Waluaa Surf & Yoga

Waluaa runs surf and yoga retreats in Santa Catalina, on Panama's Pacific coast in Veraguas, aimed at beginners and surfers returning to the sport. It also gives single surf lessons to anyone passing through the village.

Lessons are taught by ISA-certified coaches with a maximum of two or three surfers per coach. Each session includes a board, a rash guard and GoPro footage so you can review your progress. Beginners and intermediates learn at Playa Estero, a sandy beach with no reef, 400 metres from the village; more advanced surfers have the La Punta point break, a right-hander that can run for 400 metres.

Besides single lessons, Waluaa sells 3-day and 5-day programmes that add a theory session, video review and transport to the beach. Yoga and wellness classes complete the offer for guests staying on site.