Why You Should Apply to the TYPO3 Surf Camp 2027

Here in Germany, we're heading into the cold, dark months, so I'm already looking ahead to the 2027 events calendar. One event stands out for spring: the return of the TYPO3 Surf Camp. Even better, it's moving to a brand-new home in Porto, Portugal, with a new venue and a new surf school.

I've written about it before, but here's the short version. It's a week of working in small groups on technical (and non-technical!) projects, connecting with other young professionals, and taking breaks to learn how to surf. As a first-time attendee last year, I was skeptical. I wondered how it would actually work and whether the format was too good to be true.

The TYPO3 community is alive and well, but it's no secret that we need young talent to become the next generation of contributors. A few years ago, the idea was born to create a format that helps young professionals find their way into the TYPO3 community through mentorship and the chance to try something fun.

In a nutshell the Surf Camp includes a week of coding, building projects, meeting new people, learning to surf and, honestly, letting yourself get swept up in the experience.

This year, you'll be working with a view of the beach. Imagine debugging a tricky extension or sketching out a new UX flow while the waves roll in just outside the window. It's hard to think of a better backdrop for a week of focused, creative work. 

Porto also brings something new to the Surf Camp: a vibrant city right on your doorstep. Between sessions, you can wander the historic streets, try the local food and really soak up Portuguese culture. It turns the week into more than a work retreat. It's a chance to experience a city, not just a venue.

The location fits the spirit of the camp in another way, too. Portugal was the official partner country of the Smart Country Convention 2026, recognized for its transformation over the past decade into a modern, knowledge- and science-driven economy. Today it's an attractive hub for companies, startups and international professionals, with a strong focus on technology, international cooperation and sustainability. In other words, it's a key player in Europe's digital future, and a fitting place for the next generation of TYPO3 contributors to come together.

As in past years, the program is planned down to the smallest detail. A group of mentors selected from the community will be on hand to answer questions and guide you through the week. You can also look forward to a beautiful location, a highly recommended surf school with attentive instructors and staff, and comfortable accommodation shared with a fellow participant.

You'll have everything you need to focus on your work: dedicated workspaces with that beach view, plenty of outlets and refreshments. For the surfing, the team at Onda Pura will provide wetsuits and introductory lessons, and make sure you feel comfortable and prepared in the water. The organizers are seasoned veterans who have thought of everything, from group activities and ice-breakers to dinners and mixers that help everyone connect.

A typical day might look like this: a morning working session, a long lunch break, then either an afternoon working session or a surf lesson, followed by an evening activity. Think trivia, dinner, games or an evening out exploring Porto.

My advice? Arrive with an open mind and a willingness to join in and put yourself out there. And be prepared to be humbled by how hard it is to stand up on a surfboard, unless you happen to be a natural. (It’s a lot harder than it looks!)

Learn more about the Surf Camp

Nearly every Monday, I meet a friend for a cycling class in Berlin. Sometimes we grab dinner afterwards. We've met for coffee, ice cream and lunch breaks, and we've become genuine friends. Our story started at last year's TYPO3 Surf Camp.

I travel a fair amount for my role at TYPO3, and at bigger events I usually have a "security blanket": people I already know and tend to stick with. I'm always open to meeting new people, but here's my secret: I'm a little shy at first. At the Surf Camp, that shyness didn't last. In the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, I quickly let my guard down and talked with dozens of new people over the week.

The "traditional" way of working has shifted. Many of us work from home or stay in our silos, whether that's our discipline or our industry. TYPO3 is known for creating community-centered spaces where connection is encouraged and almost guaranteed. The Surf Camp brings together a brand-new group of people from different industries, locations and nationalities. And that’s the whole point, right? To connect and grow at a pivotal moment in your career.

Apply if you want to learn, meet new people and experience something truly special. And if you're unsure whether to apply? That's exactly the reason you should. You have nothing to lose by sending an application, and a lot to gain by joining a group that I'm sure will become fast friends.

The TYPO3 Surf Camp is a unique opportunity, not only for the experience itself. If your application is accepted, the TYPO3 Association covers your meals, accommodation, surf lessons and airport transfers. The only thing you pay for is your flight to and from Porto. That makes it an easy one to pitch to your boss or team as a professional development opportunity.

Need help making the case? Check out our dedicated page explaining the why behind the Surf Camp.

The camp welcomes a wide range of participants, not just developers. PHP programmers, frontend developers, designers, UX experts, project managers, marketers and more are all encouraged to apply. The goal for the group is balance. Think cross-functional teams with diverse perspectives and skill sets. A small caveat: you should have worked with TYPO3 at some point if you’d like to appy. 

Take a look at last year's projects and highlights to get a better feel for what the week involves.

If you plan to apply, keep in mind:

• You should join for the full seven days.
• You'll share a room with another participant; it's part of the experience.
• The application deadline is November 30, 2026.

For the full rules, visit the official TYPO3 Surf Camp 2027 website. Submit your application there, or reach out to the organizers with any questions.

I hope to see many of you in Porto! I'm already looking forward to the next TYPO3 Surf Camp and feel incredibly lucky to be a small part of it. If you’re selected to participate, maybe we’ll do an interview together on-site? I hope so!

See you next year in Portugal!