Intermediate Surfing Lessons

Take your surfing to the next level with the professional surf instructors of Tico Mae Retreats! Our intermediate surfing lessons teach you the art of consistently catching more waves. Join us in the tropical oasis that is Sámara, Costa Rica for a single session or a week-long excursion.

Please note that these intermediate 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 intermediate surfing lessons, contact us about availability.

What You’ll Learn in Your Intermediate Surfing Lesson

During your intermediate surfing lesson, we’ll take to the water where you will learn more on surfboard positioning and wave timing. Specifically, the intermediate-level lesson covers:

• Timing for popping up on your surfboard
• Board positioning* and center of gravity (COG)
• Efficient paddling techniques

*Your surf instructor will conduct a personal assessment to determine the best size surfboard for your skill level and body size. Typically, this ranges between a 6’10″ and 8’ board. Of course, if you have a surfboard of your own, feel free to bring it along.

Our intermediate surfing lessons build on the foundation of our beginner’s program where participants learn about surfing body mechanics. Once you’ve mastered body positioning and technique, you’ll practice the aforementioned skills for the optimal takeoff in 4’ to 6’ waves. Learn more on our Surfing FAQs page.

Included in Our Intermediate Surfing Lessons

Your intermediate surfing lesson with Tico Mae Retreats includes:

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

*We do allow personal surfboards if you decide to bring your own.

Best Lesson Time for Intermediate Surfers

For intermediate surfers, high-tide or mid-tide in the morning or evening is best. Of course, this depends on the wind and wave conditions. Learn more about the waves in our article on ocean safety.

Requirements for Intermediate Surfers

To ensure safety and success, we require participants of our intermediate-level program to:

• Be a strong swimmer with at least 2 years of surfing experience.
• Have no major injuries or health conditions.
• Be open to learning and having fun.
• Be able to read the water and recognize rip tides.
• Feel comfortable with the board in big water.
• Complete a liability waiver.
• Complete a parental consent form (if under 18 years old).

We also ask that you arrive at your intermediate 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 Intermediate Surfing Lessons

Tico Mae Retreats offers a variety of intermediate-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.

*TMR’s Surf and Fitness Retreat is an all-levels, all-inclusive surf vacation offered only in April. Learn more on all our upcoming surfing retreats for adults and families and keep up with latest (including surfing tips and earlybird discounts!) by subscribing to our e-newsletter.

Tico Mae Retreats also offers surfing lessons in Costa Rica for beginner 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.