Surf Coaching Retreats

Book this epic surf camp now! This is one of the best surf camps we’ve ever been to! The combination of lessons and tips via the app and the level of care, expertise, and thought behind in-person coaching as well as video analysis helps you get better exponentially more quickly.

The accommodations are beautiful, the food is delicious, and the ease of beach access makes two a day surf sessions effortless.

Best of all- Molly and Elin go above and beyond to help you feel comfortable in the water. Chris is so attentive to all the logistical requirements and Francois makes you look like a surf legend with all his epic photos (highly HIGHLY recommend you plan to purchase his photo package).

If you’re on the fence about which surf camp to go to, pick this one. You have tips and lessons before, during, and after via the app. You have dedicated local coaches, and detailed head-coach analysis. You have plenty of down time if you want it, and plenty of surf time if you’re eager to squeeze every last moment out of the trip. You really can’t go wrong with Barefoot - they make the trip epic, create space to meet new folks, and making you sad to leave at the end of the week.

Mentawai 2025 Barefoot Retreat Second trip with Barefoot, our first was in 2022. Everything from pre-travel communication, support during travel, video-analysis and coaching is a 5 out of 5. Highly recommend for the intermediate surfer looking to improve and have fun during the process.

JUST GO FOR IT! I have taken countless surf trips but this was the undisputed best experience EVER! The villa where we stayed was the best lodging you could ask for. Every detail was attended to meticulously by the lovely staff and all of your wants/needs were taken care of. We surfed a fantastic uncrowded break under the watchful eyes of both the Barefoot surf coaches who took video from the shore and local Nicaraguan coaches who were in the water by your side. Each day post surf the coaches would analyze your surf videos with you and give you tips to help you improve. I have been surfing for over 20 years and even though I am far from a beginner I came away with helpful tips to take my surfing to the next level. This is a trip for all levels from first time beginner to the more advanced surfer because you can "tailor" the experience to your individual wants/needs. Most of all, the friendships I made with not only the other attendees but the Barefoot coaches and staff were priceless and I look forward to seeing them on many trips in the future. If you have any voices in your head telling you not to take this trip GET OVER IT AND JUST GO! It will be the best decision you will ever make.

Go! Best surf camp imaginable in the best surf spot. Going back! If you want to learn how to surf quickly, Barefoot is it -- full stop. Excellent coaching, people, food and accommodations. My surfing improved spectacularly in one week thanks to the well-designed Barefoot methodology. Online support and tutorials are priceless. Go!

Gracious Staff and Guests The 12 guests was a perfect size to get to know each other. The staff was unbelievably gracious, always asking "what you need" and willingly help you out - going the extra mile. This goes from the kitchen staff, surf guides/instructors, the lead staff (Virgil, Sophie), all the way to the top. Gabriel and Alex stopped by at the start and end of the retreat. Both were gracious, available to talk, and related well to all the students.

Due to the atmosphere established at top, it filters down to the guests. It was a fun and enjoyable group.

The best way to learn and improve your surfing! This was our second trip with Barefoot in two years and I can say unequivocally that this camp makes you a better surfer!

This is clearly the best way to learn and improve in the hardest sport in the world; the instructors are phenomenal, they grew up on these breaks and can read them like no one else can! And the video reviews are the secret sauce for Barefoot’s method. Our coaches understand through and through how to teach surfing and via the videos they’re able to identify the problem areas around my technique and stance, and with daily input I can use the following session I improved dramatically!

I got really scared mid week of the impact zone and they helped me get through the fear and I capped off the end of the week surfing the biggest waves I’ve ever ridden! It certainly would not have happened without them!

The breaks are nothing short of perfect (didn’t know a wave could be both powerful and soft!), the villa is comfy and inviting, Catalina’s food is wonderful, and the coaches and so cool and fun to hang with, and the house manager Sophie runs it all so seamlessly she makes it look like she’s hardly doing anything at all!

Ten out of five stars! We are DEFINITELY coming back!

Best Surf Retreat (and birthday celebration) EVER! I honestly don’t even know where to begin! From the beautiful accommodations that immediately felt like home, to the delicious food, to Sophia‘s warmth, Virgil, and the other coaches expert guidance, to our group, the local coaches, Miguel and sweet Lobo, and the EXTRAORDINARY thought and care they put into creating the most magical birthday celebration for myself and one other guest could ever hope for, it was perfection. Truly. Can’t wait for the next one!!!

Quantum leap in my surfing ! The barefoot retreat in Costa Rica blew away all my expectations - and these were super high! In years of surfing, I haven’t progressed as much as in this single week. I could fix so many details holding me back and surf my most beautiful waves ever ! The tailored coaching by the top-notch and truly dedicated barefoot team made all the difference. Their perfectly thought-through tools - video analysis is so powerful !!! - are highly effective, and beyond the progress made during the retreat, I feel equipped to continue progressing by myself for years until I can join a next retreat ! Guiones dream beach & surroundings, our cosy accommodation and delicious food made the time out of water feel like a tiny paradise. Last but not least, sharing this week with lovely people from all parts of the world around a common passion made it an enriching and unforgettable experience.

Exactly the kind of surf coaching I’ve been looking for. Had an amazing time surfing in Playa Guiones with the Barefoot crew. I learned a lot from the coaches both in the water and through the video reviews. The coaches are methodical and thorough and I ended the week with a personal breakthrough.

The lodgings were beautiful and walking distance to the beach. Nosara is beautiful with a laid back vibe. Every meal I ate was delicious. I wish I had stayed an extra week.

I’ll definitely be back next year!