Learn to Surf in Costa Rica Beginner Surf School in Tamarindo
Beginner-friendly waves, expert instructors, and a proven method that gets you riding real green waves faster than you thought possible.
If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf in Costa Rica, our Beginner Surf School in Tamarindo is designed to take you from your very first pop-up to riding real waves with control and confidence — all in a safe, supportive environment.
Why Tamarindo is the Best Place in Costa Rica to Learn to Surf
Tamarindo is widely recognized as one of the most beginner-friendly surf destinations in Costa Rica. Its soft sand-bottom beach break, warm tropical water, and consistent waves create ideal conditions for learning.
Unlike rocky reef breaks or powerful surf zones, Tamarindo offers a forgiving environment where beginners can safely build confidence day after day.
What makes Tamarindo perfect for beginners:
- Soft sand-bottom waves (no reef or rocks)
- Gentle, consistent whitewater for first rides
- Long green waves for real progression
- Warm water year-round
- Beachfront access — no driving required
Beginner Surf School in Costa Rica
Since 2001, thousands of guests have learned to surf at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo. Our beginner surf school is built to help you progress quickly, with coaching from some of the most experienced instructors in Costa Rica.
When you join our program, you won’t just learn to surf — you’ll have an incredible time doing it. Surfing becomes more than a new skill. It becomes a passion, a lifestyle, and the beginning of your surf journey.
Beachfront Location
Witch’s Rock Surf Camp is the only surf camp in Tamarindo located directly on the beach. From your room, you can walk to the waves in just a few steps — no shuttles, no waiting, no hassle. Just pure surf.
Staying right on Tamarindo’s main break means you’re always in the heart of the action. Wake up, check the waves, and paddle out whenever the conditions are best. It’s the perfect setup for an unforgettable surf vacation in Costa Rica.
Ideal Waves for Learning
Tamarindo is home to some of the most beginner-friendly waves in Costa Rica. The waves break gently over a sandy ocean bottom, creating a safe, predictable, and supportive environment for learning.
Locals consider Tamarindo a true learning beach — a place where beginners feel comfortable, not crowded or intimidated. You’ll catch more waves, build confidence quickly, and progress faster thanks to these ideal, forgiving conditions.
Expert Surf Instruction
Our instructors have taught thousands of beginners how to surf. They’re passionate, patient, and among the most experienced coaches in Costa Rica.
When you join our surf school, you’re paired with a dedicated personal coach who’s fully committed to your progress. You’ll learn everything you need to build real surfing skills — from ocean safety, surf etiquette, and wave prediction to proper positioning, paddling technique, and how to confidently stand and ride your board.
By the time your week is over, you’ll leave as a confident surfer ready to paddle out at your local break — or anywhere your surf journey takes you.
Friendly and Fun
Surfing isn’t just about technique — it’s about joy, connection, and shared adventure.
At Witch’s Rock, you’ll be surrounded by people just like you: first-time surfers and curious travelers from all over the world. You’ll learn together, laugh together, and build confidence side by side. And chances are, you’ll leave with new friends and unforgettable memories that last long after your trip.
Watch Our Beginner Surf School in Action
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Witch's Rock Surf Camp
has Surf Camp Vacations for Everyone.
Beginner surf school packages include:
Our beginner surf school program includes daily 2-hour surf lessons with an expert instructor. 1 instructor to 3 students max.
Learn the fundamentals of surfing. Gain confidence as we teach you the rules, how to stand up, and how to surf. By the end of your week, we guarantee you’ll be up and riding waves.
A Saturday-Saturday reservation is suggested, but not required. Guests can stay more or less than 7 days, and trips can start on any day of the week.
Watch video footage of yourself surfing and receive constructive feedback from your surf instructors.
This is one of the most powerful tools to help improve your surfing. These video files are yours to keep.
Our daily surf seminars are great oppurtunities to socialize and possibly learn something new!
Seminars include:
- Ocean Safety
- Proper Paddling
- Surf Etiquette
- Surf Science
- Surfboard Design
- History of Surfing
On Friday, we take you on a surf trip to another beach so you can practice your skills in more challenging conditions.
On Friday night we host a graduation party. Watch a custom video memorializing your week at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp and receive your diploma.
Whether you need help choosing the perfect board for your first lesson, or you are an experienced surfer who doesn’t want to pay the fees to bring your board, we have what you need.
You can test and change boards as many times as you like all day long. We have over 250 surfboards in our rental fleet: long boards, mid-range, shortboards, and alternative shapes by Firewire, Robert August, Von Sol, Walden, and more.
This isn’t your normal free breakfast.
Choose from anything on the menu in our beachfront restaurant Eat at Joe’s. Prepare for your big day of surfing with large portions of tasty beach grinds.
We provide free airport transportation
to and from the Liberia International Airport in our air conditioned vans on Saturdays. Arriving another day of the week? No problem, we can pick you up at your convenience for $96
If you are arriving by other means, please contact us for information and we can help you out.
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