Surfing Archives - Blue Surf Adventures

Are you coming to visit Santa Teresa, Costa Rica? Do you want to learn how to surf? Here are a few tips of what you should expect during a surf lesson. These tips will help to ensure that you have a great learning experience and that you get the most out of your surf lesson.

Surf Lessons Tip #1 – Use a big stable board for you lesson

A lot of people want to start to learn how to surf on a short board. This is wrong. Every beginner surf lesson should be done with a big and stable surfboard. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been skateboarding or snowboarding for years. It doesn’t matter if you’re a kid, a super fit male or a grandma. Everyone should learn how to surf with a longer board in order to get the most out of their lesson. The bigger the board, the better. I suggest something over 9 feet. Trust me. You’ll learn much faster and you’ll have a ton of fun.

Surf Lessons Tip #2 – Location is very important

Just like with skiing, you need to start on the bunny slopes. Make sure that your first surf lessons are at a gentler spot with waves suitable for beginners. The waves should be relatively mellow and if you can, it is preferable to learn how to surf over a sand bottom. Remember not to jump off of your surfboard headfirst. Enjoy your time at the beach while getting pushed by the whitewater. It is important as a beginner to have a good instructor with local experience to help take you to the best spot for the current conditions and for your skill level.

Surf Lessons Tip #3 – Start on the sand

Your surf instructor should take some time with you on the beach before you run and jump into the water. They should explain to you about rip tides, surf etiquette and especially, how to pop up. Believe it or not, this is actually the most important part of your first surf lessons. These lessons will prepare you for your surfing future and even though you might feel goofy popping up on the beach, the pop-up is essential and one of the most valuable lessons in surfing.

Surf Lessons Tip #4 – Positive Vibrations

Every surf lesson should be fun. Your surf instructor should be patient, supportive and enthusiastic. Surfing is all about the vibe, good times, and you should be out there to enjoying every minute of your lesson. Surfing is a very frustrating sport at times so if you find yourself getting frustrated, take a break and relax. Pop-ups are very difficult and everyone struggles when they are learning to surf so…. just have fun.

Surf Lessons Tip #5 – Photos and Video

If you have the option to have photos taken of you as you learn how to surf, take it. Photos and/or video can be added to your surf package for an extra cost on top of your lesson. In my opinion, photos are well worth it and don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to send out your first surf photos with you yearly Christmas cards!

Video is a great way to learn, video allows you to see yourself in action and see for yourself what you may need to correct to grow as a surfer.

Schedule your lessons today by emailing us at info@bluesurfadventures.com please let us know if you want to add photos or video!

Blue Surf Adventures operates out of the Blue Surf Sanctuary Hotel, Santa Teresa Costa Rica.

How to Stay Safe and Have Fun When You’re Surfing in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

When most people come for a surf vacation in Santa Teresa, they may or may not be very familiar with ocean safety. I thought that it would be a good idea today to take a few moments to go over some of the things that you should be aware of and cautious of before you step foot in the ocean. “Is there anything that I need to watch out for when I’m surfing?” The answer is “Yes.” Not to worry but it is best to be prepared with knowledge so that you can relax and enjoy your time in the water.

Rip Currents

Rip Currents in Santa Teresa

Costa Rica Rip Current

If you are new to a surf spot, make sure to ask someone that lives there about any rip currents. Or better yet, if you are with a surf instructor, make sure that they tell you all about rip currents–what to do if you are caught in one and how to “see” them so that you can avoid them in the future. Rip currents aren’t scary as long as you are equipped with the right knowledge and know what to do. Most importantly, stay calm.

Stingrays

Santa Teresa Sting Rays

When you are entering and exiting shallow water you should always shuffle your feet along the bottom of the ocean. Why? Because sometimes stingrays lie along the ocean floor and you wouldn’t want to step on top of one. So, don’t stomp your feet as you walk. Take your time and shuffle your feet so that you gently push sand as you walk and therefore, scare away any possible stingrays that may be lying nearby.

Other Surfers and their Flying Surfboards

Flying Surfboard in Santa Teresa

Other surfers are always a danger when you are surfing. Please just keep your eyes out when you are surfing for other surfers to see where they are going. And be aware of the rules of surfing (to read about Surfing Etiquette, please click here). Remember that when someone jumps off their surfboard, their surfboard will extend another 6-8 feet in front of them because of the length of their leash.

Backwash

This is a surfing danger that is a little less talked about but it is important to know about backwash especially if you are new to surfing. Backwash happens at high tide. Backwash is when water rushes up onto the beach and then returns forcefully back to the ocean just as another wave is breaking onshore. Backwash can be very powerful and it can knock you off your feet. If you are entering or exiting the water at high tide, watch out for backwash and try to get in and out of the water as quickly as possible.

When You’re Tired, Get Out of the Water

Surfing Safely in Costa Rica

I know that this is a hard one for most surfers, but if you are tired, you should get out of the water. Remember that the ocean is powerful and you need strength to make sure that you play safe. If you are tired, get out, and drink and eat something. You can always jump back in the water after you take a little break.

For more about Ocean and Surfing Safety ask your surf instructor or one of our receptionists at Blue Surf Sanctuary. And remember, have fun!