FAQ

Let’s Dive Into The Details

GENERAL

  • We created Dancelightly to be a surf and awareness platform that helps surfers integrate a soulful connection with water, self and the community.

    Our intention is to spread a lifestyle of dancing through this world lightly to minimize our environmental footprint and preserve the delicate balance of nature for all.

  • We cater to surfers of all levels, including beginners like you. If you're just starting, we recommend exploring our tailored membership, which is designed to guide you through your surfing journey step by step. Our membership offers a curated pathway, starting from foundational skills to personalized video surf analysis sessions and even immersive retreat experiences perfectly suited for beginners (you can start with our 7-Day Reset).

    Whether it's honing basic techniques, receiving personalized coaching, or embarking on a transformative surf adventure, our offerings cater to every stage of your surfing progression.

  • Our co-creator, Dana Hamann has been learning, exploring, and safeguarding the surfing space for over twenty years. She has extensive training in surf coaching, personal development, oceanic theory and wisdom, and sustainability and conservation. Her upbringing and experience in surfing and passion for conservation have made her who she is today.

    Her exposure to watermen and women around the world, and indigenous communities informs an intuitive and connected philosophy with the ocean. DanceLightly believes surfing provides a soulful connection with water, the self, and the community. All of our retreats and offerings are designed to allow you to explore a greater harmony within yourself and others.

RETREATS

  • Please message HERE that you would like to book your spot and we will share the payment process with you. The link above opens to our contact page where you can share what you are interested in. See you soon :)

  • We offer retreats in different locations so it is best to check our schedule for the year HERE. Some locations are not disclosed until your spot has been confirmed as we want to do our best to keep some places untouched.

  • Based on the retreat you are attending, we will have someone from our team meet you at the international airport closest to our destination. Your flights or ground transportation from/to the airport is included in your booking with us unless noted differently on the retreat page. A member of our team will pick you up from the airport and bring you to the accommodation. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact us here.

  • Our only requirement is that you must be able to catch your own waves (most of the time). The information shared and skills worked on during our retreats are above a beginner level so some prior surfing experience is necessary to ensure you take away all the value that is shared.

  • Each retreat page will have an FAQ page listed at the bottom with specific information regarding weather for that location.

  • We limit our surf retreats to fewer than 10 people to ensure each guest receives personalized, high-quality coaching and attention. This intimate setting fosters stronger connections among participants, allowing for deeper bonds to form during the retreat. With a smaller group size, individuals can engage more closely with coaches and fellow guests, creating a supportive and communal atmosphere for learning and building lasting friendships.

  • Apart from your usual travel essentials such as lightweight and breathable clothing, toiletries, and personal items, we suggest packing the following for this trip: your passport, travel and medical insurance cards, a beach towel, a tote bag, surf attire (rash guard, sun hat), flip flops, a bathing suit, a rain jacket, closed-toe shoes (if hiking or running), sunscreen, a water bottle, natural bug repellent, a mobile charger, and any necessary medications.

    Not to worry about longboards – they'll be provided, so leave yours at home! Unless of course you do desire to bring your own.

  • YES! Unless specified on the retreat program, anyone is welcome to join a DanceLightly retreat.

  • Yes, we encourage you to give back to the team depending on your satisfaction and the level of service received. A general guideline for tipping at our retreat is around 10-20% of the total cost.

    A core value at DL is above fair wages for all our staff but the gesture, kindness and gift are sure felt deeply as an act of love and value by our team.

  • Yes travel insurance is required at the guests expense.

  • Yes! We can always accommodate partners or families unless noted differently on the retreat page.

  • We LOVE to eat. Most of our guests say it’s almost like a food and surf retreat haha. So safe to say the food is delicious, nourishing, and always sourced as locally as possible.

  • Best to check the specific retreat page you are interested in to see what is noted regarding accommodation there. Have a look at our retreats HERE

  • Most of the time videos are included in your package and photos can be organized on request.

ONLINE VIDEO ANALYSIS

  • Those looking to transform their surf skill and surf mindset game. This is the ultimate way to improve! Receive theory, tips and tangible ways to progress through land, water, and mindset training. Must have your own high quality videos to share for Dana to give feedback.

  • We have a no refund policy. Your video analysis session can be rescheduled up to 5 days before your booking. Rescheduling less than 5 days before your booking will result in a $25 fee. Only 1 reschedule can be arranged for each booking. Additional rescheduling will result in the purchase of a new session.