Beginner Surfing Lessons

Learn how to surf in Sámara, Costa Rica with the professional surfing instructors of Tico Mae Retreats! We guarantee you’ll be standing on your surfboard by the end of our beginner surfing lessons.

Please note that these beginner sessions are typically only open to participants of our surfing retreats. We offer these as an addition to the surfing lessons included in the retreat cost. For more on our unique surf vacations, refer to our upcoming offerings:

• Surf and Fitness Retreat
• Surfing and Wellness Retreat
• Surf and Family Retreat
• Surfing and Service Retreat

If you are not attending a TMR retreat but are interested in our beginner lessons, contact us about availability.

What You’ll Learn in Your Beginner Surfing Lesson

During your beginning surfing lesson, we will deep-dive into surfing body mechanics on the white sand beaches of Playa Sámara. That way, you safely gain a firm understanding of body positioning, technique, and surfing etiquette before entering the ocean. Then, you’ll hit the white water (or white foam) with our certified surf instructors to learn the basics of standing up, catching a wave, and wave timing. Specifically, your first beginner surf lesson covers:

• Body position
• Surfboard size*
• Catching a wave
• Board and ocean safety
• Level of physical activity

*Your surf instructor will determine the best size surfboard for your body weight and size. Typically, this ranges between 7’ and 10’ longboards.

For beginner surfers, Tico Mae Retreats recommends learning in the shallows so you can safely stay on your feet. Once you’ve got the basics down, we’ll focus on catching more waves. Learn more on our Surfing FAQs page.

Included in Our Beginner Surfing Lessons

Your beginner surfing lesson with Tico Mae Retreats includes:

• 1 hour of professional surf instruction
• 2 hours of free surfboard rental
• Rash guard rental
• T-shirt (yours to keep!)
• Tropical fruit

Best Lesson Time for Beginner Surfers

For beginner surfers, mid-tide is an easier time for catching the most waves. Why? More space between waves and less undercurrents. Learn more about the waves in our article on ocean safety.

Requirements for Beginner Surfers

To ensure safety and success, we require participants of our beginner’s program to:

• Know how to swim.
• Have no major injuries or health conditions.
• Be open to learning and having fun.
• Complete a liability waiver.
• Complete a parental consent form (if under 18 years old).

We also ask that you arrive at your beginner surfing lesson already dressed in your swimsuit or board shorts and that you bring along a bottle of water, sunscreen, and hat. We will provide a rash guard and snacks (tropical fruit!).

Not sure which surf-lesson level is right for you? Drop us a line and we’re happy to help you find the right fit.

Pricing and Package Deals for Beginner Surfing Lessons

Tico Mae Retreats offers a variety of beginning-surfer pricing options and package deals to suit your schedule and budget. The cost includes the use of our surfboards and rash guards, but you may also bring your own.

Tico Mae Retreats also offers surfing lessons in Costa Rica for intermediate and advanced surfers as well as yoga on the beach. Led by Wendy De Rosa, TMR yoga perfectly complements a day on the water. Please inquire for private and group yoga rates.