Three kinds of people.
One programme.
The gap year adventurer
You want to do something real with your time before the rest of life kicks in. Not a beach holiday. An experience that tests you, teaches you something, and gives you a story worth telling. You want to make friends who become proper friends. And if you walk away with an internationally recognised surf instructor certification, you've got a way to fund your travels for years to come.
Your hesitation: the price. It's real. Most of our gap year guests fund it themselves: summer work, savings, a conversation with their parents. The 25% deposit means you don't need the full amount to secure your spot.
The midlife achiever
Work stopped giving you what it used to. The title, the salary, the organisation. None of it feels like yours anymore. You need something that is entirely about you. Something hard, something measurable, something that reminds you what you're capable of. The Academy gives you that: structured progression, real feedback, and at the end of it, an ISA certification from an independent body that has nothing to do with your employer. Just you and what you earned.
Your hesitation: you may only get one chance to do this. You need to be certain the value is real. It is. Read what our graduates say, and talk to us before you book.
The surfer who's done waiting
You can already picture it. Surfing a proper wave, actually well. You've been chasing that for years. You've had lessons. You've watched videos. You've practised. And you're still not where you want to be. The Academy is the missing piece. Not more of the same, but a real structured programme that finally explains what's wrong, fixes it, and opens up the waves you've been dreaming about. No cert required. Just results.
Your hesitation: the price and whether it's worth it. Our track record answers that better than we can. The reviews below are from people exactly like you.
Has anyone actually
explained it to you?
You've been told to paddle more. But has anyone shown you exactly how. Hand entry, the catch, the pull, the recovery, what EVF stands for and why it matters?
You pop up every session. But can you trust that your feet will land in exactly the right position, every single time, without thinking about it?
You can do turns. But do you know the four phases of a bottom turn, and what trajectory you should take?
If the answer is no, it's not your fault. Surf coaching has always been organic. Instructors push you into waves, shout “bend your knees” from the shore, and hope that repetition eventually produces results. There's no system, no vocabulary, no structure. Just time and chance.
We do it differently.
The Sōleïa Surf Progression System introduces the right concepts, in the right order, with precise language that makes them stick. Every drill has a reason. Every session builds on the last. We know exactly where you are, what you need to work on next, and how to get you there. And the best part: you will too.
It is not a collection of surf activities. It is a structured, science-based, time-tested training programme. The results speak for themselves.
Everything.
All-inclusive.
We don't have to tell you
the programme works.
They will.
Some people come to improve their surfing. Some come to change their lives. Often it ends up being both.
Matthijs
CFO · Netherlands · 12-week Academy
★★★★★
“At 40, and in the midst of reconsidering my career, my three months with Sōleïa were a personal journey of growth. It was a rare and much-needed opportunity to step away from my daily life, my girlfriend, and my daughter to truly dedicate time to myself, learning what I consider the hardest sport out there. The great location, nice people, and amazing trainers truly made me feel at home from day one. The highlight was undoubtedly sharing two weeks of this incredible experience with my family when they joined me. Sōleïa provided the perfect environment for both personal challenge and cherished family connection.”
Pascalis, 29
Ship Captain · Greece · 12-week Academy · Now working as a surf instructor
★★★★★
“The course was amazing. Whether you are a beginner or advanced surfer, Sōleïa Surf blends you in the surf life so well. After my course completion I also got the opportunity to work as a surf instructor which is even more exciting.”
Matthieu, 34
Tourism Resort Manager · France · 12-week Academy · Now working as a surf instructor
★★★★★
"I was surprised how complete was the SSA with surfing, video analysis, surfskate, apnea, surf theory and some magical trips to several islands. It was an amazing adventure and I also had the possibility to be instructor after the academy."
Aleksander, 20
Student · Norway · 12-week Academy
★★★★★
"Joining the SSA was the best choice of my life, loved every second of my stay at Sōleïa Surfcamp. The course was amazing and the staff are also some of the kindest people I have ever met. The course itself is really cool as you get to improve your surfing skills every day, and the instructors are very helpful and knowledgeable. We also got to visit other islands in Indonesia, which was pretty cool!"
Marleen B
"Absolutely loved Sōleïa Surf. The house is amazing, staff is incredibly welcoming and nice and the surf instructors are so far the best ones I had. I did the Sōleïa Surf Academy and not only did my surfing improve a lot, I met some of the most amazing people ever. Sōleïa feels like a family. Thank you crew!"
Train hard.
Live well.
Morning sessions typically start between 6:30 and 7:00. We follow the tides and chase the best conditions for you.
Schedule adapts to surf conditions and tides each week.
Indonesia's best waves.
All included.
Every month, a new island. These aren't optional extras. They are part of the programme, guided and coached, designed to challenge you and accelerate your progression.
When do
you start?
Our intakes are designed so that all durations — 4, 8 and 12 weeks — finish together. This means every participant shares the final weeks of training, and those pursuing the ISA certification sit the exam as a cohort regardless of when they started. It creates a natural community dynamic that our graduates consistently mention as one of the highlights of the experience. ISA examinations take place in February, May, August and November.
Ends May 28
| Duration | Start date | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | March 1 | Full Booked! |
| 8 weeks | April 1 | Full Booked! |
| 4 weeks | May 1 | 1 spot left! |
Ends August 28
| Duration | Start date | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | June 1 | Open |
| 8 weeks | July 1 | Open |
| 4 weeks | August 1 | Open |
Ends November 28
| Duration | Start date | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | Sept 1 | Open |
| 8 weeks | Oct 1 | Open |
| 4 weeks | Nov 1 | Open |
Ends February 28
| Duration | Start date | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | Dec 1 | Open |
| 8 weeks | Jan 1 | Open |
| 4 weeks | Feb 1 | Open |
Want to start on a different date?
The programme runs year-round. You can join for 4 or 8 weeks any month of the year — the full training curriculum is available. The ISA certification track requires a fixed intake start date.
Intakes typically fill 6 to 8 weeks before the start date. If you're considering a specific window, reach out now.
Choose your
duration.
Shared Twin
Share with fellow Academy surfers
€ 2119
per person · 4 weeks
~ €75 / day
Private Cabin
Bali's most unique surf accommodation
€ 2679
per person · 4 weeks
~ €95 / day
Private Deluxe
Solo or couple — your own space
€ 2847
per person solo · 4 weeks
€2315 / person for couples
Shared Twin
Share with fellow Academy surfers
€ 3683
per person · 8 weeks
~ €66 / day
Private Cabin
Bali's most unique surf accommodation
€ 4669
per person · 8 weeks
~ €83 / day
Private Deluxe
Solo or couple — your own space
€ 4959
per person solo · 8 weeks
€4031 / person for couples
Shared Twin
Share with fellow Academy surfers
€ 5125
per person · 12 weeks
~ €61 / day — best value
Private Cabin
Bali's most unique surf accommodation
€ 6181
per person · 12 weeks
~ €73 / day
Private Deluxe
Solo or couple — your own space
€ 6621
per person solo · 12 weeks
€5565 / person for couples
All prices include the full training programme, surf trips, accommodation, daily breakfast, airport transfers, rash guards, t-shirt, video edits, Sōleïa Surf Handbook, and farewell party.
Absolutely — and you won't be alone. Many of our Academy participants have no intention of teaching. The programme is a complete surf training experience regardless of whether you pursue the certification. You train in the same sessions, with the same coaches, working toward the same progression goals. The only difference is you won't sit the ISA exam at the end. Everything else is identical.
Yes — we welcome all levels, including complete beginners. The training is structured around where you are, not where we expect you to be. That said, if you're a beginner and you want to pursue the ISA certification, we'll be honest with you: 12 weeks is an ambitious timeline and the outcome depends on how quickly you progress. We'd rather tell you that upfront than let you arrive with unrealistic expectations. Get in touch and we'll give you an honest assessment based on your current level.
The Surf Progression package is a 7-day programme for intermediate surfers who want focused coaching and real improvement in a week. The Academy is a 4, 8 or 12-week immersive programme for people who want a deeper commitment — more time, more training, surf trips, the option of ISA certification, and a complete life change for the duration of their stay. If you're not sure which is right for you, talk to us.
Yes. The programme runs year-round. You can start a 4 or 8-week programme any month of the year. The fixed intake dates exist because they align with the ISA examination calendar — if you want to pursue the certification, you need to start on a fixed intake date. If the cert isn't part of your plan, you can start whenever works for you. Get in touch and we'll sort it out.
No — and we want to be completely transparent about this. The ISA Level 1 examination fee is €650 and goes directly to the certified ISA presenter. It is not part of Sōleïa's programme fee and we don't take a margin on it. It is the only additional cost if you choose to pursue the certification. Everything else — training, surf trips, accommodation, meals, transfers, video edits, handbook — is included in the programme price. Want to know exactly what the ISA Level 1 exam covers and what surfing level you need to pass? Read our full guide →
Yes. You can secure your spot with a 25% deposit. The remaining balance is due 4 weeks before your start date. If your situation is more complicated than that, get in touch — we'd rather find a way to make it work than lose you to a cashflow timing issue.
People who are serious about surfing and ready to commit to something real. In practice that means gap year travellers in their early twenties, professionals on sabbatical or between careers, and surfers of all ages who are simply done plateauing. Every cohort is different but the common thread is always the same — passion, commitment, and an openness to being genuinely challenged. It makes for a remarkable group dynamic every time.
Yes. We select surf spots based on your level, the conditions that day, and safety. Our coaches are ISA certified and trained in surf rescue — which is also part of what you learn in pool practice sessions. We never push anyone into waves beyond their ability. Progression is the goal, not adrenaline.
Faster than you expect — and we mean that seriously, not as a marketing claim. The combination of daily coaching, video analysis, surf theory and dryland training compounds quickly. Most participants experience a breakthrough moment within the first two weeks that they describe as getting more out of ten days with us than out of years of surfing on their own. The honest answer though is that it depends on your starting level, your commitment, and how much you apply what you learn between sessions. We provide the system. You provide the effort.
The fastest way is WhatsApp — we typically reply within a few hours. If you're seriously considering joining, we'd encourage you to reach out before booking — a short conversation usually answers everything and helps us make sure the programme is the right fit for you right now.
ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor: Complete Guide to Requirements & Skills
Surf Levels: How to Understand Where You Are with Your Surfing
Surf Academy Bali vs Self-Learning: Which is Better?
Why Joining a Surf Academy is the Best Decision for Beginner Surfers
