Rote Surf Progression Retreat 2026
A Purpose-Built Surf Progression Experience
Rote Island sits quietly on the far eastern edge of Indonesia, offering something increasingly rare in the modern surf world. Consistent swell. Warm water. Space to breathe. Waves that invite progression rather than pressure.
This remote island is rich in high-quality surf, from long, flowing reef breaks to more powerful, hollow peaks. Life moves slowly here. The environment is raw and beautiful, and the lineups remain pristine. It is a place where surfers can reconnect with the joy of surfing while putting focused energy into real improvement.
Overlooking Nemberala Bay and the iconic T-Land surf break, Utopia Rote Eco Lodge provides the setting for a refined and deeply immersive surf progression experience. Elevated yet grounded, the lodge allows you to fully commit to your surfing while being supported by nature, comfort, and intentional design.
June 12–20, 2026 · Utopia Rote Eco Lodge
This eight-night, nine-day Surf Progression Retreat is designed for intermediate to intermediate-advanced surfers who are ready to move beyond simply chasing waves.
True progression does not come from wave count alone. It comes from understanding technique, refining movement patterns, developing ocean awareness, and learning how to stay calm and composed when conditions become more demanding.
Throughout the retreat, you will work on positioning, timing, wave selection, and overall flow. You will build confidence in larger and more powerful surf while developing the strength, mobility, breath control, and mental clarity needed to surf at a higher level over the long term.
This is not a one-dimensional surf trip. It is a complete progression system designed to support your surfing well beyond this retreat.
What Is Included
- Airport or harbour pickup and drop-off on Rote
- All local transport for the duration of the retreat
- Boat transfers to T-Land and surrounding surf breaks
- Eight nights accommodation at Utopia Rote Eco Lodge
- Three nourishing meals per day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Daily coached surf sessions with video filming
- Daily structured video analysis and individual feedback
- Daily surf apnea and breath control training
- Daily surf-focused yoga and recovery sessions
- Ocean awareness and surf survival training
- Surf-specific strength, mobility, and agility training
- High-performance mindset and mental training for surfing
- Two guided ice bath sessions
- All surf photos and videos from the retreat
- One one-hour massage per guest
- Full access to common areas and high-speed Starlink WiFi
The Surf Coaching Approach
Each day begins with a purpose-driven surf session. Conditions, tides, and swell direction are carefully considered so that every surf serves a technical goal rather than being random time in the water.
Surf sessions are filmed and followed by guided video analysis where individual technique is broken down in a clear and constructive way. Focus areas include paddling efficiency, take-off timing, body positioning, trimming lines, speed generation, and decision-making on the wave.
This feedback loop allows you to make tangible adjustments session by session and see real progress throughout the week.
Alongside water time, surf-specific strength and movement sessions support better performance in the surf. These focus on functional strength, rotational power, joint stability, balance, and endurance using movement patterns that directly translate to paddling, popping up, and manoeuvring on a wave.
Breathwork and surf apnea training form a key part of the coaching process. These sessions help you manage stress, stay relaxed under pressure, and maintain clarity when conditions feel challenging. The goal is calm confidence and control, not reckless limit-pushing.
Yoga, mobility, and recovery sessions are woven into the program to keep the body resilient and responsive, supporting longevity and consistency in your surfing. Mental training sessions help refine focus, presence, and emotional regulation, recognising that surfing is as much psychological as it is physical.
The Waves of Rote Island
Rote offers an exceptional range of waves that allow surfers to refine different aspects of their surfing.
T-Land is the centrepiece. A long, mechanical left-hander offering endless opportunities to work on trimming, flow, cutbacks, and linking sections. Forgiving yet powerful, it is ideal for building rhythm and confidence.
Beyond T-Land, the island delivers a mix of right and left reef breaks. Some are playful and accessible, others faster and more critical. Boat access allows exploration of less frequented breaks, giving the group flexibility to surf waves that best match ability, conditions, and progression goals on any given day.
Other notable waves we will target include Sucky Mamas, Boa, and The Bommie.
Every wave becomes a classroom. Every session has intention.
Accommodation at Utopia Rote Eco Lodge
Utopia Rote Eco Lodge blends comfort, sustainability, and natural beauty. Built using locally sourced materials such as lontar palm and reclaimed boat wood, the lodge feels refined while remaining deeply connected to its environment.
Accommodation ranges from private bungalows to elevated suites and shared houses, all offering space to rest, recover, and reset. Communal areas encourage connection, while quiet corners invite reflection.
After long days of surfing and training, guests can unwind in the infinity pool overlooking Nemberala Bay, gather around the fire as the sun sets, or simply enjoy the stillness of the surrounding landscape.
Food and Nourishment
Surfing multiple hours a day requires proper fuel. Food at Utopia is a standout part of the experience.
Three generous meals are served daily using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many from the lodge’s own permaculture garden. Meals are designed to nourish, replenish, and support performance while remaining deeply satisfying.
A balanced mix of Western and Indonesian flavours ensures variety throughout the week. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Meet the Hosts
Daniel is the founder of Surf4Earth and an experienced surf progression coach, breathwork practitioner, and waterman. He has worked with surfers of all levels, from first-time surfers to elite WSL competitors, helping them develop confidence, technique, and ocean awareness. With deep knowledge of Rote’s wave setups and conditions, Daniel ensures guests are always surfing the right waves at the right time.
Sam is an accredited Holistic Life Coach and Yoga and Meditation teacher. She guides surf-specific yoga, mobility, and recovery sessions that support strength, balance, flexibility, and nervous system regulation. Her work complements the surf coaching by helping participants stay grounded, focused, and physically resilient throughout the retreat.
Local Rotanese surf guides, coaches, and photographers will also be part of the host team, bringing genuine local insight and island perspective.
Accommodation and Pricing
All prices are in USD and include the full retreat experience.
Bungalow 1 & 2
Sleeps 2
Single occupancy: 1200 USD
Double occupancy: 1600 USD (800 USD per person)
Treehouse
Sleeps 2
Single occupancy: 1350 USD
Double occupancy: 1600 USD (800 USD per person)
Pride Rock Suite
Sleeps 2
Single occupancy: 1800 USD
Double occupancy: 2400 USD (1200 USD per person)
Palm Suite
Sleeps 2–3
Single occupancy: 1500 USD
Double occupancy: 1800 USD (900 USD per person)
Triple occupancy: 2550 USD (850 USD per person)
Old Farm House
Sleeps up to 4
Single occupancy: 1800 USD
Double occupancy: 2000 USD (1000 USD per person)
Triple occupancy: 2400 USD (800 USD per person)
Quadruple occupancy: 3000 USD (750 USD per person)
Non-Surfer Option
A non-surfer rate of 600 USD per person is available for partners or friends who do not wish to participate in surf coaching or training but would like to join the retreat experience, shared meals, island adventures, and group activities.
What Is Not Included
- International flights
- Flights to Kupang and Rote
- Ferry from Kupang to Rote
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
This retreat is suitable for intermediate to intermediate-advanced surfers and is not designed for beginners.
Limited Availability
This retreat is limited to eight surfers to ensure personalised coaching, focused progression, and a high-quality group experience.
Enquire now to reserve your place.