Tamarindo: Surf Lessons with Video Analysis & Coffee Break

Tamarindo surf lessons with land practice video review and coffee

You’ll start your Tamarindo surf lesson learning technique on land before heading into the Pacific for hands-on practice: wiping out is half the fun here! With a certified local instructor guiding you (and video analysis after), you’ll laugh at mistakes over coffee and leave feeling braver than when you arrived.

Step-by-step itinerary

Surf lesson with theory and practice

• Attend digital presentation
• Practice skills on land
• Practice surfing in water
• Experience surfing challenges

The experience

Hands gripping the sand, I tried to mimic the paddling motion just like Diego showed us: he’d already joked that my “pop-up” looked more like a slow-motion pushup. We started our surf lesson in Tamarindo not on the waves but gathered around a digital presentation under some palm shade, sipping strong coffee that smelled a bit smoky. Honestly, I was skeptical about learning on land first, but it made sense once Diego broke down how your brain needs to catch up before your body does anything cool. He laughed when I asked if he ever got tired of explaining “the basics”: apparently not, since he’s been teaching here for years.

After practicing on the boards in the sand (my knees are still salty), we finally headed out toward the water. The beach was busy but not crowded: kids running around, someone selling fruit nearby. The Pacific felt cooler than I expected against my ankles. Diego kept shouting encouragement (“más rápido!”) while we took turns catching tiny waves. There’s this moment when you actually stand up (even if it’s just for two seconds), and your heart kind of jumps. I wiped out at least six times but didn’t care. Everyone was laughing, even the guy next to me who’d clearly done this before.

Later, we watched short video clips of ourselves back at the academy. I cringed seeing my own flailing arms but also noticed real progress. Diego pointed out things I hadn’t felt at all (“look at your feet here!”). The session ended with another round of coffee and swapping stories about first wipeouts. I left sandy and tired and oddly proud. Still think about that quick flash of standing up, even now.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary equipment (surfboard, leash, rashguard) as well as fresh water to drink and secure lockers for your belongings. Coffee is served during breaks at the academy before and after hitting the waves.

Options for this experience

6 options

Lesson for groups (3 or more people)Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · No fixed timeGroup lesson for 3 or more people: a 2-hour session with a certified coach that covers theory, land practice and a surf session.

Lesson for two people (semi-private)Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · No fixed timeSemi-private lesson for 2 people: a 2-hour session with one certified coach dedicated to you, covering theory, land practice and a surf session. Price is per person.

Lesson for one person (private)Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · No fixed timeOne-on-one private lesson: a 2-hour session with a certified coach, covering theory, land practice and a surf session, tailored to your level.

See 3 more options

3-Lesson Package: GroupGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · No fixed timeThree 2-hour group lessons (3+ people) with video: videos are recorded in lesson 2 and analyzed in lesson 3. We arrange the dates of lessons 2 and 3 with you.

3-Lesson Package: Semi-PrivateGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · No fixed timeThree 2-hour semi-private lessons for 2 people with video: videos are recorded in lesson 2 and analyzed in lesson 3. We arrange the dates of lessons 2 and 3 with you.

3-Lesson Package: PrivateGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · No fixed timeThree 2-hour one-on-one private lessons with video: videos are recorded in lesson 2 and analyzed in lesson 3. We arrange the dates of lessons 2 and 3 with you.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Surf lessons Tamarindo

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Are surfboards included in Tamarindo surf lessons?

Yes, surfboards are provided as part of your lesson along with other gear.

Is there a video analysis during these surf lessons?

Yes, instructors use video clips to help you see your progress after practicing in the water.

Do Tamarindo surf lessons include coffee or refreshments?

Coffee is included during your lesson at the academy.

Are these surf lessons suitable for beginners?

Yes, classes are designed for all fitness levels and beginners are welcome.

Is there wheelchair access at this Tamarindo surf school?

Yes, the facility is wheelchair accessible and offers specialized infant seats as well.

Can infants or small children join these surf lessons?

Infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Specialized seats are available for them too.