SKILLS BOOSTER CAMP COSTA BRAVA –
WITH MANOLO PASTORIZA
WITH MANOLO PASTORIZA
FACTS
COURSE
LEVEL: GREEN
What is my level?++ An intensive advanced course with none less than Maestro Manolo Pastoriza. In one of the most beautiful corners of Catalonia! ++
++ A quantum leap for everyone who is serious about sea kayaking and is interested in a comprehensive improvement in their technique ++
++ Our absolute recommendation for this autumn! ++
COST:
from CHF 1290* ("Basic")
or CHF 1990* ("XL")
*for more information about the different price options, see info box "Conditions"On all our programmes travel to and from the event, meals and accommodation are the responsibility of the participants.
OUR SERVICES:
Six (Basic) or nine paddling days (XL)
BASIC:
15.–20.10.2023*
XL:
12.–20.10.2023*
Start & End: Cala Llevado, Santa Maria de Llorell, ES
*We recommend arriving the day before.
** Clicking this button will forward you to the booking page of our partner company Hightide Kayak School GmbH
DETAILS
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Intro
Another skills booster camp for all paddlers who are interested in intensively consolidating their technical skills. Unlike our Skills Booster Camp in Cantabria, this intensive upskilling course is aimed primarily at all those who have not yet gained much experience at sea and are somewhere between "not really a beginner" and "not really experienced yet". So more or less on the threshold between Level Green and Red. This is exactly where we step in and work intensively with you to develop your technical foundation. In this way, you will not only experience your very own breakthrough moments, but also gain confidence in your own abilities, which we will explore anew together. The trainer trio Ella, Yuri and Manolo Pastoriza, our Spanish partner, who we no longer need to introduce here, ensure that this will work. Dozens of you have already got to know and appreciate the coaching legend from Galicia and came back home very enthusiastic.
Our course will take place in the southern Costa Brava, between Tossa and Lloret de Mar. Between these two large and easily accessible tourist centers lies one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in northern Spain, a true rock hopping paradise full of rock gardens, calas – coves framed by red granite and green pines – and beaches that are only little frequented in October.
What is a Skills Booster Camp?
A Skills Booster Camp is all about intensive learning and practice. With this very clear and technology-oriented focus, it also differs from our "normal" course camps in that we don't waste time with shuttles to day trips on other stretches of coast, but usually always start from the same place. This results in more paddling and training time per day. At the moment we offer two Skills Booster Camps: This one, on the Costa Brava (Level Green) and one in Cantabria (Level Red). We assume that we will get you ready for the next level in each of these two camps. In this case, that means: Level Red tours and courses should be easy for you to do afterwards. Here we are laying a solid technical foundation for this.
Important: In order to be able to really benefit from this upskilling course, you should already have attended a beginner's course at sea or have otherwise gained about a week's experience at sea and be reasonably comfortable in easy conditions (wind up to and including 3 Bft, waves up to max. 50 cm ).
What is also important to us, in addition to teaching really good paddling technique and training in wind and waves, is intensive safety training. Because at the next level, we require you to master partner rescues and you will need to know how to use a towline – and not just on flat water.
Attention: Before the start of the regular week, we organize a three-day preliminary course with everyone who registers for the XL variant. These three days will mainly be about rolling, bracing and building up trust in conditions. Three intensive days of rolling and bracing training with Ella and Yuri for only 600 CHF extra compared to the basic version in sunny Spain, where the water is still warm even in mid-October – this is an absolute top offer that you don't want to miss out on! It doesn't matter where you stand with your roll, we'll take you a long way here – before you'll go to the six-day main course with increased self-confidence and even more motivation.
The basis for this course is the large and ideally located campsite Cala Llevado. This campsite is also easy to reach by public transport and, in addition to all the amenities of a modern campsite with an excellent infrastructure, offers us a fantastic view over the sea.
A few more words about the language:
Our course language will be German. As always during our programs with Manolo, Ella will translate simultaneously from Spanish to German (and vice versa). Experience has proven that translating to English as well is possible but slow and tiring for everyone. Hence, at least an understanding of either Spanish or German – with a little bit extra translation now and then – would be important. If you want to take part in this course but are in doubt about your language skills, please contact us and we will try to sort it out. -
22.–24.09.
Variant XL: 3-day intensive preliminary course
Before starting the main course, you can attend a three-day preliminary course on the topics of "rolling and bracing" in the warm waters of the Costa Brava. Even with wind and waves, we almost always will find sheltered places in the large Cala Llorell, which provides us with perfect conditions for such a course.
About the course:
Our goal is clear: At the start of the Skills Booster Camp Costa Brava, we want to teach you how to roll and brace and be comfortable in conditions. No matter where you are on this topic, Ella and Yuri will pick you up there and coach you systematically, as always. And as always too, we teach with Greenland paddles. Depending on the level of the participants, your progress and your ambitions, we work on different roles, which (if desired) can all be transferred to a Euro-blade paddle. As always, our focus is on systematically learning a clean basic roll with all its individual elements, clean, precise and without use of brute force. From there we continue to work our way forward. We'll focus on the most safety-related rolls during our three days – as they are the ones you are likely to need the most in conditions. Nevertheless, we also teach more advanced rolls and their more playful variants, which are not just "L'art pour l'art", but also bring a deeper understanding of the movements involved in rolling and will train your flexibility. The same goes for braces – often neglected by many sea kayakers and yet absolutely vital. In an emergency, the most beautiful roles are actually of secondary importance – if you can't support yourself well. The technique behind it is more or less the same.
If we don't feel like going underwater anymore, it's not out of the question that we'll take a little tour behind the cliffs and get a taste of our training area for the coming week... -
24.–30.09.
Now the "main part" of our week begins... All those who have already taken part in the rolling course are already on site and are still training diligently with us on Saturday, the third day of our course. For everyone else, Saturday is the day of arrival. That means: You come to Cala Llevado on your own, ideally in car pools, set up your tent or camper or settle down comfortably in your bungalow or apartment. In the evening, if you are already there, we will eat together.
Sunday starts after breakfast with the distribution of the kayaks and gear, followed by out first day on the water. Main topics of the week are:
- Improving your paddling technique (body rotation, paddling posture, arm and wrist position, etc.) and thereby obtaining more efficiency in forward paddling.
- Curve technique. Every single stroke is analysed and taken apart until it's really understood. After that, we combine strokes into more complex maneuvers until everything becomes intuitive.
- Building on that, we will go paddling close to the cliff edge, maneuvering between the rocks and in tight conditions. And of course we'll go rock hopping – because it's not only a lot of fun, it's also incredibly beneficial.
- Edging and supporting. Done properly.
- Paddling in wind and waves, especially in following seas
- Rocky landings, swim landings, swimming and rolling in dynamic conditions, various partner rescues in realistic scenarios/environments, towing.
Many of the topics will already be familiar to previous participants of our Level Green course camp on Cap Creus. But this time it's about really deepening and perfecting all of that. At the end of the course you should, for example, be able to edge safely and without fear – much better and not just in flat water. No problem, because now you can support yourself really well and safely!
We expect to have the opportunity to try all of the above in slightly more difficult (i.e. moderate!) conditions in more dynamic water with more waves and more wind – after all, you want to get ready for Red Level during this week. This means that although this is still a "green" camp, we will try to pick up throughout the week and end up with the parameters for a typical week at Level Red.
End of course Friday afternoon:
Our last paddling day is basically like the others. The only difference is that we have to plan some extra time for returning the material and, if necessary, dismantling the camp, paying for the accommodation or other logistical tasks related to the upcoming departure. In order to be able to handle all this without stress, we are looking to be back at camp a little earlier than normal. We will announce the specific schedule for this the evening before or in the morning at the latest.Not included, not purchasable and yet central: social life and culinary indulgence while in the camp
At some point every paddling day ends – and with it our services. And what happens then? Attention: Now it becomes private! The Moryakis have finished work. Now, also we may need a moment's break, perhaps with a cool beer in good company. But possibly we might as well just feel like having a shower and an hour's rest by ourselves. Sooner or later though our stomachs will start growling and then, at latest, the social part of the evening begins, which for us is always primarily associated with good food in good company. Then we usually cook together with you. Or you can cook for us – depending on the situation and mood in the camp. Whatever happens though, one thing is important to understand and cannot be stressed enough: it is done on a purely private and non-commercial basis. Food and drinks are not provided by MORYAK and your guide is never responsible for the kitchen after he/she has finished work. Rather, we form a kind of "camping community" outside of our course times as private people. And as such, we usually cook, do the washing-up and organise our food-purchases commonly. This is usually financed through a private kitty, into which everyone pays the same amount – on a voluntary basis.
Of course, the same principle also applies to breakfast and lunch. In the mornings, we normally form early shift teams in the group, who spoil the other participants with fragrant coffee, freshly chopped fruit, toast and scrambled eggs (etc.). At lunchtime we usually have a picnic somewhere by the water, for which you pack your own lunch box from the group supplies.
Since all of this happens exclusively on a private basis, you are of course not obliged to take part in the system and can instead cater for yourself completely independently from the rest of the group. -
Logistic
Variant XL:
Individual arrival on the evening before - i.e. already on 11.10. – or in time for the start of the course on October 12th. at 10:00 in the morning. We will meet at our base, Camping Cala Llevado, at the latest at the beginning of the course.
Variant Basic:
Individual arrival on Saturday – i.e. already on 14.10. – or in time for the start of the course on October 15th. at 10:00 in the morning. We will meet at our base, Camping Cala Llevado, at the latest at the beginning of the course.
Please note that you have to reserve your spot at the campsite yourself.
Our services end on October 20th. On Saturday, October 21st our team travels on to the Basque Country. -
Conditions
PRICES
Normal price: 1440 CHF (Basic) / 2140 CHF (XL)
Normal price includes kayak, paddle, spraydeck, buoyancy aid and, if required, neoprene long johns and shoes, paddle jacket, helmet. Only high-quality sea kayaks, paddles and other gear suitable for the purpose are used. Please bring your own functional underwear (wool or close-fitting fleece, NO cotton!) and swimwear.Reduced price for participation with your own equipment: 1290 CHF (Basic) or 1990 CHF (XL)
In order to benefit from the reduced price offer, you have to bring your own kayak, spraydeck and paddle as well as all your paddling equipment. If you are only missing a few smaller pieces of equipment, such as a helmet, a wetsuit or a paddle jacket, this is not a problem, because we are happy to bring you up to three pieces of equipment free of charge, even with this tariff. However, kayaks, spray decks, paddles and dry suits are always excluded from this.
Please note that due to customs regulations it is not possible for MORYAK to transport customers' private kayaks, material or luggage abroad. We make no exceptions here.FURTHER CONDITIONS
Cancellation costs and travel cancellation insurance
Just like you, we very much look forward to going paddling with you soon and of course we are all optimistic and enthusiastic about the future. However, we urgently ask you to take out travel cancellation insurance. This helps us to avoid unpleasant situations for all of us. We have rules about cancellation fees in place and are dependent on enforcing these – no matter how understandable the reasons behind your cancellation are.
If you withdraw from a booked programme, you will be charged the following cancellation costs:
Day or weekend courses or trips: From receipt of booking up to 7 days before the start of the programme: 50% of the program costs, thereafter 100%.
All programmes 3-8 days duration: From receipt of booking up to 30 days before the start of the programme: 50% of the programme costs, thereafter 100%.
All programmes 9 days and longer: From receipt of booking up to 45 days before the start of the programme: 50% of the programme costs, thereafter 100%.
If you fail to appear, arrive late or leave the programme early, there is no entitlement to a price reduction or reimbursement of costs. The same applies if you miss parts of a multi-day programme because, for example, you become ill in the middle of a tour or a course or you are temporarily unwell.
For more information about this topic, please also read our terms and conditions.Accident insurance
Accident insurance is the responsibility of the participants.Weather
As you might expect, we can't make any guarantees in terms of weather or sea state. In order to ensure everyone's safety, our guide will decide how to carry out the planned programme locally on a daily basis, and whether to do so. As experienced sea kayakers, we know that Neptune always has the last word. Days canceled due to bad weather and unsafe conditions at sea are not a reason for a price reduction.General Terms and Conditions
Further important information about our applicable terms and regulations can be found in our General Terms and Conditions (GTC). Please read them before you decide to participate in any of our programs.FURTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Gear orders: We make every effort to always provide our participants with high-quality and suitable paddle gear when needed. In order to ensure that this works smoothly, all gear orders must be processed without exception via our gear order form. Orders by email, telephone, verbal agreement, etc. are predestined to be lost or forgotten and are therefore no longer accepted. You will receive the link to our online gear order form after registration, usually a few weeks before the start of the booked program.Drysuit rent: You can rent a drysuit from us if you order in advance. Cost: 150 CHF per weekGroup size: Minimum four, max. ten participants.The kitty: On our programmes organised with stationary basecamps, our groups usually decide to set up a joint private kitty for buying food supplies. The idea is that everyone contributes the same amount: usually €120 per person per week, in cash, in the local currency. This is enough to cook and eat well for a week. Alcohol is paid for separately, so our group members often decide to set up a second, separate "alcohol-kitty" into which the participants contribute depending on consumption or self-assessment.
You are in no way obliged to participate in this system and you can also eat and drink independently of the group. But cooking and eating together after a hard day of paddling is just fun and not only strengthens our tired muscles, but also the sense of community. You can find more about this topic here.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS:
++ Must be able to swim ++
++ You must be able to get in and out of the kayak, deal with the spray deck and do the basics ++
++ You are confident paddling on lakes and you have accumulated at least five days of experience kayaking on the sea in gentle conditions (winds of up to 3 Beaufort and smaller waves) ++
++ You are ready to spend time systematically working on your paddling technique and, step by step, you wish to gather experience in moderate conditions ++
CLICK HERE TO BOOK "BASIC"*
CLICK HERE TO BOOK "XL"*
*The service provider for all programmes advertised on this website is now Hightide Kayak School GmbH. The link will take you to Hightide's booking system and Hightide's Terms and Conditions apply.
How to get to Santa Maria de Llorell, Camping Cala Llevado:
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Rail
++ From Switzerland via Geneva to Lyon Part Dieu ++
++ TGV from Lyon Part Dieu to Girona ++
++ Continue by bus to Lloret de Mar ++
++ Continue by taxi to the campsite ++ -
Road
++ From CH via Geneva via Annecy (A41), Chambery (A43) ++
++ Continue to exit A48 towards Grenoble, Marseille ++
++ Continue to exit A49 direction Marseille / Valence ++
++ At Valence, take the A7 towards Marseille, Avignon ++
++ At Orange on A9 towards Barcelona, Toulouse, Montpellier ++
++ After crossing the Spanish border continue on the same motorway (AP 7) to Girona ++
++ Take exit A2 towards Fornells de la Selva / Barcelona ++
++ At exit 692B onto the C-35 and immediately afterwards onto the C-63 towards Lloret de Mar ++
++In Lloret de Mar on the main road at the third roundabout take the third exit onto Carrer Senyora de Rossell (GI-682) ++
++ Stay on this road until Camping Cala Llevado ++ -
Aeroplane
++ From all European airports to Barcelona ++
++ From Barcelona Airport continue with the R2N train to Barcelona El Clot Aragó ++
++ Change here to the R1 to Blanes ++
++ The remaining 12 km by taxi to the campsite ++