Now we have a whole new reason to go to Brazil: South America’s only LGBTQ surf camp running October 25 – November 1, 2014 in the state of Santa Catarina.
Brazil may be more famous for Carnival and its mammoth São Paulo gay pride, but the nation also has some of the best wave action in the hemisphere. Under expert tutelage, beginners will learn how to shoot the tubes like a pro. When thinking of high-profile sports, surfing probably isn’t the first to spring to mind, but one look at seriously hot practitioners like Greg Cipes should definitely widen your scope. Google the pic of him in low-slung sweats. It is totally worth it.
Back to the camp. You cannot beat the events gay cred: openly gay Thomas Castets, founder of GaySurfers.net, tackled the subject of homophobia in the surf world with his recent, and award-winning, documentary “Out in the Line-Up.” He also asked members of the world’s leading online LGBTQ surfing community for suggestions to improve this situation.
Said Castets, “we found that gay surfers really wanted us to create surf trips with other gay surfers. So we partnered with Brazil Ecojourneys to organize a week of surfing, relaxing, and yoga in the gorgeous town of Praia do Rosa in South Brazil. After a successful first run last year, we knew we had to do it again in 2014.”
The 2013 camp pulled in surfer dudes from Canada to Argentina (that’s literally both ends of the Americas). 2014 attendees will land in Florianopolis, capital of Santa Catarina, before moving on to Praia do Rosa, a seaside town with not only some serious swells but also one of the gayest beaches in the country south of Ipanema. And you will not be alone — Praia do Rosa is set squarely on a major whale migration route. You may find yourself with some very big company. Did you know a whale penis is called a “dork?”
Anyhoo, newbies will get guidance from Praia do Rosa icon Capitão David, AKA “The Captain,” surf coach and owner of the oldest local surf school, established in 1995. 15,000 students have gone from total neophytes to surfing experts under his steady hand. But anyone thinking this is a walk in the part, au contraire. The lessons are hours long, and be prepared to wipe out more than once. Practice, practice, practice.
However, once you get the basics down, a whole new world is open to you. Hawaii, Costa Rica, Portugal, and France have whole communities based on the sport. No one ever said you had to be flat on your back while getting a tan.
For more information, go to GaySurfers.net or contact Marta Dalla Chiesa of Brazil Ecojourneys at contact [email protected]. Steele Luxury Travel can assist with all of your travel planning to Brazil including discounted business class airfare! Contact us at [email protected].