Retreat Overview
7 Days, 6 Nights | Max 4 Foilers | 2 Sessions Daily | Advanced Level
This intensive retreat in Playa Venao, Panama is designed for experienced foilers ready to transition from flat water towing to wave riding. With only 4 participants, you'll receive personalized coaching, daily drone filming, and professional jet ski drivers.
2025 Retreat Dates
May 2–9, 2025
May 18–25, 2025
June 10–17, 2025
What's Included in Your Foil Retreat
-
Accommodation & Transportation
- Private airport transfers from Panama City to Playa Venao and return
- 6 nights at Playa Venao Resort in comfortable rooms
- Daily breakfast and dinner at the resort -
Foil Tow-In Sessions
- Up to 12 jet ski tow-in sessions (2 per day)
- Jet ski drivers experienced in foil towing
- Full tow-in foil setup provided
- Safety briefings and session planning each day -
Video Analysis & Coaching
- Daily drone photography and filming
- 2 comprehensive video analysis sessions
- One-on-one coaching on technique
- All drone footage and photos delivered -
Bonus Amenities
- Free use of surfboards at Shokogi
- Access to Playa Venao Resort facilities
- Local knowledge and wave forecasting
What To Bring & Gear Rental
Not Included:
- Foil equipment (board and foil) – bring your own or rent
- Lunch – restaurants within walking distance
- Travel insurance – highly recommended
- Flights to Panama City
Foil Gear Rental Available
Complete foil setup: $100 per day
Includes foil board and hydrofoil. We carry high-performance equipment suitable for tow-in wave riding. Reserve your gear when booking.
Your Daily Retreat Schedule
7:00 AM – Breakfast & Session Planning
Review conditions and plan the day's approach
8:30 AM – Morning Tow-In Session
1.5-2 hours on the water with drone filming
11:00 AM – Free Time
Relax, explore, lunch, or free surf
2:00 PM – Afternoon Tow-In Session
Second 1.5-2 hour session with different tide
5:00 PM – Video Review (select days)
Watch footage, receive coaching, plan improvements
6:30 PM – Dinner & Community
Share stories with fellow foilers
*Schedule adjusts based on tides and conditions
Who Should Attend This Foil Tow-In Retreat?
✅ This Retreat Is For You If:
- You can confidently fly a hydrofoil behind jet ski, boat, or wing
- You're comfortable with tow-in basics (getting up, maintaining flight, releasing rope)
- You want to transition from flat water to wave riding
- You can handle intermediate waves (chest-high and above)
- You want video analysis to accelerate progression
❌ Not Ready Yet?
This retreat requires existing tow-in experience. If you're new to foiling, start with our beginner foil lessons to build foundational skills first.
📋 Approval Required
Before booking, submit foil riding videos showing your current ability. Email: shokogipanama@gmail.com
This ensures all participants have similar skill levels for the best group experience.
Why Playa Venao for Foil Tow-In Training?
Multiple Locations, Not One Break
Most foil retreats lock you into one break with variable conditions. Playa Venao offers multiple tow-in locations within minutes—we choose the best spot daily based on swell, wind, and your ability. This flexibility means you're never stuck with poor conditions.
Maximum Water Time
Our jet ski drivers eliminate positioning guesswork and maximize your wave count. You get dramatically more attempts per session compared to paddling or self-towing. Our drivers are experienced foilers themselves who know these breaks intimately and can coach technique in real-time.
World-Class Year-Round Conditions
78-82°F water (no thick wetsuits needed), consistent Pacific swells (never flat), and uncrowded lineups—often entire sections to yourself. We successfully run retreats 12 months a year, though May-June offers peak consistency for this program.
Retreat Pricing & Booking
PRICING:
Shared Room (2 people): $3,600 per person
Single Occupancy (private room): $4,000
Your Investment Includes:
✓ Airport transfers (round-trip)
✓ 6 nights accommodation
✓ 12 meals (6 breakfasts, 6 dinners)
✓ 12 jet ski tow-in sessions
✓ Daily drone filming
✓ Video analysis coaching
Frequently Asked Questions
You must already be comfortable flying a hydrofoil behind a jet ski, boat, or wing. This retreat is for intermediate to advanced foilers transitioning to wave riding.
Email foil riding videos to shokogipanama@gmail.com showing your tow-in ability and let us know the date you are interested in. We'll review within 24-48 hours.
You're welcome to bring your own gear. We also offer complete foil setups for $100/day ($700 for the full week).
Up to 4 hours daily, typically split into two 2-hour sessions (morning and afternoon); sometimes we'll do one long session per day. Schedule depends on tides and conditions.
No, you'll need to book flights to Panama City (PTY). We provide private transportation from the airport to Playa Venao and back.
Cancellations 60+ days out receive full refund minus $500 fee. 30-59 days forfeit 50%. Within 30 days non-refundable. Travel insurance recommended.
Waves range from knee to head high. We'll choose the best spot daily from a variety of nearby locations.
No, this requires existing foil tow-in experience. Start with our beginner foil lessons first to build foundational skills.