You’ll feel both excitement and nerves as you grab your board on Jacó’s beach. With patient local instructors guiding every step, you’ll catch your first real wave (or at least laugh trying). Lessons are relaxed but focused—surfboards included—and there’s room for all ages to learn at their own pace. Expect sandy smiles and maybe a little pride you didn’t see coming.
I’ll admit it — I was nervous standing on the sand in Jacó, clutching a surfboard that felt way too big for me. The beach had this early-morning hush, just a few locals jogging by and the salty air sticking to my skin. Our instructor, Diego, grinned and said something about “pura vida” being easier to find on a board. I laughed, but honestly wasn’t convinced yet.
The first time I tried to stand up, I wiped out so hard I got sand everywhere (still found some behind my ear later). But Diego didn’t even blink — he just gave me this thumbs up and showed me how to shift my feet. He’s been surfing here his whole life, knew exactly when a good wave was coming, and would shout “go now!” like he could read the ocean. There were a couple of kids in our group too — one of them caught a wave before me and cheered so loud it made everyone laugh.
By the end of the lesson, I actually stood up for three seconds (maybe four if you ask Diego). The sun came out full force then, making everything bright and kind of unreal. We finished sitting on our boards just letting our legs dangle in the water — salt drying on my lips, arms tired but happy. I still think about that feeling sometimes when things get noisy back home.
Yes, surfboards are included with your lesson.
Yes, it’s designed for all ages and fitness levels.
Lessons are held at Surfer Factory Surf School in Jacó.
Yes, public transportation is available close to the school.
Certified local instructors who know the area well lead the lessons.
Your day includes hands-on instruction from certified local surfers at Surfer Factory Surf School in Jacó plus use of quality surfboards throughout your lesson—just show up ready to get wet and sandy.
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