Surf lessons
Learn to surf on the Gold Coast
Playa Flamingo's water is calm, which is great for swimming but not for surfing. For lessons we head south to Tamarindo and Playa Grande, where the waves are steady and friendly to beginners.
Lessons are small groups or private, with an instructor right there in the water helping you time the wave and pop up. With the right conditions, most people stand up on their first day.
Where you'll surf
Two beaches, both easy to reach
Tamarindo
The best-known surf town on the coast, with lots of schools and consistent, beginner-friendly waves. Easy to pair with lunch or a wander around town after. More on Tamarindo.
Playa Grande
Just across the estuary from Tamarindo, inside Las Baulas National Park. Consistent waves, a wide-open beach and fewer people. Often a great spot for beginners at the right tide. More on Playa Grande.
Somewhere else nearby
Instructors sometimes pick another beach if it's working better that day. They'll know.
What to expect
How a lesson usually goes
No experience needed. You'll spend a few minutes on the sand, then most of the lesson in the water.
On the sand
A short intro covers paddling, popping up, where to stand on the board and how to stay safe in the water.
In the water
Your instructor stays close, picks the waves and helps with timing and positioning so you catch them.
Standing up
Everyone falls at first. Be patient and listen to your instructor, and you'll likely be riding a wave before the lesson's done.
Group or private
Group lessons are small and social, and a good fit for couples and friends. A private lesson gets you your own instructor, which works well for families, kids and nervous beginners.
Getting there
Tamarindo and Playa Grande are about 40 minutes from Flamingo. No car? We can set up a ride.
Best time to go
Good waves all year
Both seasons work for beginners. They just feel a little different.
Local tip: Flamingo, Potrero and Conchal are usually too calm to surf, which is why lessons happen down the coast. Make it a half day and stay in Tamarindo for lunch or the sunset.
Dry season, December to April
Sunny, with smaller and cleaner waves. Nice conditions for a first lesson.
Green season, May to November
More consistent swell and fewer people in the water. Still a good time to learn.
What to bring
A rash guard or sun shirt, reef-safe sunscreen, water and a towel. The school brings the board.
Questions
Surf lesson FAQ
Can I learn to surf in Playa Flamingo?
Not really. Flamingo's beach is usually calm, which is great for swimming but doesn't give you waves to learn on. Lessons happen in Tamarindo or Playa Grande, about 40 minutes south.
Will I actually stand up?
Most people do on their first day, with good conditions and an instructor helping them into waves. Expect to fall plenty too. That's part of learning.
Can kids take lessons?
Yes. Lessons work for all ages, and a private lesson is a nice option for families. Tell us the kids' ages and how comfortable they are in the water, and we'll find the right instructor.
Tamarindo or Playa Grande?
Tamarindo has more schools and a busy town around it. Playa Grande is quieter and wilder, with consistent waves. Instructors often choose based on that day's swell and tide.
How long is a lesson?
Usually 1.5 to 2 hours, including the intro on the beach.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You should be comfortable in the water, but beginner lessons usually happen in shallow water close to shore. Let us know if anyone in the group is nervous and we'll mention it to the instructor.
Is it worth the drive if we're staying in Flamingo?
Yes. It's about 40 minutes each way, so plan it as a half day. Add lunch or the sunset in Tamarindo and it's one of the best days out on the coast.
Book it
Ready to catch a wave?
Send us your dates, how many people, and how comfortable everyone is in the water. We'll match you with an instructor and the right beach.
Making a day of it? See what else there is in Tamarindo, or book a sunset sail back in Flamingo.