Frequent Asqued Questions
General Topics
1 – How far is Ipanema and Copacabana from the surf camp?
Copacabana is 24km away from the Camp, approximately 45 minutes by car and 1 hour and 15 by bus.
2- Is there a bus system that can be used?
Buses run regularly and can be taken at one block from the camp. They go to the main areas of Rio city including Copacabana, Ipanema, Centro and others. The public bus cost R$2.40 per person.
3- Can you organize a trip to Maracana Soccer stadium to see a soccer match?
The Rio Surf n Stay works in partnership with many tour operators that organize tours to the Maracana soccer stadium. The cost varies according to the match.
If you do not want to join in a tour, there are buses that take you there as well.
4- Can you organize a trip to the Christ Statue?
Rio Surf n Stay works in partnership with many tour operators that organize tours to the Christ statue and to the Sugar Loaf. If you do not want to join in a tour, there are buses that take you there as well
5- How is the night life around the camp?
The night life consists basically of local bars around the area.
If you are looking for more intense parties, we recommend you to go the either Barra da Tijuca where one of the best night clubs in Rio is Located (NUT). Another amazing area to party is to LAPA, which is located in the down town part of Rio. A good time to go to LAPA is on Fridays or Saturdays night.
Rio Surf n Stay has put together a special “Surf n Party” package for those customers that what to enjoy the Rio’s night life at its maximum. Please send us an e-mail for further info on this package.
6- Are there places (grocery stores) to buy food around the area?
Near by the Camp there is a Shopping mall with many restaurants and Supermarkets. It is just in a 10 min walking distance from the camp.
If you want something closer, there are smaller local shops and restaurants available as well.
7- How far is the camp from the beach?
The surf camp 2 min walking distance from the beach. However, for the lessons we normally use our Surf Van to get to the beach as we chose the best surfing spot of the day for the lessons.
Packages
8- How can I book a package?
The easiest way to organize and book a surf package is online. Access our page and click “Book Now”, choose the package that most suits you and click on it. If you have further questions about booking with us, contact us through email. Once you choose the package that suits you best and clear all your questions, you can still book it online or by Pay Pall, Credit Card or Bank deposit. To confirm all bookings we require a 50% deposit per package. The balance is due on arrival.
9- How far in advance do I need to book?
We ask that you book your package at least 2 weeks before your arrival. However, if for any reason you send us your inquiry with less time we will try to accommodate you according to the availability. We will hold a “pre-booking” for 3 days. If we do not receive any payments within this period your booking will automatically canceled.
10- If I have to change dates, how should I proceed?
Rio Surf n Stay will make every effort to arrange any changes requested before the booking has been paid. Any changes are subject to availability of course dates, places, and or Instructor availability. Deposit refunds are not available.
11- Can I extend my stay once I arrive?
Yes, there is no problem that once you get here you want to extend your package. We will give you a special deal in that case.
12- What happens if I need to leave earlier than what booked?
Once you commit yourself to a package and pay you must understand that we do not give any refunds if you choose to leave earlier. If you choose to leave earlier for whatever health or any other personal reasons, we recommend make sure that you have an insurance plan that will cover cancelations of packages previously reserved.
13- Can I pay the remaining with my credit card upon arrival?
Yes, remain balances can be paid upon arrival by credit or debit card, by a small service fee.
14- Can I pay for the remainder with traveler’s checks?
No. We do not accept Traveler`s checks as they are hard to exchange.
15- How should I pay the remaining balance? Should I bring cash? What currency?
Payments can be done preferably in Reais, however, if you do not have Brazilian money upon your arrival, we will accept Euros or US dollars at and commercial exchange rate.
16- Which payments are refundable?
No payments are refundable.
Discounts
17- Do you offer any type of disounts?
Yes, we do offer 10% discount to Returning customers. Also ALL our packages are offered at discounted rates.
18- Do larger groups get extra discounts?
Yes. Please e-mail us will full details including number of people, dates and type of package you are looking for.
19- Do you offer cash-payment discounts?
No. Cash payments do not have discounts.
Surf Lessons and Conditions
20- Can I just rent surf equipment at Rio Surf n Stay (without getting any instruction)?
You can hire gear including surf boards, rash guards, wetsuits and other accessories at the Rio Surf n Stay. For hiring surf boards, you either have to get a minimum of 3 lessons with us or have a minimum previous surfing experience. Surf can be a dangerous sport, and as stated in our terms and conditions we do not take responsibility over injuries and any damage on the boards will be charged.
21- I was thinking about renting a board but I have done only 2 lessons.
Normally we will not allow board hire if you do not have previous experience.
22- I am a beginner, how many lessons should I take?
If you have never surfed before, we recommend a minimum of 3 lessons with us.
That will give you the basic knowledge to understand about equipment and safety in the water. If you want to progress fast, we recommend you to take classes and practice as much as you can on your own. That will maximize your learning.
23- How long are the surf lessons?
The lessons vary from 1 hr to 3 hrs according to your package.
24- Do I have to take my contracted surf class days in a row, or can I choose them freely?
Depending on your package and flexibility we allow you to choose the days you prefer to do your surf lessons.
25- Do I need to bring beach towels? Also, are flip flops ok for our walk to the beach?
Towels are included in your accommodation (double and twins, not dorm) but we ask that each guest bring their own beach towel. Flip Flops are perfect for the beach and this area.
26- Do we surf at any weather?
The only time we cancel surf lessons is when we consider the sea conditions to be unsuitable for surf instruction. Lessons will not be canceled because of rainy weather.
27- Do we surf on weekends as well?
Yes and No. Brazilian beaches on the weekends can get a little crowded but we always take students to where it is appropriate to learn, especially Saturdays. Sundays, we normally take the day to recover from Saturday night.
28- Do you offer instruction for intermediate and advanced surfers?
Yes, we have different lesson plans for intermediate to advance surfers.
29- How far will I progress in a one-week course?
It varies from person to person but in general we expect that you will be up and riding the waves on your own and making small turns.
30- I’m a beginner and my partner already surfs, can we take the course together?
It really depends on your partners surf level. We prefer that all beginner surf lessons are done in shallow waters and have students catching the broken waves. If your partner is catching his own waves it will be impossible to have you both in the same lesson.
31- I’m going to stay in Recreio for a longer period. Do you offer anything for long-timers?
Yes. We have sell contained units that can be rented for long termers. Please get in touch by e-mail for further details.
32- In which language do you teach your students?
We teach in Portuguese, Spanish and English.
33- Should I take a wet suit?
Sometimes the water can get down to 19C. So a spring suit is recommendable for the colder days.
34- My flight leaves after 12pm, will I have to pay extra accommodation?
Check out is at 11am. We always give the option of removing your belongings from the room and allocating them by reception or living room. You can use the house facilities to shower, eat or just hang out until is time to leave.
Distances from the Camp by car:
- International Airport: 34km, approximately 40 minutes .
- Santos Dumont Airport: 32km, approximately 35 minutes.
- Rio Downtown area: 34km, approximately 35 minutes.
- Copacabana Beach: 24km, approximately 25 minutes.
