Gadling

We love surfing here at Gadling, and here's a cool trip we discovered, designed just for the ladies. Founded in 1997 by board sports pioneer Bev Sanders, Las Olas Surf Camp in Mexico offers week long, all inclusive retreats specifically for women who want to learn to surf in the company of other women. At the age of 44, after 18 years in the snowboard industry, Bev took some surf lessons and soon after formed La Olas near Puerto Vallarta. The history of this enterprising adventure business can be read here. I noticed that some of their instructors are affiliated with Surf Diva, which Erik mentioned last year.

One of these days I know I'm going to wake up with a strong urge to ride some waves, and I'd seriously consider splurging on a week at La Olas to get me started. The packages may seem hefty for only a week (they start at $2,250) but the list of what's included is impressive: six night accommodation in an oceanfront villa, daily surf lessons, meals, yoga sessions and safaris to secret surf spots. Besides surf school, there are classes and activities for massage, salsa dancing, ocean fishing, margarita making and native Mexican Huichol Beading.

It looks like this year they have also introduced a line of Rediscovery Safaris, which explore the concept that surfing develops a lasting friendship with the living ocean. Specialty safaris include: Sea Turtle Discovery, Whale Watching and Mexican Culture Week. The company has also branched out with Artistia, which offers more in-depth creative experiences, for those of you who've already mastered the art of surfing. The season runs from November to early June, so now is the time to consider one of these seaside excursions. They recommend booking four months in advance, since they limit the number of attendees for each safari.

Filed under: Learning, Surfing