Having only joined the Narosa team in summer 2020, I was so delighted to be involved in organising our first ever full week surf & stay events, here at HQ in Dunfanaghy. In and around the events of last year, we managed to host two epic seven day events, and for me they were one of the highlights of the season.
The 2021 calendar at Narosa is shaping up to be even more fun than last year so I thought I’d share a little bit of insight on what to expect when you check in with us for a whole week of surf in beautiful Donegal.
Now more than ever, I’d say we’re all appreciating the sense of aliveness and calm that comes from being immersed in nature. As a swimmer and surf lover, I’ve always been a firm advocate of the benefits that spending time in the ocean brings. This is a feeling shared amongst the whole Narosa team, and something we really channel into our surf coaching and events.
In a nutshell, a Narosa Experience Week with us is sights, sounds, waves, and our opportunity to show you the very best of what North West Donegal has to offer. It’s hard to squeeze all that into just one week (now I think about it, maybe we should start running Narosa Experience Months…) but we put together a varied week of coaching, with insight from experienced instructors who love the landscape, and know the surf breaks like the back of their hand.
Check in, chill out.
A Narosa Experience Week runs Friday – Friday to give you just the right amount of time to get into the surfing groove. When you arrive at Narosa HQ on your first day, you’ll be greeted by one of us in the surf shop, and shown to your private accommodation which is your haven for the week.
To help you get a bit more familiar, I’ll take you on a virtual tour of the three epic options here on site, all designed and refurbished by the team.
The biggest and grandest of our accommodation options, our stylish two bedroom apartment is perfect for couples or a group of surf buddies. You have so much space to hang out and regale your stories of that day’s surf with a beer in the open plan kitchen/living space, plus plenty of wetsuit drying room outside.
We shouldn’t have favourites, but if we did this one would be mine. Our charming tiny house by the sea is ideal for a couple or individual looking for a quirky and cosy getaway. We designed Captain’s to be functional and comfortable, but still retain the coolness you’d expect from a bespoke micro space. You have a fully equipped kitchen and living area, private bathroom and mezzanine double bed. It’s seriously epic.
For a chance to truly embrace the outdoors our timber glamping pods are located in a dreamy spot at the top of the Narosa garden. Perfect for a couple or individual, you have a cosy double bed with a living space and kitchenette including a mini fridge for drinks and snacks. Plus you have shared use of a recently refurbished bathroom with plenty of hot water & hair dryers. See, we said it was glam!
We really try and get the vibe right for guests staying in our on site accommodation, by ensuring you have space to do your own thing, but enjoy the fun of staying at a surf school. It’s a great balance between a sociable outside space if you want it, and a private retreat in your own personal haven if you just want to take it easy on your own.
Narosa HQ accommodation is literally a stone’s throw from the sandy beach of Killahoey, and is located at the bottom of the Main Street which means you have all the usual amenities on your doorstep. You’ve got a mini supermarket for the essential supplies, a bakery selling the most heavenly pastries (the pain au chocolats are so good that we stock them in our on site coffee bar, Captains at Narosa), multiple pizza options, plus lots of pubs, cafes and a weekly market for fresh fish and veggies. In summer you’ll often hear folks say “Dunfanaghy is buzzing” and they’re absolutely right.
What We’re Here For: Catching Waves!
We say it a lot but we really mean it when we say that all levels and abilities are so welcome at Narosa. There’s no pretence or weird surf lingo here, and we love to get out in the waves with everyone. There’ll be no re-enactment of the “Do less” scene in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Our surf coaches have taught thousands of customers (including me – i was one of the first ever Narosa customers back in 2009!) to catch their first ever waves, and have worked with folks right up to pro level (not me, but i keep on dreaming). Whatever level you’re at when you arrive with us, you’ll be challenged to progress but there’ll be no stress.
All the equipment you could need is included so don’t worry, there’s no hidden extra rental costs for surfboards and wetsuits. We provide you with great 5mm suits and quality surfboards. If you’re looking to borrow something a bit more advanced, just get in touch with us to chat through what you need. If you have your own gear though that’s great, bring it along!
During your Narosa Experience Week you’ll have six surf sessions, which is just right to see that progression, but give your arms enough time to recover between paddles. If you’re hungry for more though we can organise extra sessions or private coaching. Your coaches will work with the conditions to make sure you’re surfing at the best times and having downtimes in the lulls. Whatever the tide, wind and swell direction is doing, we have spots suitable for (almost!) all eventualities.
Life On Land.
At Narosa we spend around 95% of our time surfing in the ocean, and the other 5% doing surf related things! It’s fun to mix up your practice with other things like carve skateboarding, hiking, and surf fitness. We’ll include these in your week long experience to give your arms an occasional rest, and help develop specific elements of your surfing.
We’ll also take a look at some surf theory elements like surf forecasting and beach observation. Don’t worry, you won’t have to sit still for too long but i’ve personally found this so beneficial, and it’s a big help to have a bit of background theory when you’re faced with waves, and having to make quick decisions. Plus the coaches here have been surfing for 20+ years and they’ve seen a swell or two, so drink it all in!
If the weather gods allow, we’ll also spark up our fire pit so we can enjoy an evening of chill time together. I’m in charge of snacks, so marshmallows are guaranteed. Kumbuya is optional.
Exploring Beautiful Donegal
We’re so blessed to be located on the Wild Atlantic Way. I may be biased but it’s honestly one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the world. There’s infinite beaches, woodlands, mountains and hidden corners to find. We make sure you have plenty of free time to explore, and are stoked to share our local knowledge of the area to point you in the right direction.
If you’re into hiking, running, cycling or wild swimming then you’d be coming to the right place with miles and miles of quiet roads, trails and bathing spots to discover. I’m a triathlete so this gets me super excited! There’s a few surfers moonlighting as cyclists in the Narosa team, so there’s plenty of brains to pick about the best routes around. It’s also a photographer’s paradise here with breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, as well as plenty of surf action to capture if that’s what you’re in to.
Taking Care of the Details.
With recent events, we know that our customers will have safety at the forefront of their minds. Rest assured that we take our responsibility really seriously here and have careful procedures in place. You can read a bit more about this on our website if you’d like to.
The most important thing to us is you feel at home in our accommodation, stoked to be in the waves, and energised to be at Narosa.
Sign Me Up!
I really hope that after all that you’re as stoked as I am to get going! Narosa Experience Weeks take place across May and June, so head to our website to choose your dates and accommodation. If you already have digs that’s not a problem, you can book on with a ‘Surf Only’ option, which includes you in all of the week’s activities.
If you’re looking for a shorter getaway, we’re also running our classic Narosa Coaching Weekends every weekend in May and June, where you can stay and enjoy 2 days packed full of surf adventures. When I was a customer I was always first in line for these as they fill up really fast. Make sure you get in there sharpish so you have pick of the dates!
We’re so happy to chat to you if you’ve got other ideas about your surf & stay getaway at Narosa. If you’re thinking of arranging a bespoke trip for a group of friends or family that’s awesome and we’d love to help you plan. Get in touch here.
We put together an epic itinerary for you, but probably the best part of Narosa Experience Weeks is the people that you’ll meet here. Customers on these trips become surf buddies for life with us and come back to stay again and again. Last year we had the pleasure of meeting the legendary James who kindly left us with these parting words:
Lee and the gang… just landed home now with a de-waxed board, a van full of sand, bruised ribs, arms like noodles and a MAHOOSIVE smile! Thank you so much for an amazing week seriously, so many memories, new friends and a few new moves! Can’t wait to be back in the near future. Love to all, James.🏄♂️
Hopefully that tells you all you need to know, but if you have any questions at all just drop me a message. You can usually get me on the @narosalife instagram account. See you soon guys!
