October 18-28, 2026
Big Island, Hawaii
Trip Snapshot
Big Island, Hawaii
Location:
Date:
October 18-28, 2026
Spots:
$2499 USD ($300 deposit)
5 people max
Price:
Everyone thinks Hawaii is only for advanced surfers. they're wrong.
The Big Island has some of the most perfect beginner reef breaks in the world, and when you go at the right time of year, the conditions are ideal for women who are just finding their feet in the water.
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Salem and Chloe are bringing the Salem Surf Co Method to Hawaii for 10 days of real progression, local knowledge, and the kind of surf experience most beginners never think they're ready for.
Check out the itinerary
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Arrival & Welcome
Settle in, get lei'd, and check out the locally-owned ohana we are staying at!
Welcome dinner together as a group. Early night to rest up for what's ahead.
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First Paddle Out
We'll start the day with morning mobility and stretching before a light surf theory workshop over breakfast.
Then it's time for our first surf session together, followed by video analysis so we can see exactly where everyone is starting from.
Afternoon is yours to explore, unpack, and settle into the rhythm of the island.
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Surf + Snorkel
Morning stretching and 1:1 goal-mapping sessions with Salem & Chloe. We use this as an opportunity to set personal goals for the week for you to have something to focus on in each surf session.
In the afternoon, we swap our boards for snorkel gear; sea turtles and tropical fish await in crystal-clear Hawaiian water.
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Surf + Free Afternoon
Morning mobility, surf session, and video analysis.
The afternoon is completely yours: hit the beach, explore local spots, grab shave ice, or just do absolutely nothing.
Optional sunset surf for those who can't stay out of the water.
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Surf + Volcanoes National Park
An intro to surf etiquette workshop followed by a morning surf session.
Then we head out to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for the afternoon. Lava fields, craters, and one of the most surreal landscapes on earth. It’s a day you won't forget.
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Rest & Laua Day
Sleep in. Today is all about exploring the island at your own pace. Enjoy local markets, coffee farms, hiking trails, or just a slow morning with no agenda.
We will have a sunset surf in the afternoon, followed by a Laua Dinner in town!
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Surf + Salem Surf Co Surprise!
Morning surf session and video analysis.
Afternoon free to do whatever the island is calling you to.
We will have a fun little surprise this night… :)
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Surf + Manta Ray Night Snorkel 🐟
Morning mobility, surf session, and video analysis.
Save some energy for tonight; the manta ray night snorkel is a genuine bucket-list experience and one of the most magical things the Big Island has to offer.
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Last Full Surf Day + Farewell Dinner
Morning mobility, final surf session, and video analysis.
We'll spend golden hour on the beach celebrating how far every single one of you has come in just 10 days. This one hits different. 🌺
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Departure
Morning coffee, pack up, big hugs, and safe travels home. You came as a beginner. You're leaving as a surfer.
The Trip:
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9 nights’ accommodation at a private 3-bedroom house on the Big Island
2 surf sessions daily with Salem & Chloe (second session optional)
Daily personalized video analysis session
Morning mobility & stretching
3 surf theory sessions to build real ocean knowledge and confidence
Manta Ray night snorkel 🐟
Guided snorkel tour
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park excursion 🌋
Small group experience (5 women max)
Healthy snacks + one dinner included
Exclusive Salem Surf Co gift bag
A few extra surprises 🌺
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Flights
Additional excursions (outside of what’s mentioned on the itinerary)
Additional meals or drinks (outside of the welcome dinner & snacks)
Travel insurance (required)
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General physical fitness: surfing is physically demanding, and you'll get the most out of this experience if you’re able to participate in daily surf sessions and movement classes.
Open-mindedness and a positive attitude: this retreat is about growth, connection, and having fun (including laughing at yourself sometimes!) But this also means you must be able to leave your ego at the shore and be open to constructive advice.
Travel insurance: required for all guests. Please make sure your policy covers surfing and adventure activities.
Price: $2499 USD
Deposit: $300 of the total price to lock in your spot!
Have questions?
Hop on a free call with Salem to get them answered!
FAQ
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Salem Surf Co retreats are subject to meeting a minimum participant requirement. Trips will be confirmed or canceled no later than one (1) month prior to departure, and all participants will be notified via email.
Salem Surf Co is not responsible for airfare or travel expenses booked prior to trip confirmation. We strongly advise waiting to purchase airline tickets or make non-refundable travel arrangements until confirmation is received.
Read our full Trip Confirmation Disclaimer here.
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Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA)
We will only do airport transfers to and from this airport.
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Absolutely. Most of our guests come solo! This retreat is designed to foster connection, confidence, and community. Whether you’re introverted or outgoing, there’s space for you here.
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11:12 AM
Claude responded: Your $2,500 includes 9 nights in a private house on the Big Island, two daily surf sessions with Salem and Chloe (second session always optional), morning mobi…
Your $2,500 includes 9 nights in a private house on the Big Island, two daily surf sessions with Salem and Chloe (second session always optional), morning mobility and stretching, daily video analysis, three surf theory sessions, a manta ray night snorkel, a guided snorkel tour, a Hawaii Volcanoes National Park excursion, healthy snacks and one dinner, an exclusive Salem Surf Co gift bag, and a few extra surprises. Small group of 5 women max.
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Flights
Extra snacks, drinks, and meals
Travel insurance (they highly recommend getting one)
Extra water sport activities
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For this trip, we have one private room. It will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
For the two private rooms, everyone will have their own beds.
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You will receive structured, hands-on, 1:1 surf coaching from Salem and Chloe.
Since the group is small, we will be able to work with each woman individually to make sure you are meeting your surfing goals.
One of us will be in the water at all times, and we will do daily video analysis. -
Yes, you’re absolutely allowed to drink alcohol. We simply don’t provide it as part of the retreat. However, the Big Island has plenty of restaurants, cafés, and markets where you can purchase wine, beer, or cocktails if you’d like.
That said, this is a surf-focused week, so most women naturally keep it balanced to feel their best for morning sessions.
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YES! You can absolutely sign up with a friend and request to share a room. Let us know on your interest form and we’ll make it happen.
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All deposits are non-refundable.
Cancellations made more than 60 days before the retreat may receive a refund of payments made beyond the deposit. Within 60 days of the retreat, all payments are non-refundable.
No refunds will be issued for missed lessons or unused portions of the retreat.
Travel insurance is required. Salem Surf Co is not responsible for flights or personal travel expenses.
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That’s okay! If you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, we will have something for you, but don't forget to let us know before you leave!
Meet Your coaches
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Head Surf CoachHi! My name is Chloe, and I grew up surfing in Hawaii. I competed for over 10 years, even reaching the national level before I turned 18.
Once I turned 18, I transitioned into giving surf lessons and became one of the only certified female surf judges in the islands at the time.
Surfing has always been my biggest passion, and now I get to share it by helping women like you progress and build confidence in the water.
I can’t wait to help you improve and watch you grow through our camp!
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Founder & Surf MentorHey, I’m Salem! A full-time traveler turned surf addict. After years of exploring the world, I fell in love with surfing and started sharing my journey online, showing what it’s really like to learn something new as an adult, the messy, vulnerable, and empowering parts.
My mission is to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, laugh at yourself along the way, and believe that it’s never too late to start.
Through my content and this retreat, I’m here to support your mindset, encourage you on the tough days, and celebrate every small win in and out of the water.