FAQs
SurfING
How are the waves/temperature during month X?
We only operate during what we believe are the best months for both wave quality and water temperature at each of our destinations. Our timing is based on years of experience and statistical swell data, combined with the unique characteristics of each surf spot.
Surf conditions, like the weather, can only be accurately predicted a few days in advance, so we can’t guarantee specific wave sizes or shapes ahead of time. That said, your chances of scoring great waves are very high. Since we started in 2012, we’ve never had a flat day!
We also avoid the rainiest times of year and adjust our daily surf sessions to suit the surfing conditions. If the waves are big, we’ll head to sheltered breaks or calm bays with smaller, safer conditions.
If you’d like to dive deeper into how we choose each season and location, you can read more here.
Is this retreat suitable for my surf level?
In Costa Rica and Nicaragua, we welcome both beginner and intermediate surfers — levels 1.1 to 2.2 on our scale.
For our Mentawai retreats, you’ll need to be at an intermediate level (2.1 or 2.2), as the waves there require more experience.
To join a Mentawai trip, you should be able to:
Catch unbroken waves on your own
Angle your take-offs left and right
Control your line down the face of a wave
Feel confident in head-high surf
To see if you’re ready for a Mentawai surf trip, click here.
If you’re unsure about your level or want to learn more about how we define it, click here.
I have never surfed in my life. Is this trip for me?
About 20% of our guests have never touched a surfboard. We help beginners learn how to surf safely and help intermediate surfers progress faster.
As long as you know how to swim and feel comfortable swimming at least 40 meters without a floating device, you are welcome to join our coaching retreats in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
However, only intermediate-level surfers can participate in the Mentawais trips. Click here to learn more about surfing levels for the Mentawais surf retreat.
Should I bring my own surfboards?
Your surfing equipment is included in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and you can swap your surfboard as you progress. We have a good variety of boards available, so you don’t need to bring your own if you are a novice surfer.
If you are an intermediate-level surfer:
Costa Rica & Nicaragua: There are plenty of quality surfboards available onsite, which are included in your package. You can choose from longboards, mid-length boards, fish, or hybrid surfboards. Small performance shortboards, typically for advanced surfers, can be harder to find.
Consider bringing your own surfboards if you have “the magic surfboard” or if you have specific preferences, such as wanting a 34-litre board with a medium rocker. If you have a specific type of surfboard in mind, please don’t hesitate to contact us in advance to check if we have access to something similar.
For the Mentawai retreats, you’ll need to bring your own surfboards. We suggest bringing at least two — ideally three — boards you’re comfortable with. Be sure to include at least one board with good paddle power and extra length. We often see intermediate surfers bringing boards that are too small (like a 5’6″ Hypto Krypto), which limits wave count and slows progression. The right board will make a big difference in your experience.
If you’re looking to rent a longboard (9’+) in the Mentawais, it’s possible to arrange this directly through the resort. Just contact us for details. It’s possible to rent longboards (9 foot+) directly from the resort; for more details, feel free to contact us.
Can I surf outside of the surf lessons?
Yes, absolutely!
Costa Rica:
You’ll be staying just a 6-minute walk from the waves, with easy access via a jungle path. You’re free to surf anytime you’d like, and conditions are usually best early in the morning (6–10/11 am) and at sunset when the winds are lighter.
Nicaragua:
While there are occasional waves in the San Juan del Sur bay, they’re rarely ideal for surfing. Instead, San Juan del Sur is our base from which we travel daily to nearby surf beaches. We usually spend around 4 hours at the beach, timed for mid to high tide when conditions are best, giving you plenty of time to surf again before or after your coaching sessions.
Mentawais:
Since this is an intermediate-level retreat, there’s no fixed 90-minute lesson format. We go on two surf missions each day by speedboat, spending 2–3 hours in the morning and another 2–3 hours in the afternoon. There’s often a surfable wave right in front of the resort too. With so much water time, most guests end up taking occasional breaks to recharge during the 10-day retreat!
