FAQ

retreat

  • Our retreat welcomes participants of all skill levels - from complete beginners to advanced athletes. For surfing, we offer lessons tailored to your experience, with separate groups for those who’ve never stood on a board and those looking to refine their technique. Swimming sessions are also divided by ability, and our functional training can be scaled to match your fitness level.

  • Our retreats welcome participants of all fitness levels! Before the retreat, we’ll ask you to complete a questionnaire about your experience and comfort level with swimming, surfing, and general fitness. All activities offer modifications for beginners through advanced practitioners. While basic swimming ability is recommended for surf retreats, we can accommodate complete beginners with additional support. The focus is on personal growth rather than competition.

  • We provide all essential equipment including surfboards, and training equipment. You should bring:

    • 2-3 swimsuits/board shorts

    • Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended)

    • UV-protective shirts/rash guards

    • Athletic clothing for functional training sessions

    • Refillable water bottle

    • Towels for beach

    • Flip-flops and athletic shoes (optional)

    Equipment rental is included in your retreat package, but if you prefer to use your own surfboard or specific training gear, you’re welcome to bring it.

  • The retreat is designed to be challenging but adaptable to your fitness level. A moderate level of physical fitness will help you enjoy the activities fully, but all sessions can be modified to match your capabilities. You’re free to opt out of any activity if you’re feeling fatigued or prefer to rest. We encourage participants to listen to their bodies and maintain a sustainable pace throughout the retreat. Rest days or lighter activity days can be arranged with your instructor.

  • The best time to visit Siargao for our retreat depends on your priorities:

    • March to October: Ideal for surfing with consistent swells (peak surfing season: September-October)

    • November to February: Calmer waters, better for swimming and beginners learning to surf

    • April to June: Typically offers the best weather conditions with less rainfall

    • July to November: Can experience occasional rainstorms but offers excellent surf conditions

    Our retreats run year-round, but we adjust the program emphasis based on seasonal conditions to ensure you get the most out of your experience.

Swimming

  • We offer swimming lessons for all age groups, from infants (6 months+) to seniors. Our classes are categorized by both age and skill level to ensure everyone receives appropriate instruction tailored to their developmental stage and swimming ability.

  • Standard swimming lessons are 60 minutes in duration. For beginners, we recommend weekly lessons to build consistency and muscle memory. As skills develop, some students may benefit from three times weekly sessions. Each student progresses at their own pace, and we will provide recommendations based on individual progress.

  • We provide all essential equipment including kickboards, pull buoys, and flotation devices. You only need to bring your swimsuit, towel, and goggles (optional for beginners but recommended).

  • We understand that schedules can change. With 24-hour advance notice of cancellation, we offer a make-up session that can be scheduled within the same month. No-shows or cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice cannot be rescheduled. We recommend checking our cancellation policy for complete details.

PERSONAL TRAINING

  • Our standard personal training sessions are 60 minutes, though we offer 90-minute options as well. For optimal results, most clients benefit from 2-3 sessions per week, but this varies based on your fitness goals, current condition, and schedule. During your initial assessment, your trainer will recommend an ideal frequency for your specific situation.

  • Your first session focuses primarily on assessment and goal-setting. We’ll discuss your health history, fitness objectives, and any limitations or concerns. You’ll complete basic fitness assessments (flexibility, strength, endurance) so we can establish your baseline and track progress. We’ll also introduce you to proper form for fundamental exercises and develop your personalized training plan.

  • While our personal trainers can offer general nutrition advice and basic guidelines to complement your fitness program, we are not registered dietitians. For clients seeking comprehensive nutrition plans, we partner with certified nutritionists and can provide referrals. We can also coordinate with your existing nutrition professional to ensure alignment between your exercise and dietary programs.

  • Results vary significantly based on factors including training frequency, intensity, adherence to recommendations, nutrition, sleep quality, stress levels, and individual physiology. Most clients notice improvements in energy and mood within the first 2 weeks. Physical changes typically become noticeable after 4-6 weeks of consistent training. Significant transformations usually require 3-6 months of dedicated effort.

  • We require 24 hours’ notice for cancellations to avoid being charged for the session. With proper notice, you can reschedule within the same week, subject to availability. We understand emergencies happen, so clients receive one “emergency cancellation” per quarter that can be used with less than 24 hours’ notice without penalty.

online personal training

  • For basic sessions, minimal equipment is needed: a device with camera and internet connection, adequate space (approximately 6x6 feet), exercise mat, and comfortable clothes. Depending on your program, we might recommend lightweight dumbbells, resistance bands, or a stability ball. Your trainer can design effective workouts using household items if you don’t have traditional fitness equipment.

  • Online sessions follow the same principles as in-person training but are adapted for remote instruction. Your trainer will demonstrate exercises, observe your form via video, and provide real-time feedback. The main differences include: reliance on bodyweight, modified spotting techniques, and greater emphasis on precise verbal cues. Many clients actually report deeper focus during online sessions due to fewer distractions.

  • We are skilled at visual assessment through video. We’ll ask you to position your camera to provide optimal viewing angles for each exercise. We use detailed verbal cues, demonstrations, and may use drawing tools on screen to highlight form corrections.

  • If technical difficulties occur, we follow a simple protocol: first, try reconnecting to the session. If problems persist, we’ll switch to a phone call to continue verbal guidance while troubleshooting. In cases where video is essential and cannot be restored, we’ll reschedule the remainder of your session without additional charge. All clients receive a backup workout plan they can follow independently if technical issues cannot be resolved immediately.

  • We primarily use Google Meet for its reliability, screen-sharing capabilities, and recording options. We’ll send a test link before your first session to ensure everything works properly on your device.