My first solo surf trip – and why Fuerteventura was perfect for it

I’d caught a few waves here and there – in Australia, in Portugal – just enough to fall in love with surfing, but not quite enough to really learn it. That feeling of wanting to start over properly, to build a real connection with the ocean, had been sitting in the back of my mind for a while.

In March 2021, I finally listened to it. I booked a solo trip to the Lapoint surf camp on Fuerteventura. The world was still slowly reopening after COVID, and while far-flung travel was tricky, I was craving that spark – something that felt like freedom again.

I chose to go alone, and not by accident. I’d travelled solo before, most memorably through Australia, and I knew how powerful it could be. None of my friends surfed, and honestly, I didn’t want to wait around. I wanted to meet new people, do something just for me, and shake off that heavy lockdown feeling.

Fuerteventura was everything I hoped for – and more. Sun-soaked days, wide open beaches, and a surf culture that instantly made me feel at home. What started as a getaway quickly turned into one of the most empowering and joy-filled trips of my life.

Everywhere you go, you’ll find small surf shops, charming cafés (Lajares has the best coffee on the island, hands down), and cozy, family-run restaurants where everyone speaks Spanish and things move just a little slower. It feels like a throwback to a time before mass tourism, and I loved every second of it.

Lajares sits right between two of the north’s main towns – El Cotillo and Corralejo. El Cotillo is a quiet coastal town with long, empty beaches, the best sunsets on the island, and lots of smoothie spots, surf stores, and places to eat. Corralejo is where you go when you want more action – think beach bars, dancing barefoot in the sand, and an amazing selection of restaurants. The beaches are white, the water is unbelievably turquoise, and if you’re up early enough, watching the sunrise over the dunes is something magical.

And then there’s the camp itself. A beautiful villa tucked into Lajares, complete with its own surfskate bowl, stylish yet cozy rooms, and that special peaceful energy that instantly makes you feel grounded. The vibe is calm, social, and easygoing – it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and focus on surfing, connecting, and just being present.

The social hosts did an amazing job at keeping the energy up and the community vibe going. Whether it was a pub quiz night, a Beerpong tournament, movie night, volcano hike or a spontaneous trip to the rock pools, there was always something fun happening – but never in a pushy or overwhelming way. You could join everything or nothing, depending on how you felt.

Very quickly, a real sense of community formed. The vibe was chill, familiar, and unpretentious – no matter where people were from or what level of surfer they were, everyone got along and was simply there to have a good time. I laughed more in that week than I had in months, and I met people I still stay in touch with to this day.

I still remember my first session in the water like it was yesterday. I was nervous – definitely. But that tension quickly disappeared thanks to the super fun and relaxed surf coaches. We strapped the boards to the vans, grabbed our wetsuits, and headed out in small groups to El Cotillo.

The session started with a warm-up on the beach, followed by a bit of theory, and then it was straight into the waves. I couldn’t believe how quickly everything clicked. Day by day, we all improved, and with each session, our confidence grew. Depending on the conditions and our progress, we surfed different spots throughout the week. One day, we even found ourselves catching waves in the turquoise water of Corralejo, right in front of the sand dunes. Unreal.

The absolute highlight? Day four. Our group had synced up completely – everyone was on the same level, the waves were perfect: glassy, not too big, not too small, and the weather was just gorgeous. The water sparkled in that unreal turquoise shade that you only find on volcanic islands like Fuerte.

It turned into a full-on surf party. We caught green wave after green wave, cheering each other on, managing to turn, and just riding on pure adrenaline and stoke. We couldn’t stop smiling.

And the day wasn’t even over yet. After surfing, we went surfskating to work on our turns, pushing each other out of our comfort zones in the best way possible. Then it was chill time by the pool, a quick nap in the sun, and finally, the most beautiful sunset in El Cotillo. We grabbed a bottle of wine, sat on the cliffs, and watched the sun disappear into the ocean. That surf session brought us even closer together, and I knew then: this trip would stay with me forever.

For me, this trip was more than just a surf holiday. Through surfing, I learned so much about myself. I pushed past my fears, stepped far outside my comfort zone, and grew beyond what I thought I was capable of – all thanks to the amazing coaches who believed in me every step of the way.

I laughed so much, soaked up the joy of being fully present, and reconnected with what really matters in life. I felt a kind of freedom and happiness you just don’t get in your everyday routine.

And what can I say? I ended up staying for three whole months – I just couldn’t bring myself to leave. If that doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what does.

Discover Fuerteventura.