Why a family surf camp is (almost) the perfect stress-free holiday
- Family vacation meets surfing fun
- What makes a family surf camp so special?
- What parents secretly dream of (and what you get with us!)
- Surfing for all ages
- More than surfing: fun for the whole family
- Why it’s almost stress-free
- Planning your family surf holiday in El Palmar
- Family surf camp FAQ
- Final thoughts
Family vacation meets surfing fun
For many parents this all seems too good to be true. But a family surf camp in Spain (like A-Frame in El Palmar) comes surprisingly close.
Here’s why more and more mums and dads are choosing a surf trip over a standard beach resort... and why it might just be your best holiday yet!
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A young girl in a wetsuit applies sunscreen to her friend's face outside the surf camp
What makes a family surf camp so special?
Unlike a typical vacation, a surf camp is built around shared experiences.
Instead of each family member drifting off into their own routine, you’re together in one place. Kids get to try surfing, parents can join daily surf lessons or yoga sessions and everyone bonds over the ocean.
Surf camps create a rhythm to the day that feels both relaxed and exciting.
Mornings often start with a healthy breakfast followed by surf lessons on the beach. Afternoons might be spent swimming, skateboarding or exploring nearby towns. Evenings bring everyone together for dinner and stories from the day.
The result is something rare: a holiday that keeps both adults and kids entertained... without constant planning.
Instead of spending days shuttling between the beach, hotel and restaurants, beachfront accommodations like ours at A-Frame mean you can step outside and be in the waves within minutes.
Everything you need, from food to surf gear and even a sense of community, is right there.
What parents secretly dream of (and what you get with us!)
For parents the idea of a surf holiday can sound wonderful in theory BUT stressful in practice.
How do you manage meals, keep kids safe and still find time for yourself? That’s where a family surf camp makes the difference.
At A-Frame, comfort and convenience are part of the design:
Accommodation designed for families: spacious apartments that sleep up to six with toys and a playroom for very young children
Healthy meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options that suit the whole family
Peace of mind: fully licensed surf instructors, small group sizes and a sandy bottom beach that’s ideal for kids learning to surf
Parents can finally relax knowing that children are entertained, well-fed and safe. And when the kids are happy, the parents are happy too! That’s what an affordable family surf vacation in Spain is all about.
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A husband puts his arm around his wife as they walk towards the waves with their surfboards, smiling together
Surfing for all ages
One of the biggest concerns parents have is whether surfing is safe for children. At A-Frame the answer is yes.
Kids from age 8 can join surf lessons with experienced instructors who know how to make learning fun and safe
The gentle waves in El Palmar are perfect for beginners of all ages
Parents can surf too! Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced surfer looking for more inspiration and challenge
Like skiing or snowboarding, surfing has become an activity the whole family can enjoy together. Improved coaching methods and more user-friendly surfboards has made that a reality.
And trust when we say a family surf school trip is awesome. There’s really nothing like watching your child stand up on a board for the first time while you cheer from the water.
It’s an experience that bonds families in a way few other holidays can!
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A group of children laugh as they bury their friend in the sand on El Palmar beach
More than surfing: fun for the whole family
No waves? No problem! Even if the ocean takes a rest day there’s still plenty to do. A-Frame is about more than just surf... it’s about family fun:
Try SUP boards, beach volleyball or Carver skateboards
Join a yoga experience by the ocean while the kids play nearby
Go horse riding along the coast or explore the countryside by bike
Take day trips to nearby towns filled with cafés, shops and authentic Spanish culture
Evenings at camp have their own rhythm too. Families gather in the garden, share stories over dinner or play games together. It’s a chance to reconnect without screens or distractions.
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A group of children in wetsuits run along the beach laughing during a playful warm-up before surfing
Why it’s almost stress-free
Let’s be honest... family life is never completely stress-free. There will still be sandy feet, sunscreen battles and bedtime negotiations. But here’s the difference:
You’re not worrying about cooking three meals a day
You don’t need to plan daily entertainment
You don’t have to drive long distances for fun or food
You’re in an environment designed for families, not just surfers
That combination removes many of the stress points parents usually face on holiday.
It leaves more time for the things that matter: relaxing, laughing and making memories!
Planning your family surf holiday in El Palmar
El Palmar is a small surf town on the Andalusian coast of Spain.
Known for its wide sandy beach and consistent waves, it’s one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for surfing families. Unlike crowded resorts, El Palmar has a laidback atmosphere with local restaurants, surf shops and friendly faces.
Best ages: Kids 8+ can join surf lessons. Very young children can still enjoy the beach, play areas and safe spaces at camp
Length of stay: A week long camp is the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Many families extend their surf trip to spend more time exploring southern Spain. Learn more about our flexible arrival times for the autumn/fall 2025 season
Packages: Choose between self-catering or all-inclusive options that include accommodation, surf lessons and food
Location: El Palmar, Spain... just an easy trip from the nearest airport (Jerez, Seville or Málaga). Renting a car makes exploring the coast simple. Learn more about getting to El Palmar
This part of Spain is blessed with sunshine most of the year, gentle waves in summer and more powerful breaks in winter. That makes it the perfect place for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Family surf camp FAQ
A family surf camp combines surf lessons, accommodation and meals in a package that is specially designed for parents and children. It differs from a classic resort because the focus is on shared experiences, not just relaxation (although there's plenty of that too!). Families spend time together in the water, try yoga, enjoy healthy meals and socialize with others who love the sea.
Absolutely. El Palmar is known for its sandy beach and gentle waves, which are ideal for learning. Unlike rocky shores, it's safer for children here. The beach is long and wide, so there's plenty of space for families. It is also one of the most consistent surf spots in southern Spain, which means there are waves almost every day of the year.
Children under the age of 8 cannot take part in surf lessons, but are very welcome at the camp. Toddlers and babies enjoy safe play areas, the beach and the community atmosphere. Parents often take turns surfing so that someone can always be with the little ones. Some families bring grandparents or friends so that a cross-generational vacation is possible... and both parents can also surf together. Win-win!
A week at camp usually starts with breakfast, followed by surf lessons. Afterwards, families often relax on the beach or take part in other activities such as yoga, SUP or skateboarding. Lunch is served at the camp, and in the afternoon there is free time for swimming or exploring nearby places. In the evening, everyone comes together for dinner in the garden, followed by games or relaxed conversation.
Yes! The all-inclusive package at A-Frame includes breakfast, lunch and dinner for the entire week. Meals are healthy and family-friendly, with options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets. Parents appreciate that they don't have to think about shopping or cooking... it's all done for you.
Families can try out stand-up paddleboarding, yoga sessions, horse riding and coastal tours. El Palmar itself offers restaurants, stores and markets to discover. Many families use it as a base to visit cultural cities such as Cádiz or Seville, which are only a relatively short drive away.
El Palmar is easily accessible by car from the airports in Jerez, Seville or Málaga. There are daily flights from many European cities. A rental car is recommended for flexible exploration of the coast and surrounding area. A-Frame is also happy to help with travel information if required. Just get in touch!
Resorts may have pools and childcare, but surf camps offer something deeper. They focus on community, adventure and shared experiences. Parents try something new, kids gain confidence in the ocean and families take away memories that will last a lifetime. A surf camp is more than just a vacation... it's a chance to reconnect with each other and with nature.
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A boy in a wetsuit walks along the beach with his surfboard and smiles confidently into the camera
Final thoughts
No family holiday is completely free of stress, but a surf camp in El Palmar comes close.
With beachfront accommodations, gentle waves, surf lessons for kids and parents, healthy food and a welcoming atmosphere, A-Frame is the perfect place to balance family fun with true relaxation.
When you choose a surf holiday you’re not just booking a trip... you’re investing in experiences your children will carry with them for life. The first wave they catch, the laughter over sandy lunches, the quiet evening walks along the coast.
These are the moments that matter.
A week at a family surf camp might be exactly what you’ve been searching for: a holiday where the whole family can relax, play and grow together. And that makes it almost the perfect stress-free surf travel holiday.