Experience the downwind surfski paradise

Experience the Downwind Surfski Paradise

Wow - what an adventure. Thank you so much Boyan and Val for such an enjoyable and memorable paddling experience in Tarifa! Everything ran so smoothly - from the theory classes, to the logistics, boat handling and time on the water. We were so lucky with incredible weather and water conditions during our trip and it was such a pleasure to get to know you both and meet your amazing kids. Thank you for all the laughs, beautiful photos/video clips and especially for sharing all your knowledge will us. I will be back for sure for more challenges, fun…and to try to earn that Zen Master sticker! x
Tracey Yuen: Almost a Zen Master!

Whether you are looking to get started in the sport of surfski or if you want to live strong experiences in complete safety, this is your center and Tarifa is your place. Boyan is not only one of the best paddlers in the world, but he also has the rare ability to transmit to his students what should be done, how and when in order to make the most of your skills and the existing conditions. About other aspects of the center, the classroom is perfect and the boats are always ready for a run.
Clive Gasson: Strait of Gibraltar Master!!

We cannot say enough about our experience with Boyan and his surf ski center in Tarifa. Absolutely beyond our expectations. From our classroom to sessions on the water the learning never stopped. We have travelled all over the world and have had many sporting adventures. We have never felt as safe and prepared as we have with Boyan. He has truly changed our perspective and ignited a skill that we will use into decades of our lives. We will be back. And already miss he and Val greatly.
Paula Burks: Levante Downwind Master

Magical place where 'dos Mares' (two seas) meets, in Tarifa... if you are ready to experience one of the most exciting sport I have ever tried, the surfkayaking with the true Zenmaster of all sorts of waveriding technique, - you are at the right spot! Warm welcome, proper English explanation about theory, funny but very instructive classroom sessions ... and 10-20km downwind surf sessions in the morning and/or in the afternoon depending on weather conditions. And most of all: safety and precautions no matter what! We spent time in Tarifa several times with Boyan. My mantra is always the same: in Tarifa you can check out but never leave ;)
Domonkos Pichovszky: Surfski enthusiast!

I would like to issue a warning: going to Tarifa and enjoying Boyan's sessions is HIGHLY addictive! Since our first visit last year, Patrik and I are already booked for our fourth time this October... #happyplace
Charlotta Falvin: Happy surfski paddler

Become a Downwind Zen Master by taking on the challenges below

Bajeta Master

Tackle the strong currents, up to 10 km per hour, and messy waves at Bajeta tidal race. It is located 3 km offshore and it works best at a full moon and no wind.

Levante Master

This is the challenge of doing a downwind from Tarifa to Bolonia during a full blown Levante (Easterly) wind 25-35 knots. When you time it with the current the conditions are flowing. Doing it against the current is for the most daring downwind enthusiasts.

Strait of Gibraltar Master

This is the most magnificent downwind paddle in Tarifa. The beauty of the strait is real and the challenge just as much. You will have to time it right as the currents flow in different directions making it both challenging and interesting to do.

Zen Master

You have become a Zen Master once you have completed the Bajeta, Levante and Strait of Gibraltar challenges. Of course being a zen master is not only a matter of skills but also a demonstration of positive attitude toward the other paddlers. You show you care about having fun just as much as the well being of your paddling buddies. You are ready to take responsibility and become a leader when someone else is struggling. That's what makes you a real Zen Master.

There is always something fun to do in Tarifa

Paddle Downwind in the Strait of Gibraltar

This is a magnificent experience paddling between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, Africa and Europe, Spain, Morocco and Gibraltar. A truly unique experience you will always remember.

Surf the Downwind "treadmill"

Even on a windless day you could enjoy amazing downwind-like conditions approximately 3 km out at sea. The tidal water in the Strait of Gibraltar funnels into the narrow opening between Europe and Africa. This accelerates the current and when it finally hits the shallow waters of Bajeta de la Tierra, the result is beautiful steep waves waiting for you to surf them.

Glide into the speedy downwind from Tarifa to Bolonia

When Levante is blowing at 25-30 knots you could experience a thrilling downwind run from Tarifa to the beach of Bolonia. It is approximately 15 - 16 km of pure downwind fun. Alternatively, if the wind is too strong or the current too fast against the wind, you could enjoy the shorter version from Tarifa to Punta Paloma. This is approximately 9 km of downwind fun.

Have fun at the beach break at Los Lances

Surfing the shore break is a great practice for you to hone in your bracing and wave catching skills. This is directly related to your downwind abilities. We usually practice how to get past the surf and get back to the beach safely and in the process you get to do some remounts, surfing and fast paddling sprinting for the waves. All in all 100% fun!

Meet the locals of the Atlantic Ocean

The Strait of Gibraltar is rich in wild life. From whales, dolphins, orcas, tuna fish to flying fish, sun fish, turtles and many more.

Zen Master double surfski downwind

This is an accelerating fun experience paddling behind Boyan in the double surfski. Paddling is a strong use of the word as the main focus here is surfing endless waves and learning how to paddle less and surf more.

Do you want to get better with your paddling?

Book now

Boyan

Downwind Zen Master

I am your downwind guide and the person who will be there for you on water anytime and anywhere.

Val

Professional Downwind Shuttle Bunny

I take care of your equipment, safety gear and shuttle to / from paddling. Count on me to get things organised so you could kick back, relax and enjoy your surfski holiday.

Yasen

Mini-Zen Master

I will help with skills and techniques demonstration (especially in the surf zone as I am a bit lazy to paddle long distances). Occasionally I will join the team for a downwind paddle or a foiling session together.

Nevena

Demolition Expert

I specialise in the destruction of various kinds of items and equipment. I help the rest of the family by keeping their reflexes and quick reactions at a high level. I might occasionally pull your hair but don't get angry - this is how I show affection.

Rubie

Security

I pretend to be a guard dog and in reality I am just hanging out with this gang for food, walks and other extras.

How many paddlers are there in a group booking?

The maximum number of paddlers in a group booking are 6 people. Depending on demand we may have anything between 2 and 6 paddlers.

Are private bookings available all year?

You could make private bookings for January, July and August. The rest of the time is reserved for group bookings.

Are you open all year?

Short answer:
Yes

Expanded answer:
Yes, we are open all year, although from 1st July until 31st August we only offer private and semi-private bookings due to more restricted beach access and parking space. Tarifa is at its high season each summer and logistics is a challenge if we had to use a trailer.

I am traveling alone, do you book me in a group or do I have to go for a private booking?

If you are traveling alone and you wish to be included in a group booking, we will do our best to accommodate you with a group of similar paddling abilities. If we couldn't find suitable group or there are no other paddlers who wish to join you for the dates you have selected, you would have to change the booking to private and the invoiced amount will be adjusted accordingly.

Another alternative is to pay for a private booking and we would refund the difference if we found a suitable paddler/ paddlers to join you on the same dates.

What equipment is included in your packages?

Every surfski booking gives you access to use the following equipment:

Surfski (NK, Nelo, Fenn, Epic)
Paddle (Jantex, Epic, Gara)
Leash (Vaikobi, Ocean & Earth)
PFD (Vaikobi, Baltic)
Long John Wet Suit (1.5 or 3.0 mm) Vaikobi, GUL, SC
Wind Breaker Top (Vaikobi)
Poncho towel (Vaikobi)
TracTrac GPS tracker
Retivis RT622 / RT22 walkie talkies
Bright coloured t-shirt for paddling

What surfski models do you have available to use?

We have available surfskis from Nordic Kayaks, Nelo, Fenn and Epic Kayaks:

The surfski models we most often use are Nelo 520, NK Club 540, Epic V8 and Fenn Bluefin depending on your level of stability and competence in open water paddling you may chose to use Nelo 540, Epic V9, Fenn Swordfish or Fenn XT.

What paddles do you have available to use?

We have available for you Jantex and Epic paddles:

Jantex Gama 640 Super Flex Shaft 205 - 215 cm (2)
Jantex Gama 660 Super Flex Shaft 205 - 215 cm (2)
Jantex Gama 700 Super Flex Shaft 205 - 215 cm (1)
Jantex Gama 720 Super Flex Shaft 205 - 215 cm (1)
Epic Small Mid Wing Full Carbon 205 - 215 cm (9)
Gara Odin 720 light carbon shaft 205 - 215 cm (1)

What PFD do you have available to use?

We have available Vaikobi and Baltic PFDs:

Vaikobi VXP (XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL)
Baltic Canoe Hydro (one size fits all)

What is the best time of the year to have a better chance for good downwind?

Short answer:
April, May, June, September, October, November

Expanded answer:
Tarifa has approximately 320 - 330 windy days per year and the days without wind are spread around in an unpredictable pattern. With other words, based on the statistics shown in Windfinder website, you stand 76% to experience wind 24+ knots all year around. Sometimes the wind could also be too much. In any case our commitment is to find the best conditions for each day so you could get the most of your time in Tarifa.
In general the best time to visit Tarifa is April - June and September - November. The weather is warm and the days are longer, which gives us more flexibility with the paddling hours and conditions.

Can I rent a surfski from you?

Short answer:
No

Expanded answer:
We don't offer equipment rental. Tarifa is an amazing downwind destination and at the same time it could be unpredictable (especially without local knowledge).

The boats could easily get damaged or lost out at sea and damages occur even during our sessions.

For that reason the risk vs. benefit ratio in surfski rental is not good and we are not willing to risk severe damage or total loss of a surfski(s), which we may need for our activities on the water in the following days.

Our accident and 3rd party insurance doesn't cover rentals and surfski rentals is not even included in the company activities/ permits.

What is your payment and cancellation policy?

Here's an updated summary of the Cancellation Policy for Surfski Center, including the additional recommendation:

• Deposit: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
• Final Payment: The remaining 50% must be paid 30 days before your first day of paddling.

Cancellation by Surfski Center:

▪ Full Refund: If Surfski Center cancels paddling days due to severe weather, staff sickness, or injury, you will receive a full refund for the days canceled.
▪ Partial Refundfor Bad Weather or Logistics: If a session is canceled due to weather or logistical issues related to weather or equipment failure, you'll receive a refund calculated as the difference between the full day and half day paddling fee (e.g., if a full day costs 150 EUR and a half day costs 115 EUR, you get a 35 EUR refund).

Liability: Surfski Center is not responsible for any external costs like travel or accommodation.

Behavioural Clause:

▪ Your booking can be terminated without refund if you:
◦ Deliberately damage equipment.
◦ Refuse to follow safety standards or instructions.
◦ Endanger other paddlers.
◦ Provided misleading/ incorrect information during the booking process

Refund Processing: Refunds will be processed through the same method and in the same currency as the original payment.

Travel Insurance Recommendation: It's advised to take out travel insurance to cover risks associated with cancellation and travel expenses.

If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask at yeehaaa@surfskicenter.com

All options include full paddling equipment, instructor, insurance and transport to / from downwind

127€

Group Session Half Day

POPULAR

One theory session in the classroom and one session on water per day

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176€

Group Session Full Day

POPULAR

One theory session in the classroom and two session on water per day

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185€

Downwind Experience

POPULAR

Includes all paddling gear and great downwind fun with a double surfski.

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349€

Private Session

POPULAR

An experience totally based on your personal surfski goals and abilities.

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Your booking is considered confirmed when we have received 50% non refundable deposit. The remaining 50% are due 30 days before your first paddling day. Please do not make travel and accommodation arrangements before you have received booking confirmation from us.
TRAVEL INSURANCE - please consider taking a travel insurance for your trip. You should be able to find a package covering the expenses related to your trip to Tarifa in case you had to cancel unexpectedly. We highly recommend this option so you travel with a peace of mind.
In order to attend Surfski Center Tarifa activities you need to be a competent swimmer. Swimming skills are important safety requirement when paddling out at sea. Swimming will also help you learn easier and be more relaxed in the open water environment.
Our number one safety rule states that you have to be able to swim to shore from any point on the intended paddling route.
Since January 2022 there is a mandatory 25 EUR rescue insurance/ card per person per visit. This amount goes directly to searescue.es who are providing our on-water safety.
Prices per person for a group booking (full day): 4 days and more the amount is 176 EUR per day, for 2 - 3 days booking it is 200 EUR per day and for 1 day booking it is 250 EUR per day.
Prices per person for a group booking (half day): 4 days and more the amount is 127 EUR per day, for 2 - 3 days booking it is 140 EUR per day and for 1 day booking it is 190 EUR per day.
Private bookings are open for February, July, August and December at 349 EUR per day.
In the summer months between 15th June and 15th September our maximum capacity is 2 paddlers due to logistical challenges involving parking a van with a trailer at a busy parking place.

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Here's an updated summary of the Cancellation Policy for Surfski Center, including the additional recommendation:

Deposit: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
Final Payment: The remaining 50% must be paid 30 days before your first day of paddling.

Cancellation by Surfski Center:

Full Refund: If Surfski Center cancels paddling days due to severe weather, staff sickness, or injury, you will receive a full refund for the days canceled.
Partial Refund for Bad Weather or Logistics: If a session is canceled due to weather or logistical issues related to weather or equipment failure, you'll receive a refund calculated as the difference between the full day and half day paddling fee (e.g., if a full day costs 176 EUR and a half day costs 127 EUR, you get a 49 EUR refund).

Liability: Surfski Center is not responsible for any external costs like travel or accommodation.
Behavioural Clause:
Your booking can be terminated without refund if you:

Deliberately damage equipment.
Refuse to follow safety standards or instructions.
Endanger other paddlers.
Provided misleading/ incorrect information during the booking process

Refund Processing: Refunds will be processed through the same method and in the same currency as the original payment.
Travel Insurance Recommendation:It's advised to take out travel insurance to cover risks associated with cancellation and travel expenses.

If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask at yeehaaa@surfskicenter.com

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