Ticket to Ride successfully completes inaugural School Trip
Ticket to Ride have just completed their inaugural School Surf Trip to Portugal after taking 12 boys and 3 staff from Sherborne School, Dorset, on a dream 1 week surfing holiday to their surf camp in Ericeira, Portugal.
After a short flight out to Lisbon and a quick 45 minute transfer to the surf-camp, a self contained haven with on-site private training grounds, the boys and staff settled into their bungalows a stone’s throw from the beach and some of Europe’s best waves. With a buffet breakfast and three course supper laid on for them each day it was time to kick back and enjoy the surfing lifestyle. With Ticket to Ride director Linley Lewis at the helm, and under the guidance of one of Portugal’s top surf schools, the boys were well set to take advantage of the idyllic surroundings and reap the rewards of the surfing lifestyle. “This is the perfect location for a school trip; a lively, colourful and vibrant atmosphere yet safe, contained and hassle free!” said Art Teacher Ms Clare Gomm.
The boys took to the water with enthusiasm and enjoyed twice daily surf lessons. Starting in the camp’s private on-site training grounds, the boys learnt the basics of the “pop” as well as vital Ocean Safety skills and the art of wave and weather prediction. It was then a quick dash across the sand and into the waves where novices caught their first waves and the more experienced surfers stroked for the outside and experienced the rush of surfing one of Europe’s premier surf breaks. “The instructors provided great tuition for all levels that made the surfing an even more enjoyable experience,” commented Harry Cook of Sherborne School.
With a whole host of extra activities on offer out of the water there was never a dull moment. Beach football, volleyball and cricket were all popular options as well as an afternoon walk along the Ericeira coastline visiting the many surf spots
that have their names etched in European surfing folklore, many of which the boys surfed on various afternoon “surfaris”.
As ever with such trips there was strong evidence of building team spirit and the forging of new friendships with each day rounded off by a communal three-course supper and then various evening activities laid on by the ever-helpful TTRIde and Surf-camp staff. The trip finished in fine style with an evening meal in one of the rustic restaurants in this timeless fishing village leaving both staff and pupils with fond memories of a week well spent under blue skies by the beach.
School Housemaster Dr. Simon Tremewan stated “Our first school surf trip – and it’s been an outstanding success. We’ve enjoyed excellent weather, food, accommodation and coaching. We owe Ticket to Ride a huge debt of gratitude for an excellent week in Portugal. Book us on for next year!”
For more information on Ticket to Ride and the school trips that they offer visit www.ttride.co.uk.
