Cartagena Surfing Lessons with Colombian Team Coaches

Warm up on land, practice on the simulator, then catch waves in the Caribbean

Private surfing lessons in Cartagena taught by high-performance athletes and coaches from the Colombian surf team. The school meets you at Polybeachouse, runs through technique on a surf simulator, then takes you into the water for about 90 minutes total. Lycra wear, board, leash, bottled water and professional photography are included; guides speak English and Spanish, and children from age 5 are welcome.

The Experience

You arrive at Polybeachouse, the school's base in Cartagena, and spend a few minutes talking through what you've done in the water before—or whether this is your first time. The instructors ask questions to understand where you're starting from, then build the lesson around that. If you've never surfed, they walk you through the fundamentals. If you've caught waves elsewhere, they focus on technique refinement and the best breaks along Colombia's coast.

The lesson itself moves through three stages. You start with a warm-up on the beach, then move to the surf simulator—a training tool that lets you practice the pop-up and body position on land before paddling out. This matters: you're drilling the motion that takes most beginners weeks to get right, compressing it into minutes. After that, you head into the Caribbean with your instructor watching your form in real water, making adjustments as you take waves. A photographer captures the session, so you leave with images of yourself actually surfing, not just a memory of trying.

The whole experience runs about 90 minutes. You get a surfboard and leash for the lesson, plus lycra wear to keep the sun off. Bottled water is there when you need it. The instructors are part of the Colombian national team or coach it—people who've competed in championships and traveled to surf different breaks around the world. They teach the way they learned: with the technique that works, not shortcuts.

What’s included

• Surfboard, leash and lycra wear for the lesson.
• bottled water.
• professional photography of your session.
• instruction from Colombian national team coaches or their team members.
• meeting and assessment at the school before entering the water.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by polysurfschool

Is this one for you?Book this if you're a first-time surfer with a free afternoon or if you've surfed elsewhere and want to refine your technique with someone who's competed internationally. The instructors speak English and Spanish, so language won't slow you down, and children from age 5 can join—the lesson adjusts to whoever is in the water.

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Top questions

I've never surfed before—will 90 minutes be enough to actually ride a wave?

Yes. The surf simulator compresses the learning curve for the pop-up and balance, so when you paddle out you're not starting from zero. Most beginners catch waves in their first session, though the instructor adjusts the pace based on how you're progressing.

What happens if the ocean is too rough or the swell is flat on the day I book?

The school operates year-round in Cartagena, and the Caribbean coast has consistent conditions. If conditions are unsafe for your level, the instructor will let you know before you enter the water and can adjust the focus to simulator work and technique coaching instead.

Do I need to bring my own wetsuit or board?

No. The school provides a surfboard, leash and lycra wear for the lesson. You only need to bring yourself and a valid ID.

Can my kids come, or is this adults only?

Children from age 5 are welcome. The instructor tailors the lesson to whoever is in the water—younger kids often progress quickly because they're less afraid of falling.

Are the instructors fluent in English, or do I need Spanish?

Guides speak both English and Spanish, so you can choose whichever you're more comfortable with. The school will confirm the language when you book.

What's included in the professional photography?

A photographer captures your session in the water and on the beach. You receive the photos after the lesson—the school will share them digitally so you can relive the moment and share them.