Never surfed. Looking at Costa Rica in May?

[kdburton]

A buddy and I want to learn to surf this May and after looking at several sites it looks like CR is a good place to be that time of year. Any regions I should be looking at specifically or will anything there do? We've both never surfed before but we have been snowboarding/ skateboarding/ wakeboarding for over a decade so hopefully can learn relatively easy. Ideally I'd like to go to a place that has good surf for beginners with potential to catch some larger waves if I feel comfortable. Also not sure if its possible but a place that isn't overcrowded would be nice. Since we don't own any equipment we're also looking for a region that has surf camps where we can rent boards and wetsuits with the accommodations. Any suggestions or advice would be apprecaited

[kitesurfer]

I spent a week at witches rock surf camp. A bit expensive but you abosolutely get what you pay for. It was excellent, well run and within walking distance of the surf. From what i saw of other camps they can be pretty hit or miss. Tamarindo where the camp is based can be quite busy though.

KS

[kdburton]

I spent a week at witches rock surf camp. A bit expensive but you abosolutely get what you pay for. It was excellent, well run and within walking distance of the surf. From what i saw of other camps they can be pretty hit or miss. Tamarindo where the camp is based can be quite busy though.

KS

Yeah the package deals they have look pretty good and I've seen several posts on here that made it out to be a good place. What time of year where you there (I'm planning for May)? And was Tamarindo so busy that it got in the way of your surfing? I'm going to be surfing for the first time so if I went there I'd most likely be hanging out right where the camp is based since it seems like that beach-break is where all the "beginners" stuff is.

[kitesurfer]

I went in may/june which was fine. The surf wasn't mental but the wind does tend to come onshore in the afternoon. The beach was always quiet first thing, dawn patrol every day at 6am. The camp has mostly americans staying but great place to stay. YOu can't surf the beach outside of the camp at low tide as it's a shore dump and nothing else so look into tide times before you decide which week to go. You can however paddle across the river mouth (its easy don't worry) to access another long stretch of beach.
Crowd wise it wasn't mental just busier than i was expecting, but as i say dawn patrol was fine. I went on the surf tours so surfed away from the camp most of the time.

View across the river mouth.



Late evening surf.



Tamarindo from the air



The surf camp from the beach.



KS

[clarence]

Check out the guys at Costa Rica Surf Adventures, they offer guided surf tours and can provide you with the equipment needed. They will take you to the spots that you feel most comfortable and good with surfers of all skill levels. Here is a link that shows a video of them: http://www.waterwaystravel.com/surf_cos ... /index.php

Have fun and hopefully you score some surf!

- clarence

[keharhojan]

If it's your first time surfing, knowing a few tips will help you be prepared for the water and understand everything from the equipment to rules that you should follow while surfing around others.The best place for surfing according to me is Costa Rica Surf Camp.Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's most beginner friendly beaches.Surf camp packages are designed for surfers who have never surfed before or inexperienced surfers who would like to develop their fundamentals before exploring more challenging breaks.good surf for beginners with potential and u will feel comfortable.Unlimited usage of surfboards and equipment from the rental shop.They offer a guided surf tour package for advanced surfers that do not require anycoaching and would simply like to be taken to local breaks. An experienced guide will take small groups of surfers to uncrowded breaks in vans with A/C and custom built surf boats.If you want to know more about it just visit the site which i know -

[rowses2003]

I learned last year on the Osa Peninsula S. of Puerto Jiminez. I've traveled all over Costa Rica with the exception of the Nosara and love this area. Very chill and a great beginner break on playa dulce.

[surferdude_scarborough]

I spent a week at witches rock surf camp. A bit expensive but you abosolutely get what you pay for. It was excellent, well run and within walking distance of the surf. From what i saw of other camps they can be pretty hit or miss. Tamarindo where the camp is based can be quite busy though.

KS

You went to CR Really? You never mentioned it at all.

[JDawg]

I stayed in Hermosa for a week in June last year, and it was way too big for anyone paddling out for the first time. Winter time tends to be much smaller in Costa Rica! Summertime south swells can get HUGE!

[aacasth]

Hi kdburton,

I recommend you go to Domminical, is a paradise where waves can reach 10 feet high, but do not worry, you can find excellent surfing schools like . They offer accommodation in beautiful hotels like Roca Verde or Villas Rio Mar, and also offer canopy tours, rafting tours and waterfalls tours.They really can do your trip to Costa Rica'n very memorable experience.

Enjoy your stay in Costa Rica!