Surf Camp Facts
- Location: Playa Venao, Panama
- Camp Durations: 7, 10, or 15 days
- Skill Levels:All levels welcome (beginner to advanced)
- Age Range: All ages, families welcome Group Size: Maximum 4 students per instructor
- What's Included: Daily surf sessions, accommodation, breakfast, yoga, video analysis, transportation
- Water Temperature: 80°F (27°C) year-round
- Best Season: Year-round waves; December-April (dry season) or May-November (green season)
- Starting Price: From $880 for 7 days
What to Expect
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ACCOMMODATION
Comfortable accomodation only a 2-minute walk from the beach
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TRANSPORTATION
Pick up from Panama City to Playa Venao and return to Panama City.
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SURF LESSONS
Tailored to all skill-levels with a professional instructor.
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HEALTHY BREAKFAST
Daily breakfast of champions at Selina River
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PHOTOGRAPHY
Photos & Video Analysis included as a take home package
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YOGA CLASSES
Yoga classes available daily
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CO-WORK
Air conditioned space with free coffee and tea.
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BOARD RENTALS
Unlimited access to over 100 surfboards for all levels.
Choose Your Perfect Surf Camp Package
Not sure whether to book 7, 10, or 15 days? Here's how our Panama surf camps compare:
| Feature | 7-Day Camp | 10-Day CampMost Popular | 15-Day Camp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Beginners, time-limited travelers | Intermediate surfers, skill building | Dedicated progression, advanced techniques |
| Surf Sessions | 5 daily sessions | 7 daily sessions | 10 daily sessions |
| Video Analysis | 1 session | 2 sessions | 3 sessions |
| Ideal Outcome | Pop-up mastery, catching unbroken waves | Turning, positioning, reading waves | Cutbacks, bottom turns, barrel positioning |
| Starting Price | From $880 | From $1,210 | From $1,600 |
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Why Choose a Surf Camp in Panama
Playa Venao has earned its reputation as one of the best surf destinations in Central America, and for good reason. The beach offers a rare combination: consistent year-round waves, warm water, and a welcoming beach break that's perfect for learning. Unlike other surf camps in Panama that operate in remote areas, Shokogi's location gives you the best of both worlds—pristine surf conditions and access to a vibrant surf town.
Our surf camps in Panama run year-round. This means you'll surf quality waves whether you visit during the dry season (December-April) or green season (May-November). The water temperature stays around 80°F (27°C), so you'll never need a wetsuit.
What sets our Panama surf camp apart is the focus on progression. Each camp includes:
- Daily surf coaching tailored to your skill level
- Video analysis to accelerate improvement
- Small group sizes (max 4:1 student-instructor ratio)
- Access to over 100 surfboards for all conditions
- Yoga classes to improve flexibility and balance
- Photo/video packages to capture your progress -
Why Learn to Surf at Shokogi?
Shokogi isn't just another surf camp in Panama—we're a locally-rooted school with deep expertise in Playa Venao's unique wave conditions. Our instructor team includes ISA Level 1 & 2 certified coaches with 10+ years teaching experience, and foil surfers who can take advanced students to the next level, and bilingual instruction in English, Spanish and Hebrew.
We've taught over 2,000 students from complete beginners to advanced surfers. Our teaching methodology focuses on ocean safety first, then builds skills progressively through proper positioning, timing, and technique. Unlike large surf camps that rush through basics, we keep groups small (max 4 students per instructor) so you get personalized attention every session.
Based in Playa Venao year-round, we know exactly where to take you for the best conditions each day.
Accommodation Options
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Bunk in Mixed Dorm
Shared bathroom
Free WIFI
Comfortable beds: 8.4/10 rating based on 44 reviews
The rooms measure 15 m²
This bed is located in a shared room equipped with air conditioning
Smoke Policy: You can not smoke
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Private Shared
Shared bathroom
Free WIFI
Comfortable beds: 8.4/10 rating based on 44 reviews
The rooms measure 10 m²
This bed is located in a shared room equipped with air conditioning
Mosquito net
Smoke Policy: You can not smoke
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Private
Private bathroom
Free WIFI
Double bed
The rooms measure 15 m²
This double room has air conditioning
Smoke Policy: You can not smoke
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Custom
Contact us if you would like to explore other accommodation options for a larger group
Frequently Asked Questions
Every Shokogi surf camp in Playa Venao includes:
Surf Coaching & Equipment:
- Daily 1-hour surf sessions with experienced instructors
- Personalized instruction based on your skill level
- Unlimited access to 100+ surfboards (soft tops, shortboards, longboards)
- Video analysis sessions with instructor feedback
Accommodation & Food:
- Comfortable rooms 2 minutes walk from the beach
- Daily breakfast at Selina River (healthy, hearty options)
- Free WiFi and co-working space with A/C
Wellness & Community:
- Yoga classes
- Photography package (shots of you surfing)
- Transportation from Panama City to Playa Venao
Your only additional costs are lunch, dinner, and any personal expenses.
Our surf camps are for all ages who wants to focus on surfing progression—whether you're a complete beginner, intermediate surfer, or advanced rider. We welcome:
- Families learning to surf together
- Solo travelers joining a surf community
- Couples on a surf-focused vacation
- Teens and adults committed to improvement
- Friend groups of all skill levels
We organize groups by ability level and tailor instruction accordingly.
Note: These are dedicated surf camps with daily surf sessions and coaching. For kids looking for a traditional summer camp experience with varied activities, check out our separate kids' summer camp programs.
No prior experience required! Our Panama surf camps welcome complete beginners through advanced surfers. We organize groups by skill level and tailor instruction accordingly.
Beginners start with ocean safety, pop-up technique, and catching whitewater. Intermediate surfers work on positioning, turning, and catching unbroken waves. Advanced surfers refine cutbacks, barrel riding, and wave selection with our ISA-certified coaches.
About 40% of our camp guests are first-time surfers who leave confidently riding waves on their own.
Yes! Over 95% of first-time surfers stand up and ride waves during their first camp session with us.
Our beginner-friendly approach starts you on large, stable foam boards in small whitewater waves. Most guests catch their first waves within 30 minutes of the first lesson. By day 3 of a 7-day camp, beginners are typically riding unbroken green waves toward shore.
Playa Venao's gentle beach break and warm water create ideal learning conditions. Our small group sizes (max 4:1 ratio) mean you get plenty of individual coaching and wave opportunities.
Playa Venao has waves year-round, but the best time depends on your skill level. December through April (dry season) offers consistent 3-5 foot waves perfect for beginners and intermediates. May through November (green season) brings larger swells ideal for more experienced surfers. Water temperature stays around 80°F year-round, so no wetsuit needed
Yes! Many of our guests start with a 7-day camp and extend to 10 or 15 days once they're here. Contact us before or during your camp and we'll adjust your booking based on availability. We also offer discounted rates for camp extensions.
Pack light! Bring:
- Swimwear
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) - required to protect Panama's marine life
- Comfortable beach clothing and sandals
- One outfit for evenings out in Playa Venao
- Reusable water bottle
- Any personal medications
We provide all surf equipment (boards, leashes), towels, and yoga mats. The water is 80°F year-round so no wetsuit needed. Most guests pack just a carry-on for week-long camps.
Transportation from Panama City to Playa Venao is included in all surf camp packages. We arrange shared van transport that picks up from Panama City.
The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours through scenic Panamanian countryside. Pickup is typically scheduled for early morning.
If you're already in the area or prefer to drive yourself, that's fine too - just let us know when booking.