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Surf Lessons, Las Catalinas Costa Rica

Surf Lessons, Las Catalinas Costa Rica

Jun 2, 2018 | Surf Camps, Surf lessons Playa Grande Costa Rica, Surfing Playa Grande, Things to Do Playa Grande

Las Catalinas development and resort at Playa Danta is an incredible place to stay for the adventure seeking family.

 

While the beach right out front of Las Catalinas community is better suited to SUP and kayak, swimming and snorkeling than it is to surfing, a mere 35 minutes away sits Playa Grande, one of the best beaches around for guests of Las Catalinas to take surf lessons.

 

Why Playa Grande for surf lessons if you are staying at Las Catalinas?

 

Playa Grande is the closest beach suitable for both experienced AND beginner surfing. This may seem odd at first, however, the name itself explains: ‘big beach’- the beach at Playa Grande is so long, that it stretches almost all the way south to Tamarindo, but without the crowds! One end of the beach boasts one of the most fun waves for intermediate and experienced surfers, while the protected, south end of the beach is perfect for beginner surf lessons.

 

How does it work? What are my options for surf lessons if I am staying at Las Catalinas?

 

Private surf lessons are highly recommended, for the simple fact that they are more personalized. You know your family and friends, and how everyone behaves in certain situations. When you invite strangers into the mix, you never know if one will be super scared, needing intensive instruction from the surf coach, leaving the rest of you with less attention than you would like.

 

Surf Lessons are really affordable in Costa Rica, and worth a little splurge on yourself. Here are some options:

 

  • Private 90 minute lesson for up to 4 people: $120 total cost
  • Private 2 hr lesson for up to 4 people: $160 total cost
  • Private 90 minute lesson for up to 8 people: $240 total cost
  • Private 2 hr lesson for up to 8 people: $320 total cost

 

For highest safety measures, we allocate one instructor per 4 people over 12 years old. Families with little ones under 12 might choose to add an extra surf instructor, or simply take turns so that safety remains paramount.

 

All our instructors receive regular updates to first aid, CPR training, and can be counted upon in an emergency.

 

How do I get there?

 

You have several options to get to Playa Grande from Las Catalinas. As a guest of Las Catalinas, you can book a surf lesson with Frijoles Locos Surf School online and add the option for transportation, and it will all be taken care of for you. Round trip cost is $80USD.

 

The concierge at Las Catalinas can also book your surf lessons for you. They have a great team, including Mhairi, Fabio, Maria Jose and Estefania, among others!

 

You may choose to save some money and drive yourselves, if you already have a rental car. Don’t worry, we provide detailed, super clear driving directions so you won’t get lost!

 

What if we don’t all want to surf?

 

Easy! Frijoles Locos can provide rental of shade tents, a cooler with ice, beach chairs, boogie boards and even stock you up with some of Playa Grande’s own micro-brew beer! Chill out on the white sandy beach while the rest of your crew surf, and take in the surroundings.

 

After the surf lesson, we can guide you to one of our favorite restaurants in Playa Grande- there are so many good options on places to eat and drink in Playa Grande, you will be pleasantly surprised!

 

If you choose to have us arrange transport, you might like to take the water taxi over to Tamarindo, and be picked up by your private transport van from Tamarindo after doing a little exploring there. Many options for a super fun day abound. Email us, or book now!

 

Ready to book? Click here and you won’t be disappointed!

 

 

Surf Etiquette and Safety

Jan 12, 2017 | Surf Camps, Surf lessons Playa Grande Costa Rica, Surfboard Rental Playa Grande, Surfing Playa Grande

surf etiquette playa grande

What not to do (unless that’s your husband!)

Surf safety and surf etiquette are paramount to an enjoyable surf session for everyone involved.

Surfing is fun, it’s adrenaline-pumping and life-changing.

Surfing can also be dangerous to you, and those around you. Like any sport or activity, there are guidelines for best practices. Keep reading, to discover how you can maximize your own surf etiquette and general surf safety while minimizing the chance of accidents. No one wants to experience conflicts with other surfers, but everyone enjoys good vibes and good karma!

  1. Select the most appropriate location for your skill level. If in doubt, ask your local surf shop.
  2. The surfer closest to where the wave broke has priority, or in some places, it’s the person first on their feet. Use discretion and your observation skills and remember, if in doubt, don’t drop in!
  3. Stay out of the way of other surfers- when paddling out, paddle towards the broken part of the wave so you avoid interfering with surfers on the green face.
  4. Don’t be a wave hog- take turns, encourage others.
  5. Be observant, pay attention at all times.
  6. Assist a fellow surfer in trouble or distress.
  7. Spend a little time speaking to locals before surfing- figure out the local vibe, how best to fit in.
  8. Your board is a missile and has the potential to harm another person. Never ditch your board when a surfer is behind you- hold onto it like a life depends on it. Remember a 9ft board with a 9ft leash has a reach of close to 20 feet…. and your fellow surfer on a similar board has the same… try and keep a good 40ft from other beginners.
Surf etiquette is something all good surf schools should teach. A quality surf lesson, with a mature instructor and good track record will start you off on the right foot!

Remember to relax, have fun, and don’t be a jerk. Smile, share and lift the spirits of those around you. Before heading out to surf, consider a good warm up, a work-out, getting some of the extra energy out. In this way, you aren’t depending on catching 50 waves at the expense of everyone else’s fun!

4 Key Tips for Beginner Surfers

May 2, 2016 | Surf lessons Playa Grande Costa Rica, Surfing Playa Grande, Things to Do Playa Grande

surf lessons playa grande costa rica

Surf Lessons with Frijoles Locos, Playa Grande,                                   Costa Rica

Shakas and surf. Surf Lessons.

Shakas and surf. Playa Grande near Tamarindo.

How Beginner Surfers can Stand Up on a Wave their First Time Surfing

No doubt about it, learning to surf is hard! Here are 4 tips for beginner surfers, to ensure you stand up on a wave the first time you surf.

1/ Determine if you are goofy or regular foot.

Goofy foot surfers have their right foot forward and regular foot surfers have their left foot forward. If you snowboard or skateboard, you should already know which of these you are. If not, have a friend push you from behind and whichever foot you step forward with first, becomes your front foot.

2/ Practice pop-ups on the beach.

Draw a cross in the sand and lay down on it so your chest rests on the center of the cross. With hands in a wide push-up position, at chest level, draw your tummy in, to create space for your front leg to come through and plant your front foot at the center of the cross. Your back foot remains behind. Both your feet should be perpendicular to the vertical center line, not parallel as if you were skiing. Repeat, as many times as needed, until you nail the pop-up.

3/ Keep your hands flat.

Think stable table. Hands flat on the surfboard will keep the surfboard steady. A common beginner surfer mistake is to grab the edges of the surfboard like reading a book- it will rock and roll and you will fall off.

4/ White-water first.

Stay in the area of the beach where the waves have already broken. This area is referred to as the white-water. Allow the white-water waves to push you toward the beach, and stand up as soon as you feel the power and speed of the wave.

Safety tips:

  • Jump off the surfboard before the shallows, to avoid breaking the surfboard fins (and to avoid knee injury!)
  • Always cover your head with your arms before coming up for air after you fall off the board. This will help you avoid hitting your head on your board or fins.
  • Never surf alone.
  • Surf only where you would be also confident swimming.
Final words of advice: Invest in a surf lesson from a professional surf instructor. A good surf instructor will help you choose the right location, learn safety tips, improve faster, identify your mistakes, and make the whole experience more fun and rewarding. We look forward to taking you surfing.
Email us NOW to make your surf lesson reservation [email protected]