Surf Coaching Retreats

Barefoot Surf It is difficult to summarize just how exceptional this week has been with Barefoot Surf in Nicaragua.

1. A Surfing coach would go out in the water with you each day for an entire session. I am a beginner, yet Rex, seven time national champion, was my coach. He was patient and provided exceptional instruction on each wave, whether it was to identify which wave to grab, timing, wave breaking direction, change in the swell, etc. In other words, he was with you every step of the way and totally focused on your safety and providing real-time feedback.

2. I underestimated just how important individual surfing videos filmed from shore would be as a learning experience. What was in my head was very different than what is on my board. Completely different. The Barefoot staff would sit with you, individually, and go through every wave to provide feedback and demonstrate what needs to be corrected. Then you demonstrated the corrected move in front of them to solidify it in your muscle memory. In addition, surfing theory classes were taught every day in a group classroom. The filmed surfing videos of you are a game changer.

3. I left the best until last. The Barefoot staff is exceptional. I don’t mean just good at what they do, but they imbue the ethos of caring and go above and beyond to ensure that your experience is valuable and memorable. This culture is driven from the top. There are no egos and a beginner is valued just as much as an experienced surfer. The food is exceptional and prepared by a famous Nicaraguan chef named “Mama”. The villa we stayed at was gorgeous. All of this creates a setting where you meet some of the coolest people that are also on their surfing journey and become friends for life. And I might add that the daiquiris and margaritas are the best!

In terms of a big mistake I made? I delayed this trip for three years. I won’t make that mistake again.

My best to the Barefoot Surfing staff and the lifelong memorable experience you created for me.

Serious instruction for people who are serious about learning to surf! This is our third year with Barefoot in Nicaragua and we’re definitely coming back for another one. Every year we advance a step and build up our skills; we started out in the white water and this year we’re already angling our takeoffs on green waves!

The instructors are top notch and great communicators, the video analysis is the real secret to success where every day you get to see frame by frame how you can improve your technique and then practice it the next day in the water. You seriously learn so fast this way! Also you get cool videos to show off with.

The villa is delightful and the food is fabulous! It’s really become our second home. Sophie runs a tight ship and attends to all our needs, and helps us navigate San Juan del Sur. Surf conditions are always good and there’s so many breaks close by, we always surf right at our appropriate level. We can’t wait to get back out there!

Exceeded expectations. Trying to teach myself to surf wasn’t going well so, after following Barefoot Surf online for a couple of years, I finally decided to sign up for Costa Rica. Now I’m asking myself why I waited so long! Imagine a trip so fun yet so professional, so structured yet so laid-back with plenty of free time to explore what the town of Nosara has to offer. That’s a Barefoot Surf trip. Of course the centerpiece of it all were the amazing coaches. I set two goals for my surfing and they got me to achieve both of them. A million thanks to everyone and see you in Nicaragua!

World Class Surf School This was my second trip with Barefoot and hope to go again. The experience was incredible. Very organized, very professional and everything was first class. Finally, I just can't say enough about the staff, wonderful, wonderful people and so very good at teaching surfing. Molly, Erin, Alice, Chris and Francois you're THE BEST!!!!

Surf Campin in Costa Rica I got the inside scoop from a buddy to check out Barefoot, and it turned out to be most excellent. Big mahalo to the whole Barefoot crew for the dialed-in coaching and good times. Everyone was super chill, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience tuanis. They had the sessions mapped out and the timing locked - all you gotta do is show up with some stoke and paddle out. Also, can’t forget about the Hotel Guiones staff for their impeccable hospitality.

What a great week! This is our first trip down to Nosara and we had such an amazing week. The staff at Barefoot surfing were incredible. Very personable, knowledgeable and giving with their time. It’s a beautiful setting and a great place too relax and enjoy creation and progress in your surfing.
Looking forward to heading back in 2027

Amazing week in Nosara What a perfect week in Nosara! The staff was incredibly hospitable, shared their extensive knowledge, and organized an amazing week of activities. It was the perfect balance of structure and down time. As a first time surfer I could not have asked for a better environment to learn. I would have stayed 2 weeks if I could have!

Perfect trip for beginner - intermediate surfer As someone trying to learn and get better at surfing, this trip was perfect. The theory classes and video analysis sessions are invaluable, the staffs are amazing and kind, guaranteed a good time if you like surfing

Already planning a trip back! We were in Costa Rica for our trip. I was a bit reluctant for what this “surf camp” was really going to be. I’m not the best surfer in the world, but I have been surfing for about 20 years. Basically, a long time to develop bad habits. Our team from Barefoot (hands down the BEST team!) was absolutely amazing. From the moment we arrived until we were back in the shuttle to go home, they were loving us and handling all the details necessary for our trip. The way they coach through surf theory classes and video review after every surf session was amazing. They graciously offered feedback on things I could tweak to become a better surfer and get the most out of every wave. They even got my wife surfing! Now I have a built in surf buddy 🙂

I would recommend Barefoot to everyone that has a desire to surf. Whether you’re a newbie or you’ve been doing it along time, they can help. And they do it so well!