11 Aug 2024
The staff at Macao Surf Camp is the best! I've worked with them twice...once a few years ago, and again last week. Both experiences were fantastic!
I have a decent bit of surfing experience, but the rest of my family does not. Five of our group took a group lesson, I just rented a surfboard. Everyone had a great time!
We stayed at a resort a bit further up the coast. MSC arranged to pick our group up at the resort and brought us to Playa Macao. They are located at a public beach access, with a little facility that has a changing area, shower, and plenty of surfboards of all types (long, short, both hard and foam-topped). For people bringing towels/bags/wallets/phones, they are happy to safely store everything while you are surfing. They also have rashguards available to borrow if you need them.
The section of beach to the immediate west of MSC is wide-open...so plenty of space to spread out. No competition for waves, no rocks, and no danger of irritating any locals. August isn't necessarily peak surfing season, but we experienced small (2-4 ft), friendly waves that were great for lessons...but also good enough for me to get in some short but gratifying rides. My family members taking lessons reported that the instructors were super-friendly, and as I was watching from down the beach I saw everyone up on their feet multiple times...with lots of triumphant, happy yelling. As you would expect, they also have staff taking pictures, so bring a credit card if you want to purchase (which we did in this case).
After lessons/surfing...there is a small bar to grab a beer and a snack, and some locals selling crafts. (Also friendly and fun!)
If you are after a serious, big-wave surfing experience (in August)...this might not be the place. But for a friendly morning of surfing, some great introductory lessons, and a staff that can handle the logistics, MSC is amazing! Special thanks to Larisa for answering my questions and getting everything arranged.
Could not recommend more! I'm looking forward to our next visit!