Guide To The Longboard Camp
In FeelViana
Here you will find detailed answers to the most common question.
As our guide is pretty long, for easier navigation simply press ctrl+f and type in the key words of your request in a search box. Or you can use hashtags listed below.
What is the Longboard Camp?
The Longboard Camp is a unique tailored program created for anyone who would like to learn longboarding, regardless of their age and level. With fourteen hours of guided lessons by some of the world’s best riders and top-quality equipment, you will build a solid base and learn your first tricks or take your existing skills to the whole new level. All this in a magical corner of Portugal.
Besides skating, the program includes daily yoga, meditation, unique gastronomic experience, extra activities, and unlimited access to spa.
Location
Viana do Castelo is a hidden gem located in the Minho region of Portugal, on the Atlantic coast. It is situated at the mouth of the Lima River, and is known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque coastline. It is not a very touristic area of Portugal, nonetheless, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the North of the country which history is strongly tied to the sea. Our favorite part about it - the unusual neighbourship of the ocean and the pinewoods.
How to get to FeelViana Hotel?
There are several options to get to FeelViana Hotel, including a group transfer organized by us, public transport, and uber/taxi.
TRANSFERS FROM PORTO
Transfer service from/to Oporto Airport:
Trip duration: 45-60 min
Prices*:
1-3 people – €110 per way
4-5 people – €136 per way
6-8 people – €164 per way
*Subject to change as the service providers update their rates each year.
Most guests choose to take a group transfer as it’s the best price/convenient option. How does it work? Once every guest bought their flights, we group them by the hour of arrival/departure so they can share the costs of the transfer from/to the airport.
For example, Guest-1 arrives at 3 pm, Guest-2 arrives at 4 pm, and Guest-3 at 5 pm, so we will schedule the transfer for 5:30 pm.
Usually, we decide on transfers 1-2 days before the start of the camp, when we know the travel schedules of all the participants. Please, do not ask us about the exact time of group schedules 1-2 weeks in advance, we simply do not know them because many participants buy their tickets at the last moment.
Prices from/to Porto city vary (depending on the address).
OTHER OPTIONS
By train from the Oporto City Center to Viana and then you have to take a taxi from the train station to the Hotel - https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en
By bus from the Oporto City Center to Viana and then you have to take a taxi from the bus station to the Hotel - https://rede-expressos.pt/en/timetables
By bus from the Oporto Airport to Viana do Castelo and then you have to take a taxi from the bus station to the Hotel - https://www.barquense.pt/
Note: From the Oporto Airport, to reach the Train Station or Bus Station, you need take the Metro - https://en.metrodoporto.pt/
UBER
Trip duration: 45-60 min
Price Uber - €50 - 60
Address:
FeelViana Sport Hotel
Rua Bras de Abreu Soares, 222, Praia do Cabedelo, 4935-159, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
What are the good arriving / departure hours for my flights?
We recommend arriving no later than 18:00 - 18:30* and departing no earlier than 10:00 - 11:00 to join the group transfers or to have the possibility to use public transport. These are the best options on average but it varies from camp to camp. However, if you'd like to increase chances joining a group transfer, just make sure your arrival/departure time is within regular working hours.
Yet, if you save up a lot by leaving the camp at 7:00 instead of 11:00, then just go for it. You can look at the exact transfer prices in the “How to get to FeelViana Hotel” chapter and see what works better for you.
We do not have any activities scheduled on departure day so you can leave at any convenient time for you without missing out on anything.
*On arrival day, we will have a welcome dinner at 20:00 (included in the package).
Check in & check out. When should I arrive in / leave the camp not to miss any activities
The arrival and departure dates are the dates of the camp respectively. For example, if the camp dates are Sept 5 - 12, it means that check in is on September 5th and check out is on September 12th.
On arrival day, we will have a welcome dinner at 20:00 (included in the package) so we recommend arriving no later than 18:00 - 18:30. We do not have any activities scheduled on departure dates so you can leave at any convenient time for you without missing out on anything.
The official check in hour is at 16:00 and check out at 12:00. However, it’s possible to arrive earlier or depart later, leave your bags at the reception and enjoy beautiful coast or spa.
Accommodation
We will be staying in FeelViana, a stylish 4* sports hotel with a privileged location just 200 m from the charming Cabedelo beach. We chose this place not only for its vibe and comfort, but also for its values that stem from celebrating nature, sustainability, local culture, and people.
ROOMS
There are twin and single rooms with functional décor designed to make you feel at home and truly appreciate your stay. All rooms have private bathroom, balcony, plenty of space, natural light, Wi-Fi, toiletries, hairdryer, and safe.
Twin rooms are same gender when booked by people who don't know each other.
It is possible to come with a partner / kid / friend. Note that minors will not be able to participate in the camp activities. Please contact us for details.
Our package
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
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The program of the camp as written on the website (varies from week to week)
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ALL equipment for all the activities (longboard, yoga)
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Towels
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Spa towels and robes
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Wi-Fi
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Transfers to/from skate spots
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Breakfasts, lunches, dinners
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
• Flight tickets
• Transfers to/from the airport
• Travel insurance
SURF / WAKE / E-BIKE
This week, you can choose between an e-bike tour, a wake surf session or a surf class.
It is also possible to have extra surf classes in your free time or you can simply rent a surf board and a wetsuit to go surfing by yourself if you don't need an instructor. Prices can vary.
Is equipment included? Do I need to bring my own longboard? I don’t have a longboard can I come?
You don’t need to bring your longboard unless you want to. We provide high-quality equipment for the lessons and that you can use throughout your stay for free.
Spa and wellness
In your free time, enjoy the unlimited access to the indoor pool, sauna and hammam, which feel especially satisfying in the evenings or on chillier days which we can catch in this period of the year.
There is also an extensive menu of spa treatments and massages to choose from should you feel sore or just crave for a deeper relaxation*.
*Spa treatments and massages are paid separately.
How much money should I take with me?
Viana do Castelo isn’t in a tourist area and the cost of living is lower than in larger cities such as Lisbon or Porto. However, prices can vary depending on activities you plan to do.
We will have a full board (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners) but if you decide to explore the city and eat out, you can expect to pay around €15-20 for a meal in a casual restaurant, and €25-35 for a meal in a more upscale restaurant.
Taxi from the hotel to the city center is about €5-7 and it takes 10 minutes to get there.
Also, there is an extensive menu of spa treatments and massages in the hotel. You can check price here.
Can I buy longboard gear during the camp?
Depending on the stock, it's possible to purchase gear from our Partners, such as Paris Truck, Skate Blood Orange, and Bastl Boards in the camp with a special discount that brands give to our guests.
What is the average age of the participants?
30-40 y.o. But we welcomed people from 18 to 65 y.o. already, so you are the one who decides what’s “too old”. :)
Here you can read about experience of our former participants of completely different ages, skills, etc.
Can I join with my kid / with minors?
Yes! This is the only edition where it is possible to join with your kids and partners who don´t participate in the program, just send us a message to know all the details.
What level should I have to participate?
We have mostly first-timers and beginners as well as intermediate riders. The Longboard Camp is the best place to start and progress, there is no entry level.
How do I book?
Simply fill in the BOOKING FORM on our website, and we will send you payment details for the deposit, that’s it, super easy!
How do I pay?
After receiving your request, we will send you the payment details for the deposit. You can pay it via a bank transfer or PayPal. The due amount is paid upon arrival in cash, by credit card or via PayPal.
Can I cancel my trip and get a refund?
Deposits are non-refundable.
However, if you cancel more than 2 months prior the camp and if we manage to sell your spot we will hold 70% of your deposit amount in our accounts.
If you cancel between 2 and 1 months prior the camp and if we manage to sell your spot we will hold 50% of your deposit amount.
If you cancel less than 1 month prior the camp and if we manage to sell your spot we will hold 30% of your deposit.
You can use this amount for any camp during one year or give it to someone else. Just mention that you have X amount with your next booking.
Additionally, if you cancel the booking less than 2 weeks before the camp, you won’t be entitled to any compensation.
Can I book separate accommodation and only join longboard lessons / activities?
Due to the fact that our camps are always fully booked, we don’t divide our packages. The only rare exceptions are when we have last-minute cancellations and can offer a special deal.
Can I skip classes / choose only breakfasts / join several days later / leave earlier?
Due to the fact that our camps are always fully booked, we don’t divide / adjust / modify our packages. Therefore, it is up to you whether you would like to skip some activities, arrive later or depart earlier, yet it won’t affect the price of the package.
Are discounts accumulable?
It’s possible to combine any of the two discounts available.
For example, if you are a Portuguese citizen AND a returning guest, then you can enjoy 5%+5%=10% OFF.
Will Valeriya be present during the camp?
It depends on the specific week. Feel free to contact us if it's important for you to know.
Do you need volunteers / employees?
We don’t usually work with volunteers but should there be a vacancy, we will announce it on our channels. As for working with us, we do not have any open positions at this moment.
Packing list
Some essentials we recommend taking with you:
comfortable shoes for skating
(flat sole like vans, NO airmax, platforms, running shoes)
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comfortable clothes for skating
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comfortable clothes for other activities (such as yoga, meditation sessions)
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warm clothes because it can get cold and windy, especially in the evening (a hoodie, a jacket, a beanie)
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water bottle
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sun protection
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swimwear
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headwear
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flip flops