What Makes a Private Luxury Surf Trip Different?

Good waves are important, of course. But after 25 years of coaching and guiding surfers around the world, I've learned that what makes a great surf trip is about much more than the waves.

A change of scenery, warm water, a few good waves and some time to switch off from everyday life. It’s something I’ve loved for as long as I can remember.

*Kudanil Explorer, Spice Islands Indonesia*

But after more than 25 years of coaching and guiding surfers, and 20 years working in the luxury surf travel industry, I’ve come to realise that the best trips are rarely just about finding a good wave.

It’s about getting the whole experience right.

The destination, the timing, the accommodation, the people you’re travelling with and, of course, the surfing itself. When those things come together, a surf holiday can be something pretty special.

So what actually makes a private luxury surf trip different?

It starts with choosing the right destination

There are some incredible surf destinations around the world, but not every destination is right for every surfer or group.

Someone looking to surf powerful Indonesian reef breaks will have very different needs from a couple wanting a relaxed week in Fiji, or a family hoping to spend time together in the water while enjoying a beautiful resort.

Private surf coaching fiji — *The beautiful Namotu Island Resort, Fiji*

This is where experience really counts.

Having spent many years travelling and working in places such as Indonesia, Fiji, the Maldives and Australia, I’ve developed a good understanding of what each destination offers, when to go and who it suits.

The time of year matters. So do the swell, wind, tides and the type of waves you enjoy surfing.

Luxury surf trip Indonesia — *Empty, Perfect Waves at Nihi Sumba, Indonesia*

But I also think about the people coming on the trip. How confident are they in the water? What are they hoping to achieve? Are they travelling with a partner or children who may not surf?

These are the things I consider when helping someone choose a destination for a private surf holiday.

The aim is to find somewhere that suits you, rather than simply picking a famous surf spot and hoping for the best.

The right waves for your surfing

One of the biggest advantages of private surf coaching and guiding is having someone who can help you make the most of the conditions.

A wave that looks incredible in a photograph might not be the right wave for you. And sometimes a smaller, less intimidating wave is exactly what you need to have the best session of your life.

Perfect waves for all abilities — *Namotu Resort, Fiji*

My approach to coaching is built around three things: safety, fun and learning.

I want you to feel comfortable in the water, enjoy yourself and come away having learned something.

I'm pretty easy-going by nature, and I like to keep my coaching relaxed and straightforward. Over the years, I've developed a knack for helping surfers progress without overcomplicating things.

Surf coaching in the Maldives — *In water coaching right in the action*

Sometimes it's a small adjustment to your positioning. Sometimes it's understanding how to read a wave, where to take off or how to approach a turn. Often, a simple change can make a real difference.

I enjoy helping people discover what they're capable of, whether they're building confidence, improving their technique or looking to take on more challenging waves.

And there's no need to make every session a lesson. Sometimes it's simply about getting out there, enjoying the waves and having fun.

More than 20 years in luxury surf travel

For the past 20 years, I've worked in the luxury surf travel space, which has given me the opportunity to experience some wonderful places and work alongside some exceptional resorts, yachts and hospitality teams.

It's also taught me what makes a trip work beyond the surfing.

The right accommodation can make a huge difference. So can the location, the service, the food and how easily you can get from your room to the water.

Chris Prewitt surfing in Indonesia — *Recent trip to remote Indonesia*

Depending on the destination, I can help arrange accommodation at beautiful island resorts, private villas and surf retreats, or look at something a little different, such as travelling aboard a yacht.

For some clients, that might mean waking up beside a perfect reef break in the Maldives. For others, it could be a private villa in Indonesia or a week at an island resort in Fiji.

I can help you find the right place to stay and bring the different parts of the trip together, with the surfing and your personal preferences in mind.

For me, that's an important part of a bespoke surf holiday. You shouldn't have to spend your time away worrying about whether you've chosen the right place or how everything is going to fit together.

Private surf trips for couples, families and friends

Not everyone travelling on a surf trip has the same goals.

Sometimes I'm working with a surfer who wants to make the most of a week away and improve as much as possible. Other times, it's a couple or a family who want to share an experience together.

I particularly enjoy family surf trips. It's great to see parents and children learning, catching waves and spending time together away from the usual distractions of everyday life.

The trick is finding a destination that works for everyone.

Family fun in Fiji — *Family Surf Trip in Fiji*

That might mean choosing a resort with plenty to do away from the surf, finding waves that suit different abilities or building some flexibility into the itinerary so everyone can enjoy the trip at their own pace.

For a group of friends, it might be all about getting everyone into the best waves possible, with a comfortable place to return to at the end of the day.

A private trip gives us the flexibility to shape the experience around the people coming along, rather than asking everyone to fit into a standard package.

And if not everyone surfs, that's absolutely fine. Some of the best destinations offer wonderful experiences away from the waves, from diving and snorkelling to exploring islands, enjoying great food or simply relaxing.

Family surf trip indonesia — *Exploring between surfs*

The value of having someone who knows the place

When you only have seven or ten days away, you want to make the most of them.

That's particularly true for people juggling busy careers, family commitments and all the other things that make it difficult to get away.

Having someone who knows the destination can make a real difference.

It's knowing which breaks might work with a particular swell, when the wind is likely to turn, which accommodation is right for your group and how to make the most of the time you have.

It also means having someone there to help when conditions change. Surf trips don't always go to plan, and a little flexibility and local knowledge can go a long way.

After 25 years of coaching and guiding, I've learned that you can't control the waves or the weather. But you can make thoughtful decisions, adapt to what's happening and give yourself the best chance of having a great trip.

That's a big part of what I bring to a private surf experience.

Exploring indonesia's surf breaks — *Discovering remote Indonesia*

So, what makes a great luxury surf holiday?

For me, it comes down to a few simple things.

Good waves that suit your ability. Coaching that helps you improve without taking the fun out of surfing. A destination you'll love spending time in. Somewhere comfortable to stay. And the freedom to enjoy the experience without having to organise every detail yourself.

It doesn't have to be complicated.

Sometimes it's a week at a beautiful island resort. Sometimes it's a private villa with family and friends. And sometimes it's heading somewhere remote aboard a yacht, surfing waves you may never have experienced otherwise.

Every trip is different, which is why I prefer to get to know the people I'm travelling with before making recommendations. I want to understand what you're looking for, how you surf, when you can travel and what would make the trip memorable for you.

From there, we can work out the destination, the accommodation and the kind of experience that makes sense. After all these years, I still get just as excited about finding good waves and helping someone improve their surfing.

And I still believe the best surf trips are the ones where you come home with more than a few good waves under your belt. You've had a proper break, spent time with people who matter to you, learned something new and experienced somewhere special.

That's what a private luxury surf trip should be about.

Planning your next surf trip?

If you're thinking about a private surf holiday, whether it's a trip with friends, a family surf adventure or a chance to focus on your own surfing, I'd be happy to help you explore the options.

I offer private surf coaching, guiding and bespoke surf travel experiences in destinations including Indonesia, Fiji, the Maldives and Australia.

Get in touch and tell me a little about the trip you're imagining. We can take it from there.

Chris Prewitt
Surf Coach & Guide

25 years of coaching and guiding. 20 years in luxury surf travel.

Enquire here