Learning to Surf in Costa Rica

Maybe you think of yourself as a bit of a daredevil. Maybe you want to feel closer to nature. Maybe you think you'd look really great in a wetsuit.

Whatever your reason, if you can swim and you're reasonably fit, there's no reason you shouldn't try surfing in Costa Rica. Many who do are forever changed. And Costa Rica is a top surfing destination -- especially for newbies. Not only are the waters warm and the surfing instructors friendly, but there's all kinds of surf for all kinds of folks (including beginners who have never been on a board before). But no one can just get on a surf board and go (wouldn't that be nice!), so here are some tips and suggestions to get you started surfing in Costa Rica:

So you're up early (before that midday sun starts to beat down), you've got your sunscreen on and you're feeling good. But don't get too gutsy! Before you try to "hang ten" for the first time, it's a good idea to find a spot where you can learn the basics and not scare yourself away from this wonderful sport. Costa Rica is a haven for surfers of all abilities, so finding your perfect spot shouldn't be too hard. Beginner beaches will have consistent, small waves and WON'T have rip tides or treacherous rocks to fall into. This is where you want to be. As a plus, these beaches are often where you'll find the surf camps and surf lessons. Some great beginner spots are: Playa Guiones in Nosara, and Samara Beach in Samara.

You can rent a board for the day and just head out into the water, if you'd like. But I'd advise against that. You might end up discouraged.

Surf lessons aren't that expensive and will teach you what you need to know. So spring for them -- you won't regret it. You can also check out surf schools and surf camps, if you really want to make surfing your sport. Some great ones are: Surf Simply and Safari Surf School, both in Nosara, which have a variety of packages to suit your needs. They can include lessons, lodging, meals, transportation and even massages. However, if you're still unsure about how much you'll like surfing or if you're short on time, you can always opt for a one-hour lesson (one-on-one or with one other person) from Corky Carroll's or somewhere similar. After your lesson, you can rent the board for the rest of the day (or for a half-day if you're feeling tired -- and you very well might be) to practice your new skills.

If you choose to rent a board and try it on your own, make sure you at least have someone from the shop help you pick out your board. And get the rash guard!

Hitting The Beach

If you get a lesson you may wonder why you don't head into the water right away. This means you have a good instructor. Learning to "pop-up" should be learned on the beach, and your instructor will be much better able to coach you on standing position and your paddling while you're both there in the sand. If you are familiar with yoga, you will find the surfing stance to very similar to the warrior pose with a little less stretch.

Once you've mastered the "pop-up" on land and your instructor has briefed you on water safety and surfing etiquette, you will head into the water to attempt to catch a (little) wave. Don't be discouraged if you can't get up! It is hard and it takes practice! Once a good wave is spotted and the path is clear, your instructor will likely assist you by pushing you into the wave until you can paddle fast enough to do it yourself.

Essentially, what you will be trying to do is paddle yourself into the wave, and as your board catches, you stand up as quickly as possible, stay with your center of gravity and enjoy the ride! Keep trying, because just standing up is more than half the battle and once you are doing that, you are surfing! You will get more comfortable with manoeuvring the board as you practice and before you know it, you will start to get better at reading waves and "feeling" your way around. How you ride the waves and where you go from there is up to you!