Mendocino Camping Surf Retreat!

Here is more information, including how to sign up.

Date: Friday, September 30th @ 2pm-Sunday October 2nd @ 4pm, 2022

Location: A veggie farm/homestead in Caspar, just north of Mendocino.  The farm is a 3 minute drive to the beach. 

Who: This weekend is all bodies, all boards, and women+/trans/non binary centered. 

Accommodations: Rustic camping on the farm! Bring your own tent. Some van spots are available. There are composting toilets and porta potties, a hot outdoor shower, a solar shower, and a wood burning hot tub.  In the unlikely event of rain, we have access to the neighboring barn to hang out and stay dry.  

Food: We will provide healthy plant-based meals starting with dinner on Friday; Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday; And breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Local farm fresh veggies and eggs Including a Queer Surf favorite, “lez beans” and local soy-free (quinoa) tempeh burgers by Syd’s Tempeh on Saturday night.

NorthCoast Surfing Conditions:  Fall is the best time of year for surfing in Mendo. Often the wind is light and the waves are clean.  There are often only one or two surfers out, so we will be taking over the beach The craggy coastline is sprinkled with sandy beach breaks, offering fun for  beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers alike. 

Surfers must have their own gear and be independent in the water. Casual surf tips will be available, but no formal lessons provided.  

Where we surf will depend on the conditions, but the closest spots are Big River- a gorgeous rivermouth beach break, and Caspar Creek, a protected cove with a mix of sand and rock bottom. We may also venture up to some surf spots around Fort Bragg. On your way up or back we recommend surfing Point Arena  

The water is a few degrees cooler than SF. A hood and booties are highly recommended along with a 5-4mm suit (4-3 if you run warm). The weather tends to be foggy and cool, so layers for the beach are a must. The water is often clean, crisp, clear and refreshing.

Trip Cost: Sliding scale with scholarships available. Please contact us for more information. Cancellation policy will be in the email.

How to sign up: Fill out this form. You will get an email from us a few days later with sliding scale details. (If you need guidance on this, please reply to the email). Finally, you will get a confirmation email with more details.

Tentative Schedule:  This is a loose idea of the flow of the weekend to give you a sense.  Final schedule will be determined by the weather, waves, and participant needs and wants. 

Friday: 2-3pm -Arrive, set up camp

3–6- Surf sesh

6-8- Dinner (tacos/bowls)

8- Hot tub, fire, music, maybe a bonfire at the local beach?

Sat: 7:30-9 Breakfast (eggs, veggies, potatoes)

9-12 Surf

12-3 Lunch (sandwich/bowl) ,nap, choose your own adventure

3-6 Surf, or hike, or go into town

6-8 Dinner (BBQ, salads, veggies, Local soy-free tempeh burgers by Syd’s Tempeh)

8- Watch our surf footage, dance party, hot tub, note: there is bioluminescence about 10 minutes away – as option for those of you interested in a night swim or paddle (or sparkly wade).

Sun: 7:30-9 Breakfast (yogurt, granola, fruit)

9-2 Party Waves/ Beach hang

1-3 Lunch (sandwich/bowl)

3-4 Pack up and say sad goodbyes

*Everything is of course optional. This is a low pressure/no pressure weekend. If you rather wake @ 6am and go surfing, great. If you rather sleep in until noon, power to ya

What to Bring:

• Tent • Sleeping bag and pad • Warm Layers • Surfboard • Wetsuit • Towel • Flashlight • Plate • Bowl • Utensils • Cup • Snacks • Drinks • Water Bottle • Hat • Sunglasses • Sunscreen • Clothing to screen-print QueerSurf logo onto.

Optional:

• Camp chair • Picnic sheet or blanket • Yoga mat • Umbrella • Meat if you need meat • Snacks if you love snackin’ • An instrument? • Ear plugs?

Please don’t hesitate to email us with any questions: queersurf at gmail dot com