Cherry Red Cali Surf 2023

[CaliSurfGirl]

Welcome And hope you have a lot of fun with it, I’m sure that the differences in equipment won’t make much difference, we rarely use the wind out awning and have a less is more approach to our camping trips. Our first “skakedown” trip was down to Spain in March and the vehicle did everything we expected and more!.

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Hi! Thank you, I’m very excited! Love your pic…your two tone Cali nestling in the woods! Is there anywhere in Spain you’d recommend? And how did you get across the water?! Boat or tunnel? I want to go to Austria in mine this year. Any travel tips will be greatly appreciated

 

[kurienp]

Welcome. Where’s the trademark cali awning?!

Look carefully behind the lady. It is leaning against the tree waiting to be fitted

 

[Kayleigh]

They are c

loving mine for sure! I think I’m going to wait and see if I need an awning. Definitely looks better without! I’ve seen these slide in awnings…wonder what consensus is on those?!..?

Yep… Red Calis look much better without the awning

 

[Surfer]

Hi All, Happy to have joined the Cali Club at last! After 2 years of umm-ing and aah-ing I’ve finally taken the plunge with a shiny cherry red Cali Surf 2023 and I’m very happy and excited.
And currently relying on YouTube a lot to figure things out!

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Well done and welcome, the Surf came out Spring 23, I have an Iridium Grey one, mine was a demonstrator and came with an awning, Woodstock alloys and detachable towbar. It was a March 23 build so actually has Ocean Decals. I have seen a few others the same.
The Surf is in between the Coast and Ocean, in the rear it has the Light Oak cabinets but the rest is the same as the Ocean bar the shower. Up front they do not have Front fogs or autolights. Analogue Dash and no Sat Nav, though you can upgrade in the VW shop. 16 inch brakes and after that pretty much the same as an Ocean. I found California Chris a great reference point for queries.
Took the boat to Bilboa last summer and worked our way back up to Cherbourg over 2 weeks. Really 3 weeks would be better. Looking to go back via Bilboa this summer but stay more in Spain and Southern France. Even have the Gen Zees looking to join in for a week !
Enjoy

 

[Christine Kirk]

Hi! Thank you, I’m very excited! Love your pic…your two tone Cali nestling in the woods! Is there anywhere in Spain you’d recommend? And how did you get across the water?! Boat or tunnel? I want to go to Austria in mine this year. Any travel tips will be greatly appreciated

We took the ferry from Newhaven : took the non motorway route down through Franc on the “N” routes, went straight over the border into Spain ( avoided the main road routes )
Think it was the N139 but can’t remember!
Take your pick in Spain indeed anywhere there’s always some great places that are fascinating: we tend towards the obscure places rather than the “touristy “ ones!
That’s the whole point of the California thing.

 

[CaliSurfGirl]

Well done and welcome, the Surf came out Spring 23, I have an Iridium Grey one, mine was a demonstrator and came with an awning, Woodstock alloys and detachable towbar. It was a March 23 build so actually has Ocean Decals. I have seen a few others the same.
The Surf is in between the Coast and Ocean, in the rear it has the Light Oak cabinets but the rest is the same as the Ocean bar the shower. Up front they do not have Front fogs or autolights. Analogue Dash and no Sat Nav, though you can upgrade in the VW shop. 16 inch brakes and after that pretty much the same as an Ocean. I found California Chris a great reference point for queries.
Took the boat to Bilboa last summer and worked our way back up to Cherbourg over 2 weeks. Really 3 weeks would be better. Looking to go back via Bilboa this summer but stay more in Spain and Southern France. Even have the Gen Zees looking to join in for a week !
Enjoy

Ahh some facts about what the differences are!! Thanks so much, it’s been really hard trying to find out what the difference is, bar a couple of obvious things!
Spain is a great idea and definitely on my list. Thank you for the tips. Do you book camp sites before you go? Or just rock up?! Or just wild camp?!?!?! Thanks so much

 

[Surfer]

Ahh some facts about what the differences are!! Thanks so much, it’s been really hard trying to find out what the difference is, bar a couple of obvious things!
Spain is a great idea and definitely on my list. Thank you for the tips. Do you book camp sites before you go? Or just rock up?! Or just wild camp?!?!?! Thanks so much

Hi, had the first couple of nights prebooked, Youth hostel in Bilboa has a parking area with electric, breakfast included, did a couple of stages of the Tour de France, ended up parked in the Pau station one night. Generally easy enough to book online on the day, municipal sites in France are 100%, clean, showers, washing facilities etc and secure usually between €20~€30 a night with electric. Some private sites seemed a draw with pool etc, but generally busy with children and cost price x2. St Jean de Luz was great, stones throw from a patrolled beach and €2 bus service into town. Saint Malo and Barfleur also good but not beachy. If you are doing France you should get CRIT'Air registration, it's less than £10 and allows you into ULEZ towns/cities. You can apply online, once got it is transferable. Good luck and enjoy your van

 

[CaliSurfGirl]

Hi, had the first couple of nights prebooked, Youth hostel in Bilboa has a parking area with electric, breakfast included, did a couple of stages of the Tour de France, ended up parked in the Pau station one night. Generally easy enough to book online on the day, municipal sites in France are 100%, clean, showers, washing facilities etc and secure usually between €20~€30 a night with electric. Some private sites seemed a draw with pool etc, but generally busy with children and cost price x2. St Jean de Luz was great, stones throw from a patrolled beach and €2 bus service into town. Saint Malo and Barfleur also good but not beachy. If you are doing France you should get CRIT'Air registration, it's less than £10 and allows you into ULEZ towns/cities. You can apply online, once got it is transferable. Good luck and enjoy your van

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So helpful, thanks so much. I’m looking forward to travelling in my Surf!