INTENSIVE SURF COACHING
10 professional surf coaching sessions.
SURF PROGRESSION RETREAT · PLAYA VENAO, PANAMA
Surf More. Surf Better.
A focused week of professional surf coaching, video analysis and surf-specific training to take your surfing to the next level.
JULY 17–24, 20277 nights
SMALL GROUPMaximum 9 surfers
10 COACHED SURF SESSIONSPersonalized video analysis
SURF BEYOND THE WATERTechnique, strength & mobility
FROM USD 2,800 PER PERSON
Prices vary by accommodation option.
ENQUIRE ABOUT THE RETREAT
MORE THAN A SURF TRIP
Refine. Progress. Go Further
Designed for intermediate surfers who want to take their surfing to the next level. Through intensive in-water coaching, detailed video analysis and personalized feedback, you will identify what is holding you back, refine your technique and build greater consistency in the water.
Beyond the waves, surfskate and functional training reinforce your progression, helping you develop the movement, strength and control needed to surf better.
THE EXPERIENCE
Your Week at a Glance
An intensive week of surf coaching and targeted training, designed to accelerate your progression in the water.
VIDEO ANALYSIS
Personalized technical feedback led by Anita Chudnenko, our Head Coach and seven-time national surfing champion.
SURFSKATE SESSIONS
2 sessions to improve your technique and body mechanics.
FUNCTIONAL SURF TRAINING
One surf-specific functional training session focused on strength and mobility.
RECOVERY & RECHARGE
Balance intensive surf training with a recovery massage and time to recharge.
WHO IS THE RETREAT FOR?
Intermediate surfers ready to progress
This retreat is designed for surfers who are ready to take their surfing to the next level. You don't need to be an advanced surfer. If you can paddle out independently and catch your own green waves, you're ready to join.
Whether you're working on wave selection, positioning, generating speed or improving your turns, our coaching is tailored to your current level and personal goals, helping you progress with confidence and consistency.
Accommodation Options & Prices
SURF COACHING TESTIMONIALS
What Our Surfers Say
I've taken surf lessons before, but this was the first time I really understood what I was doing wrong and how to improve it. The video analysis made such a difference. I could actually see the mistakes I was making and work on correcting them in the next session.
Annika
I had the best experience with Yas and Anna. They watched me the first day and developed a plan for the next two weeks, and real progress was made. The best experience I’ve ever had, and I will be back.
Will
I've had many surfclasses throughout the world and Venao Surf School is seriously the best surfschool I have ever encountered. Anita and Yasmine are super passionate & professional in what they do and also just very cool people.
Ben
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our Surf Progression Retreat in Playa Venao, Panama. From surf level and accommodation to what’s included and how to book.
Our Surf Progression Retreat in Playa Venao is designed for intermediate surfers, including those at the early intermediate stage. You don't need to be an advanced surfer. If you can paddle out independently and catch your own unbroken (green) waves, you're ready to join.
Our coaches adapt their feedback to your level, whether you're working on positioning, wave selection, generating speed or improving your turns.
This is a coaching-focused surf retreat designed for surfers who want to make meaningful progress. Rather than simply spending time in the water, you'll follow a structured training approach combining 10 coached surf sessions, video analysis, personalized feedback, surfskate and functional training.
The goal is to help you understand your surfing, identify what is holding you back and develop the skills to keep progressing after the retreat.
The retreat is led by Anita Chudnenko, Head Coach at Venao Surf School, former Olympic athlete and seven-time national surfing champion in Russia.
With over 20 years of coaching experience and a competitive background in both shortboard and longboard surfing, Anita brings a deep understanding of surf technique, performance and progression.
Her expertise in technical coaching and video analysis allows her to identify what is holding each surfer back and provide personalized feedback to help them improve.
Led by Anita, our coaching combines in-water observation, video recording and detailed technical analysis to help you understand your surfing and make targeted improvements.
Throughout the retreat, Anita reviews your footage, identifies key areas to work on and provides personalized feedback that you can apply in your next surf session.
This continuous cycle of surfing, analyzing and refining is at the heart of our progression-focused approach.
The retreat includes 10 coached surf sessions over the week, with two sessions scheduled on selected days.
The daily schedule is adapted to the tides, wave conditions and group's energy levels to ensure productive coaching and sufficient recovery time.
Alongside your surf coaching, the retreat includes two surfskate sessions and functional surf training.
These sessions complement your time in the water by developing movement patterns, balance, rotation, strength and control that transfer directly to your surfing. A recovery massage is also included.
You'll spend seven nights at Eco Venao, a beachfront retreat surrounded by tropical nature in Playa Venao, Panama.
Daily breakfast, a welcome BBQ and a farewell dinner are included. Other lunches and dinners are at your own expense.
No. Surfboard rental is included throughout the retreat, so you don't need to travel with your own board.
If you prefer to bring your own board, you're welcome to do so. Our coaches can also help you assess whether your equipment is suited to your level and progression goals.
We keep our Surf Progression Retreat small, with a maximum of nine surfers.
This allows our coaching team to provide individual attention, personalized video feedback and a supportive training environment while sharing the experience with other surfers who are equally motivated to improve.
The retreat is open to both women and men.
Our next Surf Progression Retreat takes place July 17–24, 2027, in Playa Venao, Panama.
To enquire about availability or reserve your place, simply complete our contact form. We'll help you choose your accommodation, answer any questions about your surf level and guide you through the booking process.
Ready to Join Us?
Have a question or want to know if this retreat is right for you? Get in touch and we will be happy to help.