Surfing Basics for Beginners in Costa Rica

Takeaways:

• Santa Teresa’s gentle waves and warm water make it the ultimate surf destination for first-timers who want to learn in luxury.
• The best time to surf in Costa Rica is from December to April. Beginners would like the smaller waves and more moderate weather with sunny skies.
• Casa Teresa Luxury Villa guests can unwind in a lavish beachfront villa after surfing and enjoy top-tier concierge and amenities. 

Do you dream of riding waves in paradise? But don’t have the expertise yet?

Imagine learning to surf where A-listers escape for luxury. Warm water, secluded beaches, and some of the most renowned coffee in the world make Costa Rica a paradise for surfers of every level. And Santa Teresa is its prized treasure. You can find prime surfing destinations right down the Pacific coast. Here, luxury meets adventure. 

Surfing in Costa Rica for beginners means waking up in your private beachfront villa, sipping fresh-pressed juice, then meeting up with your personal instructor your concierge booked for you, and strolling barefoot onto warm, velvety sands. The waves are soft, steady, and beginner-friendly,  waiting for you to catch your very first ride under the tropical sun.

The Surf Attraction of Costa Rica

Since the ‘60s and ‘70s, surf-loving travelers have been sharing glowing reports back home about the surf opportunities along Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. And people were intrigued, to say the least. With quiet beaches and constant peaks, this surfer’s paradise couldn’t seem to get any better! 

You’d expect that such a destination would quickly turn into a commercial tourist destination. While Santa Teresa and the Nicoya region have become more popular in recent years, strong sustainability policies from the Costa Rican government have protected the pristine coastline and lush jungle background. Conservation movements among the general public have played their part, too. 

There are occasional international and national surf competitions held here, but as a beginner learning to surf in Costa Rica, Santa Teresa still feels unique. Here, life is slow but rich. You’re more likely to find groups of volunteers tagging turtles than large crowds of surf “paparazzi”. And honestly, that’s exactly how we like it!

How to Get Started with Surfing

Find the Right Beach

There are so many places to surf in Costa Rica, but a few, in particular, are ideal for beginners along the country’s Pacific coast. Naturally, our favorite spot is the kilometer-long stretch of sand in Santa Teresa. 

Located 0.5 miles from top-end restaurants and a mere 75 yards from our estate, Casa Teresa, this beach has a laid-back vibe. You’ll have the best time surfing here. It attracts a fair share of high-profile visitors, honeymooning couples, and groups of friends.

If you’re still finding your surf legs, you need something manageable. Shores with soft sand bottoms and mellow breaks are ideal. Try one of these beaches for catching your first waves:

• Playa Carmen
• Playa Hermosa
• Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula
• Playa Avellanas on the Guanacaste Province’s Golden Coast
• Playa Guiones on the Nicoya Peninsula
• Playa Hermosa in the North Puntarenas Province
• Playa Dominical in the Bahía Ballena

At each of these locations, you’ll find locals to guide you to the best part of the beach for beginner surfing. They’ll help you get into the rhythm of the pura vida lifestyle. But don’t let your guard down while planning your itinerary. A current can form at the turn of the tide. Look for beaches with lifeguard stations and surf schools. They’ll spot hazards and guide you through currents.

Choose the Best Time

Beginner surfers in Costa Rica should visit during the dry season, which starts in December. It’s the best season for both travel and surfing. This time of year, you’ll get sunny mornings, gentle offshore winds, and reliable 2-4-foot waves. The water temps hover around 82°F (28°C), so no wetsuits are necessary here!

By January and February, the waves pick up slightly. The green season, which starts in May and lasts through September, is not great for first-timers. The swells are bigger this time of year, and so are the rainstorms. September and October see heavy rains and choppy seas. Unless you are an advanced surfer, consider other adventures during this season.

For novice surfers, Costa Rica is most welcoming in December. So, plan your trip wisely. And before visiting Santa Teresa, look into the travel season as you’re putting together your plans.

Surf Basics for Beginners

In Costa Rica, the waves are generally forgiving, but you still need to be cautious. Here are some surfing tips to keep safe amid rolling waves:

• Use proper gear: Rash guards, reef-safe sunscreen, and leashes are your best friends. Never go surfing without these essentials. Opt for a soft-top board. It’s buoyant and stable. When you’re done for the day, rinse your gear with fresh water to avoid saltwater damage. 

• Nail the technique: Warm up first so your muscles don’t strain. When you’re in the water, use deep, even strokes. Keep your head up and eyes forward to spot incoming waves. Start on small, 2-3 ft whitewater breaks to build confidence before you tackle bigger swells.

• Follow surf etiquette: Consult locals or your surfing instructor to stay safe. Mid-tide in Costa Rica offers the steadiest waves for beginners. When you are ready to ride, always wait your turn. Dropping in on another surfer’s wave is not cool. Surfing is all about good vibes.

Plan Your Stay

The Santa Teresa town offers plenty of board hire options. So you won’t have to lug your surf board halfway across the world! There is also a vibrant local community that will be happy to share their surfing knowledge and expertise. If you want a one-of-a-kind experience, stay at Casa Teresa villa rentals.

Our properties encompass 1.3 lush, tropical acres, with two palatial villas: 4,700 sq ft Casa Teresa and 16,000 sq ft Casa Teresa Grande. Each house offers ocean-view suites, infinity pools, private gyms, steam rooms, and bespoke concierge services. Together, they can house 21 people! When you book our private chef and wellness coach, staying at Casa Teresa provides the ultimate way to enjoy Costa Rica by yourself or with a group.

If a surf vacation in Costa Rica is just what the doctor ordered, be sure to book ahead. You don’t want to miss out on our 5-star services and world-class luxury, all while ensuring 100% privacy. 

Surf to New Heights

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is the perfect surf town for beginners and pros alike. And Casa Teresa is the best luxury vacation rental, no matter what time of year you visit. 

Staying with us provides you VIP access to book the best local instructors and activities, making it easy to learn surfing and enjoy the ocean in peace. Contact our staff to book a memorable stay with us in Costa Rica!