Puerto Escondido: Surf Lesson with Flexible Beach & GoPro Option

Summary

Try surfing in Puerto Escondido with gear, flexible spot, local tips

You’ll paddle out into Puerto Escondido’s famous waves with all equipment provided and a local guide who adapts to your level. Expect hands-on coaching, flexible beach locations depending on conditions, and optional GoPro footage of your lesson. It’s not about perfection—it’s about feeling the ocean for yourself.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was nervous walking down to the sand in Puerto Escondido with a board under my arm — it felt heavier than I expected, or maybe that was just my nerves. Our surf lesson started on the beach, where our instructor (Miguel, super patient) showed us how to pop up. There was this salty breeze and the sound of someone selling tamales behind us. I could smell sunscreen and wet neoprene everywhere. The group was a mix — one guy from Oaxaca had never seen the ocean before, which made me feel less awkward about my own wobbly stance.

We didn’t know which beach we’d use until the morning; Miguel explained they pick the spot based on the waves that day. Makes sense now — you want it just right for learning. He walked us through water safety and honestly didn’t rush anything. When we finally paddled out, he kept checking if we were comfortable (I appreciated that more than I thought I would). The first time I caught a wave — well, “caught” is generous — I mostly faceplanted, but Miguel cheered anyway. Someone filmed with a GoPro strapped to their head; I’m still not sure if I want to see myself wipe out in HD.

The sun got strong fast and by the end my arms felt like noodles, but there was this weird pride in being salty and tired together with strangers. We laughed at each other’s attempts at Spanish (Li laughed hardest when I tried “la tabla no obedece”), and swapped stories about other places we’d tried new things. There’s something about learning to surf here — maybe it’s just that everyone seems relaxed about failing a few times before you get it right.

I still think about that feeling when you finally stand up for half a second and see the coastline slide by — even if you fall right after. If you’re curious about surfing in Puerto Escondido, don’t overthink it. Just try it once and let yourself be clumsy for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Surf lesson and water safety introduction

• Attend water safety introduction
• Practice pop-up on land
• Enter water to start surfing
• Receive coaching based on level
• Catch waves with instructor help

Top questions

Where do surf lessons take place in Puerto Escondido?

The exact beach depends on daily wave conditions; you'll get the location before your class.

Is equipment included in the surf lesson?

Yes, all surf equipment is provided: board, leash, rashguard or lycra.

Can beginners join this Puerto Escondido surf lesson?

Yes, lessons are adapted for all levels including beginners.

How long is the surf lesson?

The lesson lasts around 2 hours.

Is transportation included?

No pickup is included but public transportation options are nearby.

Is GoPro or drone footage available?

You can add GoPro or drone footage as an option during your lesson.

Are there any health restrictions?

The lesson isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What language is instruction given in?

The instructors speak Spanish and usually some English as well.

What’s included

Your session includes all necessary surf equipment—board, leash, rashguard or lycra—and hands-on instruction from a local guide who adjusts to your level of experience; you’ll also have access to flexible beach locations chosen for ideal wave conditions that day, plus optional GoPro or drone footage if you want to remember every wipeout (or victory).