General questions

1 - How far is Copacabana from the surf camp?

Copacabana is 24km away from the Camp, approximately 25 minutes by car and 1 hour by bus.

2- Is there a bus system that can be used?

Buses run regularly and can be taken at one block from the camp. They go to the main areas of Rio city including Copacabana, Ipanema, Centro and others. The public bus cost R$2.10 per person.

3- Can you organize a trip to Maracana to see a soccer match?

The Rio Surf n Stay works in partnership with many tour operators that organize tours to the Maracana soccer stadium so there is no probelm for you to see an exciting game at one of the biggest stadium in the world. The cost varies according to the match.

If you do not want to join in a tour, there are buses that take you there as well.

4- Can you organize a trip to the Christ Statue?

Rio Surf n Stay works in partnership with many tour operators that organize tours to the Christ statue and to the Sugar Loaf. If you do not want to join in a tour, there are buses that take you there as well.

5- How is the night life around the camp?

The night life consists basically of local bars around the area.

If you are looking for more intense parties, we recommend you to go to either Barra da Tijuca where one of the best night clubs in Rio is Located (NUT) or to LAPA, which is located in the down town part of Rio. The best nights to go to LAPA are Fridays and Saturdays.

Rio Surf n Stay has put together a special “Surf n Party” package for those customers who want to enjoy the Rio’s night life at its maximum. Please send us an e-mail for further info on this package.

6- Are there places (grocery stores) to buy food around the area?

Near by the Camp there is a Shopping mall with many restaurants and  a big supermarket. It is just in a 15 min walking distance from the camp.

If you want something closer, there are smaller local shops and restaurants available as well.

7- How far is the camp from the beach?

The surf camp is 2 min walking distance from the beach.

Packages

8- How can I book a surf Package?

The easiest way to organized and book a surf package is to contact us through email. Once you choose the package that suits you best, to book your package we require a 50% deposit per person. The balance is due on arrival.

9- How far in advance do I have do book?

We ask that you book your package at least 2 weeks before your arrival. However, if for any reason you send us your inquiry with less time we will try to accommodate you according to the availability.

10- If I have to change dates, how should I proceed?

Rio Surf N Stay will make every effort to arrange any changes requested before the booking has been paid. Any changes are subject to availability of course dates, places, and or Instructor availability.

11- Can I extend my package once I arrive?

Yes, there is no problem that once you get here you want to extend your package.

12- What happens if I have to leave earlier than intended?

Once you commit yourself to a package and pay you must understand that we do not give any refunds if you choose to leave earlier. If you choose to leave earlier for whatever health or any other personal reasons, we recommend you to make sure that you have an insurance plan that will cover cancelations of packages previously reserved.

Payments

13- How do I pay for the course?

Full payment is due at the time of booking. This can only be taken in the form of Cash. The person making the booking accepts responsibility for payment for everyone on the booking.

14- Can I also wire the whole amount in advance?

Yes. Payments made by money transfer (Wire) will be charged an extra USD$20 to cover bank fees. Any other baking fees will be on the customer’s behalf.

15- Can I pay for the remainder with traveler's cheques?

No. We do not accept Travelrs checks. However, we can help you by recommending a bank that will exchange it for you.

16- Can I pay the remainder with my credit card upon arrival?

At the moment we do not accept credit cards. We expect start accepting it soon.

17- Can I use my credit card in Recreio to pay for meals etc.?

Most restaurants and stores accept VISA or MASTER CARD.

18- How much is the down payment to reserve a spot?

Normally the done payment for packages is 50%.

19- How should I pay the remaining balance? Should I bring cash? What currency?

Payments can be done preferably in Reais, however, if you do not have Brasilian money upon your arrival, we will accept Euros or US dollars.

20- Which payments are refundable?

Once you arrive and make a full payment towards your package, it won´t be fully refundable. Please send us an e-mail if you have further questions about it.

Surf Lessons and Conditions

21- Can I just rent surf equipment at Rio Surf n Stay (without getting any instruction)?

You can hire gear including surf boards, rash guards, wetsuits and other accessories at the Rio Surf n Stay. For hiring surf boards, you either have to get a minimum of 3 lessons with us or have a minimum previous surfing experience. Surf can be a dangerous sport, and as stated in our Terms and Conditions we do not take responsibility over injuries and any damage on the boards will be charged.

22- I was thinking about renting a board but I have done only 2 lessons?

Normally we will not allow board hire if you have done only 2 lessons.

23- I am a beginner, how many lessons should I take?

If you have never surfed before, we recommend a minimum of 3 lessons with us.

That will give you the basic knowledge to understand about equipment and safety in the water. If you want to progress fast, we recommend you to take classes and practice as much as you can on your own. That will maximize your learning.

24- How long are the surf lessons?

The lessons can vary from 1 hr to 3 hrs according to your package.

25- Do I have to take my contracted surf class days in a row, or can I choose them freely?

Depending on your package and flexibility we allow you to choose the days you prefer to do your surf lessons.

26- Do I need to bring beach towels? Also, are flip flops ok for our walk to the beach?

Towels are included in your accommodation (double and twins, not dorms) but we ask that each guest bring their own beach towel. Flip Flops are perfect for the beach and this area.

27- Do we surf at any weather?

The only time we cancel surf lessons is when we consider the sea conditions to be unsuitable for surf instruction.  Lessons will not be canceled because of rainy weather.

28- Do we surf on weekends as well?

Yes, the beaches on the weekends can get a little crowded but we always take students to where it is appropriate to learn.

29- Do you offer instruction for intermediate and advanced surfers?

Yes, we have different lesson plans for intermediate to advance surfers.

30- How far will I progress in a one-week course?

It varies from person to person but in general we expect that you will be up and riding the waves on your own and making small turns.

31- I'm a beginner and my partner already surfs, can we take the course together?

It really depends on your partners surf level. We prefer that all beginner surf lessons are done in shallow waters and have students catching the broken waves. If your partner is catching his own waves it will  be impossible to have you both in the same lesson.

32- I'm bringing my kids, will they be able to surf?

Kids will be welcome and there are plenty of surfing spots for kids.

33- I'm going to stay in Recreio for a longer period. Do you offer anything for long-timers?

It depends on availability. Please send us an e-mail for further details.

34- I'm short-sighted. Can I still take part in the surf course?

Normally you will, but if your case is special, please send us an e-mail and we will get back to you with full information.

35- I'm thinking in bringing my own board. Is that a good idea and do you grant discounts?

Bringing your own board is always a good idea, as you are used to it. Nowadays though, airlines charge a lot for the transportation of boards. With that in mind, we offer a good range of boards for rental.

If you are doing lessons, there is no difference on price if you have your own gear or not.

36- In which language do you teach your students?

The lessons are mainly done in English and Poruguese, but we offer them in Spanish and French.

37- Is lunch included when we are out with the classes, or is there a break between sessions?

Lunch is not included in the cost of the lesson, unless specified in your package.

Most students eat before or after the surf lesson either at the surf camp or at local shops.

38- On which beaches do the surf lessons take places?

Most of the time the lessons are held in Praia da Macumba or Recreio, as they are normally the best teaching beaches, but we lways look foir the best conditions of the days so the lessons locations may vary from day to day.

39- Should I take a wet suit?

Yes we do recommend you to bring a wetsuit. Most of the time a spring suit will do the job.

40- My flight leaves after 12pm, will I have to pay extra accommodation?

It depends of you check out time. You will not pay extra for that if you check out before 12am of the previous day.

Distances from the Camp by car:

• International Airport: 34km, approximately  40 minutes.
• Santos Dumont Airport: 32km, approximately 35 minutes.
• Rio Downtown area: 34km, approximately 35 minutes.
• Copacabana Beach: 24km, approximately 25 minutes.