We caught up with Kylie, one of our Surf Retreat: Portugal guests to chat to her about the experience from start to finish.
IT STARTED WITH A SCROLL
What made you choose OAG?
I stumbled across OAG by chance on Instagram and followed the page for about a year before finally deciding to book a trip.
What first drew me in was how authentic everything felt. The women looked real and genuine, with different body sizes, abilities and backgrounds, and everyone seemed welcoming and excited to experience the world.
Then I saw the Portugal Surf Adventure. I’d wanted to go to surf camp since I was a kid, so learning to surf, visiting Portugal and having other girls there to connect with felt like the perfect combination.
What was going through your mind when you booked?
There was definitely a combination of nerves and excitement. I was travelling all the way from the US and worried I wouldn’t fit in or that everyone would already know each other.
I was also nervous about my surfing. I’d only surfed a handful of times and worried everyone would be amazing and I’d hold them back.
But I was determined to push past those anxieties.
And in the end, none of my fears came true.
THE NERVES WERE VERY REAL
How did OAG make you feel before the trip even started?
I always felt like I was being treated like a friend. Every email I exchanged was met with kindness and I never felt like I was a bother.
I always had the information I needed and never felt out of the loop, which was especially important to me coming from outside the UK.
“You never feel like just a customer; you feel you’re planning a trip with a friend.”
Did it feel easy to come on your own?
I was travelling solo and it definitely felt scary to come alone, but I felt prepared and it was actually really easy.
It was also nice to realise that most of the girls were travelling solo too. I didn’t feel out of place. It felt like I’d found a group of girls who were in the same situation: we wanted to travel but didn’t always have people who could do it with us.
THEN SOMETHING MAGICAL HAPPENED
What was the first few hours of the trip actually like?
I arrived later than most of the group, who had already spent the day together in Santa Cruz, so I was nervous that they’d already formed their own little groups.
But as the girls arrived back at the surf house, they naturally came outside and joined us around the pool. Soon everyone was sitting together and the conversations were just flowing.
There was no awkwardness or disconnect. No one was sitting on their own or being left out.
“It was like reconnecting with friends you haven’t seen in a while but have known forever.”
How quickly did you feel comfortable with the group?
Honestly? Within 25 minutes.
Everyone was welcoming, laid-back, excited and just normal. We had all come for the same reasons: to meet people, learn to surf and enjoy a brilliant trip together.
WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET
What surprised you most about travelling with OAG?
Honestly, that everything I saw and perceived online was exactly what I experienced in real life.
The people, the company, the difficulty level of the trip, all of it was transparent and accurate.
I think one of the biggest reasons people don’t book trips is because they’re scared it won’t match what they expect, or because they don’t know anyone. But the girls who participate really are as friendly and genuine as they seem online.
What does a typical day on an OAG trip feel like?
Our days were really relaxed. Breakfast, surfing, learning new skills and celebrating each other’s wins. Then lunch, some downtime and another lesson in the afternoon.
There was plenty of time to relax too. We’d sit by the pool, read, walk, do yoga or just hang out. Most of us ended up spending our downtime together anyway!
Dinner was usually together too, because we genuinely enjoyed being around each other.
THE PART YOU CAN’T CAPTURE IN A PHOTO
What’s something that happens on OAG trips that people wouldn’t expect from looking at the photos online?
The personal growth and confidence.
Deciding to go on a trip with people you don’t know, especially when you’re travelling solo, can be scary. There are so many reasons we tell ourselves not to do things.
But when you push past that voice and do something you’ve dreamed about, there’s so much growth that comes from it.
“That’s not something that can be captured in a photo or post.”
What was your favourite real-life moment?
I had so many wonderful, deep conversations. The kind that connect people on a deeper level surprisingly quickly.
And then there are the little wins. There’s nothing quite like finally getting up on your surfboard, having your coach give you two thumbs up and having the other girls screaming and cheering you on.
“Travelling solo is fun, but travelling with strangers who turn into friends is magical.”
THE HARDEST PART? GOING HOME.
How did you feel when the trip ended?
Leaving was hard. I shed a few tears and took the latest shuttle back to the airport.
The trip was everything I hoped for and more. I met really cool people, saw a new country and lived an experience I’d dreamed about since I was a kid.
Learning to surf the Silver Coast? SO COOL.
Learning to do it with strangers who became friends? Even cooler.
“That’s the kind of trip you never want to end.”
Did the experience leave you wanting to book another OAG adventure?
Well… I booked New Zealand the next day so…
I finally found my kind of people. Girls who want connection, adventure and to see the world.
So yes, I’m already booked onto New Zealand and Portugal 2027.
SO, WHAT IS IT ACTUALLY LIKE?
If a friend asked you what it’s actually like being an OAG guest, what would you say?
Honestly, it’s like going to grown-up camp.
You get to do things you’ve always wanted to try, explore new places and have the day planned for you without it feeling like a school trip.
You don’t have to worry about where you’re going, how you’re getting there or what you’re doing. That’s already taken care of.
What would you say to someone who’s still wondering whether they should book?
OAG attracts people who want to immerse themselves in experiences, see the world and connect with other people. And in doing that, the people you meet on these trips turn into friends.
Just do it already. You know you want to. 💛
