FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking & Arrival
Are you open all year round?
No, we are open seasonally. Our season starts one week before Easter (Easter holidays) and runs until the third week of October.
Which airport is closest?
The nearest airports are:
- A Coruña (LCG) – approx. 57 km away
- Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) – approx. 100 km away
- Alternatively, many guests fly to Porto (OPO). It is further away (approx. 3.5–4 hours by car) but is often used by international guests due to its many direct connections. Onward travel is possible by rental car or bus/train.
Do you offer transfers?
Yes, we offer airport transfers on weekends.
During the week (Monday to Friday), we cannot offer direct airport pickups, but we are happy to pick you up anytime at the bus or train station in Ferrol. Alternatively, we can organize a taxi driver to wait for you directly at the airport.
Transfer prices (one-way):
- Airport A Coruña: €50 (from 3 people: €20 per person)
- Airport Santiago de Compostela: €80 (from 3 people: €30 per person)
- Ferrol (bus or train station): €10 per person
- Night surcharge (airport only): €20 (arrival/departure after 9 pm or before 9 am)
Can I arrive by (rental) car?
Yes, definitely. A car gives you maximum flexibility to explore the surrounding beaches and bays.
Simply enter “Layback Surfcamp” in Google Maps. We have limited parking spaces at the house; additional parking is available at the nearby lagoon “A Lagoa”.
Do I have to book from Saturday to Saturday?
No. Although we prefer this rhythm, as our surf week is designed around it, you can generally arrive and depart on any day of the week.
Surf Coaching
How many people are in the water during surf coaching?
A maximum of 8 participants plus one surf coach per session.
Is my surf level sufficient?
Layback is aimed at intermediate surfers who can move independently in the line-up and already have experience with green waves.
We coach consciously in small groups and adapt each session to the current conditions. If you’re unsure whether our camp suits your level, feel free to write to us – we’ll give you an honest assessment.
How often is there video analysis?
Every surf coaching session is filmed and then analyzed.
There are 5 coached surf sessions per week – on exactly these days, every session is filmed in full.
After surfing, we take time for a detailed video analysis. You’ll see your own waves and receive direct feedback on technique, timing, line choice, and possible maneuvers.
This is where the biggest learning effect happens: you recognize for yourself what works – and what doesn’t.
How often do you surf?
The surf course takes place 5 times per week.
Depending on conditions (waves, wind & tide), we usually go in the water in the morning – often leaving time for a free surf in the afternoon or evening.
Will I get my video footage?
Yes, of course.
You can either bring a USB stick (minimum 50 GB per week), or we’ll send you the videos afterward via a secure online data transfer.
What requirements should I meet as an intermediate surfer?
- Safe take-off in chest- to head-high green waves
- Frontside and backside rides
- Basic paddling fitness
How can I prepare for my surf vacation?
- Swimming (similar muscle groups as paddling)
- Diving / breathing exercises
- Strength training (e.g. push-ups, burpees)
- Endurance (jogging never hurts)
- Mobility (a lot of surfing comes from the hips)
- Watching surf videos – motivation and learning included
What does a typical surf coaching day look like?
A typical day starts with coffee and snacks, followed by a 2-hour surf coaching session. Afterward, there’s breakfast or lunch.
The afternoon is flexible: chilling, free surf, hiking, or just beach time.
In the evening, there’s video analysis, followed by a shared dinner and relaxed social time.
What sets you apart from classic surf camps?
Layback is one of the few surf camps in Europe that focuses exclusively on intermediate and advanced surfers.
We coach in small groups, and every session is filmed and analyzed. This allows us to work very specifically on technique, wave selection, and maneuvers.
Is there a fixed daily schedule?
Yes and no.
There is a clear weekly framework, but no fixed times, as we always adapt our daily schedule to the best surf conditions.
Each week includes five surf coaching sessions, spread between Sunday and Friday. Saturday is arrival and departure day without coaching (1st lay day).
There is also an additional flexible Lay Day, which is scheduled when conditions are not optimal. Shared dinners, video analysis, and optional activities like skate training round out the week.
How do you avoid crowded line-ups?
We consciously surf at off-peak times.
Being in the water earlier usually means less wind, fewer people – and often a second session, thanks to the long days here in Galicia.
What wetsuit thickness do you recommend?
- Spring/Fall: 5/4 mm or a new 4/3 mm
- Summer: 4/3 mm (rarely 3/2 mm)
What is the water temperature like?
- March: approx. 13–14 °C
- April: approx. 13.5–14.5 °C
- May: approx. 14.5–16 °C
- Summer (August): 15–19 °C (depending on wind)
- Fall (October): 15–19 °C (depending on wind)
Do I need to bring my own surfboard?
You’re welcome to bring your own board and store it with us. Alternatively, you can use our large quiver – from soft tops to hardboards. We’ll help you find the right board depending on conditions and surf level. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact us in advance.
Do you rent wetsuits?
Yes, we have a small selection of rental wetsuits. Please let us know your size and needs when making your inquiry.
When is the best time to surf in Galicia?
- Spring & Fall (performance season): Often the best months for intermediates and advanced surfers. The Atlantic has more power and delivers consistent conditions to work on your maneuver repertoire.
- Summer (more relaxed conditions): Waves are usually a bit gentler and smaller, ideal for refining technique or enjoying relaxed longboard sessions. Nevertheless, even the summer months are very consistent.
- Thanks to the many bays, we almost always find a working spot.
Do you always surf at the same beach?
No. We choose our spots daily, depending on swell, wind, and tide.
Thanks to the many differently oriented bays, Galicia offers very consistent conditions.
Life at Layback
What room options are available?
We are a small surf house with four guest rooms:
- 1× 4-bed dorm
- 2× double rooms
- 1× single room
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, we have fast fiber-optic internet. Many guests work remotely from time to time, although there are no separate workspaces – people work wherever there is space. Our single room has a desk.
Do I need to bring towels?
We provide shower towels.
Please bring your own beach towel or surf poncho.
What should I definitely pack?
In addition to your personal clothing (think layers!), you should bring a large beach towel, a surf poncho, and zinc sunscreen (SPF 50+). Bed linen and a shower towel are provided.
Can I travel alone?
Absolutely! Many of our guests travel alone and quickly connect with others at the camp. It feels more like a vacation with friends.
What is the average age of guests?
Ages vary, but on average guests are between their mid-20s and mid-40s. What matters most is the shared passion for surfing – not the year of birth.
Is Layback a party camp?
No.
Layback is not a party camp. Our focus is on surfing, recovery, and early starts in the line-up.
Sure, we might have a beer together in the evening – but if conditions are good at 6 am, most people prefer an early night.
What is the surrounding area like?
Our surf house is located by a lagoon (A Lagoa), about a 20-minute walk from Valdoviño Beach.
The area offers perfect conditions for walks, cliff hikes, and exploring the nature of Galicia.
Do I have to join every meal?
No. You decide flexibly each day.
Prices:
- Breakfast: €11
- Lunch: €4
- Dinner: €14
(No self-catering kitchen)
Is there a self-catering kitchen?
No, we do not have a shared kitchen.
Instead, we offer fresh breakfast and homemade dinner daily (pizza on Sundays). For lunch, you can prepare a lunchbox.
Supermarkets and restaurants are within walking distance – however, most guests regularly eat with us at the camp.
Do you accommodate food intolerances?
Yes, of course. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other intolerances are no problem – just let us know in advance.
What can you do in the area if there are no waves?
- Surfskating
- Hiking
- City trips (Santiago de Compostela, Ferrol, or A Coruña)
- Relaxing at the camp, in the garden, or at the beach