Is there an inner surfer in you waiting to come out? Ever wondered what it would be like? Well now is your chance to find out! If learning to surf or improving your style is on your bucket list, then this is the perfect opportunity. Surfing is fun and surprisingly easy to learn. With over 20 years experience, Walter’s Surf Shop instructors know exactly how to coach you into riding your first wave. Then if you want, you can keep the surfboard for another 24 hours to continue the fun. This surf school is 100% Costa Rican, owned and operated by passionate surfers who want to share their excitement with you. By the end of the 2-hour class, you just may be hanging 10!
Your surf lesson begins with transportation from your hotel in Jaco down to Walter’s Surf Shop. There you will meet with professional, bilingual instructors who will show you an entertaining and informative video that will help you get a visual on the theory you’ll be learning. The surf shop welcomes groups, putting 3 participants together with each instructor so everyone gets individualized attention while in the water.
If this is your first lesson, you will be taught surfing etiquette, the difference between waves and where they come from, plus general knowledge about the ocean. Your instructor will introduce you to surfing terms like paddling out, popping up, rips, line up, and other common surfing terms. Later you’ll discover the reward of learning the basics when everything comes together as you surf for the first time!
Next, you’ll head to the beach with your surfboard! You will learn how to paddle, stand up, and read the waves. You’ll also be taught how to safely handle the board while in the water which is vital information for maximum fun while staying safe.
Experienced surfers who want to up their game might be interested to know some of the instructors actually design surfboards as well. One instructor was the national champion for 6 years, so will be sure to show you some new, exciting moves.
Jaco Beach, located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is hugely popular among surfers. Southern swells form a lot of peaks due to a sheltered bay that faces west. These conditions generate whitewater reforms, which simply means waves that initially break, then die down over deeper water, reforming and breaking a second time over a sandbar or reef. The second break is closer to shore and perfect for beginners. Surfing is tide dependent with the best time to catch the waves being around 2 hours before high tide.
This tour includes a professional, bilingual instructor, 2-hour surf lesson, high-quality surfboard for 24 hours, rash guard, fresh fruit, bottled water and transportation from Jaco, which can take from 15 to 20 minutes depending on your pick up location. Combined time of surf lesson and round trip transportation typically takes from 2.5 to 3 hours.
Please bring your bathing suit and a dry change of clothing, sun block, and a towel. You may want to bring a camera to record your first surfing experience or document your new moves if you’re a veteran surfer!
6 and up
Latitude: N 9° 37' 3.17"
Longitude: W 84° 38' 6.56"