explored waves like Kuta Reef, Kedungu, or Echo Beach, learning to commit to steeper drops and carve proper turns. Bali was beginning to feel like a second home, full of familiar faces and constant discoveries.
2020–2022
Building consistency and confidence
Slow travel in Sri Lanka
By early 2020, after a few months back at work, I returned to Ahangama for a longer stay. Something special happens when you stick around, the ocean becomes more of a friend and soreness more of a stranger.
A longer stay has massive benefits to your surfing progression, as the consistency of surfing every day will remove a lot of the hassle we know as holiday surfers. Our days fell into a rhythm of sunrise surfs, yoga, spicy curry lunches, and sunset swims.
Unfortunately, when the world suddenly decided to pause, it meant that surfing was gonna be off the radar for a while.
Embracing volcanic landscapes in Fuerteventura
When travel restrictions eased, I set out to explore somewhere totally new. Fuerteventura, in the Canary Islands. Imagine black volcanic cliffs, turquoise water, and a desert breeze. The island is known for its consistent surf and year‑round warm climate. Lapoint’s camp in Lajares is made up of modern villas surrounding a pool and a dedicated surf skate playground, making it the ideal base to chase waves and improve your technical skills.
Whether we paddled out at mellow beach breaks or tested ourselves on winter swells, there was always something to learn. Off the water, we explored sand dunes, enjoyed tapas in Corralejo, and watched the Atlantic turn molten gold at sunset. Fuerteventura taught me that diversity in surf spots keeps you honest; you can’t muscle your way through everything.
2025 and beyond
The final push to advanced
Premium coaching in El Salvador
By 2025, I’d been surfing for years, and I got to a point where I could surf on my own at most places with confidence; however, surfing is a lifelong journey, and I felt the need to improve my style and skills. A friend I met at previous camps recommended Lapoint’s premium camp in El Salvador, and it didn’t disappoint.
The camp sits directly on (yes, literally on) El Sunzal, a long right‑hand point break that peels along a black sand beach. With only one student per coach, I received a ton of feedback, and every session was filmed.
The waves here are long and forgiving, making them perfect for polishing turns. Away from the water, we hiked past steaming volcanoes and bathed under waterfalls near Tamanique.
Evenings were spent enjoying the amazing dinners prepared by the local chef and enjoying the lively atmosphere in El Tunco. It was in El Salvador that I finally felt that I had reached a new milestone with my surfing ability, even though the road ahead is still long.
Pura vida in Costa Rica
After El Salvador, I flew down to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. The camp sits back from the road yet is a quick stroll to the beach, and the jungle setting hums with life. After two weeks of coaching in El Salvador, I felt it was time to apply what I learned on my own.
The great thing about Lapoint is that you are free to join lessons, coaching, or simply surf on your own or with your friends.. We would surf perfect beach breaks at Playa Carmen or Playa Hermosa in the morning, then explore waterfalls or the surrounding areas before going back for a sunset surf in the evenings.
The pura vida lifestyle is no cliché, mornings start early, afternoons are lazy, and nights are slow and sweet.
Always returning to Ericeira
In between these adventures, I made a point of coming back to Ericeira every couple of years. With its heated pool, yoga shala, and skate bowl, the camp feels like home. Surfing the Atlantic again with years of experience under my belt reminded me how far I’d come; those punchy beach breaks that once felt intimidating became playgrounds.
There’s something comforting about watching the sun sink behind the same familiar cliffs and feeling both nostalgic and grateful for the journey.
Why Lapoint kept calling me back
People often ask why I stuck with Lapoint for so many years when there are countless surf camps out there. The simple answer is: they get the balance right. Each destination offers its own flavour. From chilly Portugal to tropical Sri Lanka or bustling Bali. Add to this a coaching that adapts accordingly with fantastic coaches and a low student-to-teacher ratio, and you’re in for a treat.
Just as important, Lapoint fosters community. I travelled alone more than once, and each time I left with a bigger network of friends. Lapoint’s unique policy of arrival means that everyone arrives on the same day for at least a week, which makes creating connections very easy, even for the introverts.
Shared meals, activities, and spontaneous adventures break the ice quickly. The camps attract people of all ages and backgrounds, from solo travellers and digital nomads to couples and families. That diversity makes the conversations around the dinner table rich and often hilarious. Many of my closest friends today are people I first met wax in hand on a Lapoint camp.
Closing thoughts
It still amazes me that a spur-of-the-moment decision to try surfing all those years ago led me on this wild ride. Surfing with Lapoint taught me patience, resilience, and the joy of living in the moment.
I’ve paddled out in cold Atlantic wind and under tropical sunrises, shared countless meals with strangers turned friends, and learned that progress isn’t linear.
If you’re thinking about learning to surf or taking your skills to the next level, I genuinely believe a good surf camp can accelerate your growth and enrich your life.
Whether you sign up on a whim, book with friends, or mix surf with remote work, the waves and the people you meet in the line‑up have a way of leaving a mark. At the end of every trip, looking back at that first shaky pop‑up on the Caribbean beach, I realise how far a single wave can carry you.
By: Lucas Sabatier
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