ACADEMIC SURFCAMP 2025 (ASCA25)

We connect students of the French, German and Italian part of Switzerland, of different universities and disciplines in one unique Surfcamp. Get on board with us and connect with likeminded people. 

In 2025 we are already going into round 7! Based on the experiences of the last years, we have sat down in the team and revised our concept once again, but the mission stays the same: connecting students and alumni through surfing. However, this year's camp will be a little different. Because this year, we only offer 25 participants per week the chance to become part of the ASCA2025. Since the number of participants is significantly smaller than in previous years, we will only offer ASC members the opportunity to register for this year's camp (If you'd like to join but are not yet a member of the ASC, this is your sign to become a member now!). Since the camp is a bit more exklusive than in previous years, we only accept one-week bookings.

As ever, we want to break down bubbles, allow networking and bring everyone onto the waves! As always, all proceeds go directly into the project to automatically offer you better value for money than a commercial provider ever could. This adheres to this camp but also to the whole club network: We are not profit-oriented or entrepreneurial in any sense. 

This year, we are offering you three different packages: 

Package 1:
Includes accomodation, meals, surf equipment (wetsuit and choice of surfboards) and one surf course per day (total of 6 lessons per week).
Price: 800 CHF per week

Package 2:
Includes accomodation, meals, surf equipment (wetsuit and choice of surfboards) for those, who don't want guided surf lessons.
Price: 600 CHF per week

Package 3: 
Includes only accomodation and meals for those who bring their own surf equipement and want to be independent.
Price 500 CHF per week

Our dream is to connect students through surfing. In the Academic Surfcamp we bring together the EPFL mechanical engineer, the medical student of the UZH, the economics student of the HSG over the art student of the University of Bern up to the astrophysics student of the University of Basel. We break down bubbles, allow you to network and bring everyone to a common ground: surfing. So choose your package, your week and be ready to book your spot as soon as booking opens! We cannot wait for this year's camp!

WEEK 1: 30.08.2025 - 06.09.2025
BOOKING OPENS SUNDAY 6TH OF APRIL 2025 AT 12:00 O'CLOCK SHARP

WEEK 2: 06.09.2025 - 13.09.2025
BOOKING OPENS SUNDAY 6TH OF APRIL 2025 AT 12:00 O'CLOCK SHARP

AS ALWAYS: FIRST COME, FIRST SURF!

The Academic Surfcamp in a nutshell

As you can see from the description above, the main goal of the camp is to connect students from different disciplines and different parts of Switzerland through surfing. This is also the purpose of our club. So this is one of the core projects of our club. Additionally, this is the most popular camp of the ASC, so if you have not yet experienced it (or want to - again and again!) secure your spot in time and come join us!
We put special emphasis on the fact that you get more for your money than with a commercial provider. The offer is traditionally packed into the Basic Package, which includes almost everything except travel. The travel is always done individually or in groups (we are happy to help you here). Below you will find an overview of what is offered to you.

The Surf 

This year our surfcamp takes place in Ribadesella, Asturias, which is a top surf destination on Spains northern coast. With consistent waves at Santa Marina beach, a stunning scenery and a vibrant surf culture, it's the perfect spot for all levels. Join us for epic sessions, expert coaching and an unforgettable surf experience!

  • no crowds & relatively empty lineups! Ribadesella is largely spared from mass surf tourism
  • the beach awaits only a few meters by foot from our accommodation 
  • shooted sessions! our media team will make sure to get you in front of the lens while surfing
  • we are on site in September, which is generally a wave-safe month in Europe
  • surf classes: the classes will be organized by the Santa Marina team. They want to make sure everyone gets some good rides so they specialize in teaching in the line-up even with beginners. Be aware of this but do not worry: they will look after you and make sure you get some nice waves with their help! So no more whitewash for our beginners, we will see you catching some nice real waves!

Accommodation: Santa Marina Surfcamp 

Aaand here we come! This year our camp takes place at the Santa Marina surfhouse, where we get the accomodation completely for ourselves. Each week, we are able to offer 25 participants accomodation only a few meters away from the beach and city centre. As you may notice for this year's camp we have downsized a little bit, so make sure you book your spot right when booking opens to be guaranteed to not miss it! 

  • Situated in Asturias in northern Spain, with astonishing views
  • Less than 100 meters from the beach
  • Sleeping places in beds without exception (no tent sites or similar!), shared rooms
  • Chill area and community space in the house plus an additional closed chill room outside the house. Here you can let your soul dangle and take some important naps!
  • Big garden, BBQ space, table tennis and a hot tub! 
  • Free Wifi - to make everyone at home jealous of your stay here ;)
  • Outside showers and cute little changing cabins for before and after surf classes

What about food you're thinking? Well since we have downsized a bit, this year the members of your camp crew are going to be your chefs! Except for breakfast: The Santa Marina crew provides all of us with a simple but good breakfast that will be prepared in the morning and everyone just goes eat their breakfast whenever they are up. Lunches and dinners we will be cooking for you and the times will be communicated early enough every day depending on when the surf classes and other events take place. Lucas is going to be the main person in charge and so bascially our personal chef. He is an actual chef and has been working on the job for a while so he has the knowledge and experience to make yummy food! We are going to make sure that we serve enough and somewhat healthy & nurturing meals - after all we will have to eat it ourselves, too ;)

Ribadesella 

Ribadesella is a charming coastal town on Spain's northern coast. Besides the surf, Ribadesella is also known for its picturesque old town, delicious seafood and a stunning scenery. 

Crew

This years camp is organized by Nadine Aegerter (president of the ASC CH) and Yanik Hofer. Both of us are exited to see you onboard with us in September!

Yanik Hofer
Nadine Aegerter

Join our Team - Trainee(s) wanted!

To ensure that not only this year, but also in future years camps can take place, we are looking for volunteer surfers who are up for the challenge to organize a future camp on their own! So this year we are offering one or two young motivated individuals the opportunity to support us in running this year's camp and gain important insight into everything it takes.

The goal? With the experience you gain, you'll be more than ready to organize the next camp yourself and make sure it will be a full-on success! 

Are you interested? If so, don't hesitate and get in touch with us as soon as possible!

After Movies of the last years 

On Instagram we are giving away two 50% vouchers on our basic package worth CHF 400 (including surf course) until Thursday 3rd of April 2025 12:00 PM. Eligible are students or alumni of a university who are minimum 18 years old at the time of the camp are members of the ASC and fulfill all the actions mentioned on Instagram. The prize is personal, non-transferable and cannot be paid out. If any of the mentioned actions are not met the prize is void and a new drawing will be held. Winners will be notified by DM on Thursday 3rd of April 2025 and must respond within 48 hours. Friends who have been tagged will automatically be entitled to a place in the camp if the participant wins. They must commit to the camp within the same response time as the winner, so 48 hours. The ASC reserves the right to make adjustments based on the situation or to suspend or not complete the competition if there is an important reason for doing so. The prize is also linked to the fact that the camp takes place. If the camp does not take place, the prize is also void. 

Legal Informations 

The Academic Surf Camp is a joint project of all ASCs together and is structured as an association in the sense of the Swiss Civil Code. The association operates on a non-profit basis. Members are all Academic Surfclubs while the board is arranged by members of different Academic Surfclubs. 

FAQ

Who can come to the camp?
Only members of the ASC.

What is the average age in the camp?
The average age in the camp is 24 years. However, we have a very wide age range in the camp, from 18 to over 34 years old.

What language is spoken in the camp?
The main language is German and English with the staff from the Surf School. But we also speak English and French.

I am traveling alone. Does it even make sense to go solo to the camp?
Absolutely! Our offer is designed so that you quickly meet new people. It is absolutely no problem if you come to the camp alone or with friends. 

I would very much like to come. But the camp is advertised way too early. Can I reserve a place? In addition, I do not know exactly what I will do next year in September, it may be that it does not work out for me. And what if I can't come to the camp after all?
The reason why we advertise the camp relatively early is the non-profit character of the project. Precisely because we calculate cost-covering, we are dependent on an early receipt of bookings to be able to pay for accommodation and other things. Unfortunately you cannot "reserve" a place. But you can try to book and hope that you will get a place.
Also, we have deliberately set the date for both camp weeks to the last weeks of the semester break, since by then most of the students are done with their internships, exams, papers etc. The chance that you will not be able to attend the camp is therefore rather small. If you enroll and the worst case happens, we will replace you with a person from the waiting list if possible, but of course we can't promise anything.
Cancellation is very easy: We have a new "Rider Zone". There you will find the cancellation option. Just fill out the form and we will take care of the rest. 
If your spot cannot be taken by anyone from the waiting list, we cannot guarantee a refund because of our cost-covering calculations.

What does non-profit mean? Are you really not making a profit with the camp?
Non-profit means for us that the project is calculated to cover costs and we do not pay wages. OC and staff work on a voluntary basis. Amounts that remain overflow directly into association projects such as the renewal of our infrastructure (e.g. new material) or projects such as the SUC, which are very cost-intensive. This way we can guarantee that we are not out to make a profit and that we can calculate everything in such a way that you get more for your money than at a commercial surf camp. Our finances are also transparent in the annual accounts. 

Why doesn't the ASCA organize a bus from Switzerland to the camp? Why do you have to travel individually?
We have organized the first two camps a transport (then still to France). The big problem is that hiring a one-time bus company is insanely expensive and unfortunately not worth it for so few weeks. Unfortunately, the club would have to pay for it. However, we are happy to help you plan your trip and organize shuttles from the airport to your accommodation. We can also put you in contact with other participants who are looking for travel buddies. 

I have contacted you via the contact form and have not received a response yet. What is going on?
We are a volunteer association and not a company. Therefore, it may take a few days until you receive a response. We ask for your patience. 

How do I enroll?
At the top of this page you will find a button called "Booking Request". If this is no longer available, there should be a button called "Waiting list". Click on it and you will get to the relevant forms. If none of these buttons are present, the project is not officially advertised yet. 

How are the places in the Academic Surfcamp allocated?
Basically, the principle of first come first surf applies. However, one of the guiding principles of our project is to network students from different faculties throughout Switzerland. Therefore, we also make sure that the university ratio is fairly balanced. If, for example, in the first 5 minutes only students from University X register and in minute 6 a student from University Y joins, we give this student priority. However, if the time difference between the registrations is more than 10 minutes, this does not matter anymore, because we always give priority to people who have waited for the registration and who register quickly. 

I did not get a spot in the camp and put myself on the waiting list. When will I finally be contacted?
The waiting list is basically processed chronologically according to the receipt of registrations. Whenever someone cancels, we can thus replace someone and contact you as soon as it is your turn.

Do you still need people in the camp team? I would love to be on the staff or come along as a surf instructor.
This year we are looking for trainees that are willing to commit to organizing next year's camp! Like this you can join our camp and get some important guidance, insights and experience a year before your own camp would be taking place. We are currently also looking for someone willing to shoot our surfers during their surf lessons and overall get some nice pictures and videos in our camp. If you can offer us any other important talent that we should definaltey consider, do let us know and we will see what could be possible :)
Though we do not need any surf instructors as we are collaborating with a local surf school for this. 

Any questions ..?

If you still have questions, you can ask them here: