Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to go?
2. I am travelling on my own. Will I be lonely?
3. What if I have never surfed before?
4. Are the surf instructors really that good?
5. Can you tell me more about the Spanish classes?
6. Are Spanish crash courses also available?
7. What is Montanita like?
8. Are there more activities than surfing we can do there?
9. Why should I join this program?
10. Why is this program perfect for the start of my South America Gap Year?
11. How much money do I need for meals?
12. What do flights costs to Ecuador?
13. I already speak Spanish. Can I do this programme without Spanish lessons?
14. Are there any cash machines?
15. What other costs are involved?
16. I am vegetarian. Is there any food for me?
17. How to book this amazing trip?

When is the best time to go?

It is hard to tell when is the best time to go. It also depends on what you prefer. The average temperature is 28 degrees Celcius. The period from December to May is the rainy season. During this period the temperature is higher, there is more sun, but also some (heavy) afternoon rain showers. From June to November it is much dryer, but also a bit cooler, even chilly in evenings. If you prefer higher waves you should go from December to May. The waves are around 1.5 meters, now and then upto 2 meters. The waves from June to November are between 0.5 and 1 meters. The peak season is from June to August and in December and January when many tourists visit Ecuador. Please book early (also your flights) if you wish to go in this period to make sure you get a good deal.

I am traveling alone. Will I be lonely?

You will absolutely not be lonely on this program. Therefore it is best to start on the first Monday of the month as many more participants will starts at the same time. One of the reasons we set group starting dates. But if you wish to start another date, no worries, there are always people surfing and learning Spanish at the location you are staying at! So, you will make lots of new friends and have an amazing experience!

What if you have never surfed before?

No worries, most people on this program are in the same boat. Montanita is perfect for beginners and advanced surfers alike. The waves at low tide are a little more relaxed for beginners. When you are feeling confident, grab your surf board and get out there at high tide, where the biggest waves are waiting to challenge your new surf skills. You will certainly gain some impressive surfing ability, with one of Ecuador's top instructors who came an impressive 17th in the World Championships on hand to get you moving through the water like a surf crazed torpedo!

Are the surf instructors that good?

Yes, the quality of the surf instructor teaching you how to surf are amazing! Instructors and surfers from Montanita are (comprise half of the Ecuadorian National team) placed in the TOP 10 in Billabong ISA World Surfing Games 2011 in Panama! And you get learn to surf with these guys! Unbelievable! So then once your surf skills are a little more established, we will hit the road: Every second weekend we load up the surf truck and make a short surf trip up or down the coast. This is the perfect occasion to practice those new moves you have been learning in class and explore some of the more secret surf spots which are usually guarded as local knowledge.

Can you tell me more about the Spanish classes?

Its is not just any language school. It is set right on the beach a stones thrown from the Pacific and you will be enrol in a multi award winning language school. There are 4 lessons per day (1 hour duration), 5 days per week. With 6 different ability groups you will be with others also keen to learn at the same level. By having others in your class it is an excellent way to stay motivated, practice what you are learning and to meet other students. There are a maximum of 6 students per class so you learn pretty fast.

Are Spanish crash courses also available?

Yes, if you want to have a crash course, we can also offer one to one lessons - 20 hours a week. Please contact us for additional costs.

What is Montanita like?

Montanita is the place where you will be staying. It is a small coastal town where around 1,000 people live. It is a multicultural beach town and worldwide know within the surf community. But the surf is not only in Montanita. There are hundreds of miles of other breaks all throughout the coast. If you want a deserted first class break, you can easily find it! And surf boards are allowed in local buses.

Are there more things we can do there?

Also other water sport can be done here, like water skiing, scuba diving and wind surfing. Montanita is one of the most liberal places in Ecuador and the atmosphere is very relaxed. You will hear a lot of reggae and hippie music and see many portraits of Bob Marley, Che Guevara and John Lennon while walking on the streets. Montañita is filled with bars, restaurants, and cafés that cater to all the budgets and tastes. During the peak season, there are many electronic and house music festivals on the beach.

Why should I join this program?

If you are not confinced by now... Here are some more reason why you should join this program:

• People do not generally speak English in South America. Spanish is required.
• Learn Spanish at an award winning language school.
• Montanita is one of the coolest surf towns in South America.
• You will have lots of fun and learn a language at the same time.
• You have surf lessons world pro surfers and you live in a cool place!
• You spend your gap year constructively! Learning a language and a new skill (surfing).

Why is this program perfect for the start of my South America Gap Year?

Lots of people come to Montanita to learn Spanish and hang out before heading on with their travels to South America. If you are a little nervous about travelling or going alone, this is a great program to ease yourself into South America, and get you set up before you head off on your travels. It is not uncommon for our groups to travel together after the program and people often meet others wanting to do the same adventures.

How much money do I need for meals?

With regards to money its quite difficult to say how much you will need. Really depends on your choice of food. At the restaurants around town the meals are between 1.50 and 5.50USD. What you spend has also to do with how much you will be drinking and partying, how active you are with the activities throughout the town etc. When you bring between $500 and $800 (USD) per month you will be safe, but it is surely possible to live on less. I hope this helps, but please do not complain when you spend more because you love to party!

What do flights costs to Ecuador?

Flights from London to Quito or Guayaquil, which is only 2.5 hours away from Montanita, will start from 650GBP. But it really depends on the date of flying and how much in advance you book your flights. Please note that this is an indication.

I already speak Spanish. Can I do the programme without the Spanish lessons?

Yes, you can do this programme without the Spannish lessons. While to others are doing their Spanish lessons you will have time for yourself to relax and do other cool activities. We will offer you a discount for not taking the Spanish lessons. The discount depends on the number of weeks you would like to go. Please contact us for this.

Are there any cash machines?

There are two cash machines and a small bank where you can withdraw money from while you are there.

Are there any extra costs involved?

Extra costs: From the airport (Guayagil) we offer transfer, however they are not inclusive. The transfer from Guayaquil to Montanita costs $80, the return trip costs $70. Most people opt for the bus, only 6 or 7 dollars and very easy.

I am a vegetarian. Is there any good food for me?

Meals are great and restaurants plenty. There are lots of meals with fruit, veggies and rice here! There are even veggie ‘fast food restaurants’: vegetarian fast-food joint offers soy hamburgers, organic tofu, natural yogurt and a long list of delicious fruit and vegetable extracts. So for vegetarians there are a lot of choices too!

How to book this amazing trip?

The only thing you need to do is, fill in the booking form on the program page. After that you pay us a deposit of 100GBP. Your spot is secured and you can start dreaming about the best Xtreme trip ever! 12 weeks before you go you will pay the remaining part.