How to Prepare for Your First Surf Lesson in Costa Rica

Tamarindo is one of the easiest places on the planet for first-time surfers, a truly epic place to learn. We have the winning trifecta here: warm water and mellow waves year-round, and a laid-back surf scene that creates the perfect “classroom” where nerves just melt away. At Iguana Surf Camp, we have taught thousands of beginners since 1989, so we know exactly what helps new surfers feel confident enough to get out there. 

Our top ten practical tips, designed to guide you from packing at home to celebrating that first epic ride, is a fab place to start!

1. Don’t Stress About the Timing

Tamarindo serves beginner waves every single month. The dry season offers glassy mornings and near-zero rain, while the green season serves up lighter crowds and the same gentle and forgiving beach breaks. Whichever month you visit, trust that our instructors will match the lesson to the day’s conditions, so you never have to postpone or worry about surf size. That freedom is a big reason surfing for beginners in Costa Rica feels relaxed instead of rushed. 

Book when you can take time off, and flights look good, and let the Pacific (and a great surf instructor) do the rest. Then, after you arrive, check out our Surf Cam and Forecast for daily updates.

2. Pick a School That Knows Beginners

A good first session starts with the right coach. Look for certified local instructors, small student-to-teacher ratios, and gear included in the price. At Iguana Surf, we keep group lessons to a maximum of 4 students per instructor, supply soft-top boards that forgive wobbles, and teach ocean safety before anyone paddles out. So, check reviews, ask how long the school has operated, and make sure they focus on fun rather than competition. Supportive guidance builds confidence faster than any YouTube tutorial – even though we made some pretty epic ones, right here.

3. Pack Light but Smart

You don’t need to bring much to enjoy your first surf lesson, especially when we’ve got you covered. We provide all the essentials: a beginner-friendly surfboard, leash, wax, and a rash guard. What should you bring? A snug swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, flip-flops, a reusable water bottle, and a quick-dry towel are a great start. You might also want a surf hat or waterproof pouch for your valuables. Forgot something? No stress—our shop carries all the basics, including sunscreen, towels, dry bags, sunglasses, and surf apparel. And our front desk team is always happy to help with extras if you’re in a pinch.

4. Fuel Up and Hydrate

Surfing uses more energy than it looks, so what you eat and drink matters. Aim for a balanced meal about ninety minutes before class, we’re talking oatmeal with fruit, eggs on toast, or a smoothie bowl. Heavy or greasy food can sit in your stomach and make paddling uncomfortable, so wait for a day off to have that mouthwatering burger. Staying hydrated and well-fed around your surfing session isn’t just healthy but it helps you recover faster, too. If you’re surfing with us, swing by Breakfast Grinds, our on-site café here at Iguana Surf Camp. They open early with all the good stuff: fresh fruit plates, hearty breakfast burritos, and rich Costa Rican coffee to kickstart your day. After your lesson, swing back by for an iced coffee, a protein wrap, or just to refill your water bottle. You can also grab a fresh coconut water from the beach vendors out front. 

5. Respect the Sun

Tropical sun is intense, even (if not especially) on cloudy days. Apply a mineral, reef-friendly sunscreen thirty minutes before class and remember to reapply afterward. Choose zinc sticks for face, shoulders, and the backs of legs, spots that tend to roast when lying on the board. A brimmed surf cap protects eyes and still fits under the leash string. Sun safety is part of caring for both your skin and the reef ecosystem that makes Costa Rica surfing for beginners so special.

6. Warm Up Body and Mind

A little movement goes a long way before your lesson. Spend ten minutes doing simple stretches—shoulder rolls, lunges, and gentle twists—to wake up your paddling muscles and loosen tight spots in your lower back and hips. It’s not about being super fit, just feeling ready. A simple breathing exercise to try is to breathe in deep for four, hold for four, out for four. Do that for a couple of minutes, and it will really help calm any first-lesson jitters. Even visualizing yourself riding that first wave can boost confidence. The truth is, surfing isn’t all about strength. It’s about staying loose, focused, and ready to have fun—even when you wipe out.

Check out more of our favorite Surf Workout Routines.

7. Master the Land Drills First

Before hitting the water, you’ll spend a little time on the beach learning how to pop up on your board—and trust us, it’s worth it. Lying down, placing your hands beneath your chest, and springing into a low, balanced stance with knees bent and eyes up might feel clunky at first. But practicing it on land a few times builds muscle memory, making it feel more natural when the waves come. Don’t be shy—ask your instructor to film you with your phone. Watching it back later helps the movement click and keeps those early habits on point.

What to Expect from Your First Waves

“You’ll start out in the whitewash—those soft, rolling waves closer to shore. They’re ideal for getting the hang of your balance and building confidence without feeling overwhelmed. We’ll go over the basics together: how to read the waves, when to paddle, and how to move efficiently so you’re not burning out too quickly,” says Kurt, one of our awesome instructors at Iguana. “It’s really all about learning at your own pace and having fun while you do it.”

8. Embrace the Wipeout

Repeat after us: nobody nails it on their first try. Trust us that you will miss waves, slide off the board, and probably come up snorting a bit of saltwater, but that’s all part of the fun. Learning how to fall is actually a skill in itself: keep your arms close, try to land flat (not headfirst), and always protect your head if the board is nearby. Every wipeout teaches you something about balance, timing, and control so take the hint and ask your instructor what you should be doing better.

9. Communicate With Your Coach

Your surf instructor’s not just there to give you a push into a wave. They’re tuned in to everything—your posture, your paddling, your rhythm—and they’re always looking for ways to help you improve. It’s also super important to speak up if something doesn’t feel quite right, whether it’s to do with your stance or you’re feeling hesitant about heading into deeper water. A good surf instructor has 101 tricks up their sleeves to build confidence and adjust skills and, a lot of the time, it’s actually minor tweaks that are needed.

10. Decompress and Plan the Next Session

After your lesson, take a few minutes to stretch and cool down. Rinse off under our outdoor shower, then grab a smoothie and swap stories with your new surf buddies. The best wipeout of the day usually gets a good laugh. If your session was filmed, sit down with your instructor to review it. You’ll probably spot a few small wins you didn’t even realize, and maybe a couple of things to tweak next time. Feeling the vibe? That’s THE perfect time to book your next lesson! Surfing clicks faster when you stay consistent. 

If you’re on one of our Surf Camps, daily video analysis is part of the deal. It’s a game changer for beginners, helping you spot exactly what’s working and what needs adjusting. Plus, our Stellar Surf Packages come with Photo Package as a bonus!

BONUS: Book Now and Save!

At Iguana Surf Camp, we specialize in Costa Rica surfing for beginners. If you’re ready to learn to surf in Costa Rica, there’s truly no better spot than Tamarindo.

At Iguana Surf Camp, we specialize in surfing for beginners in Costa Rica, with supportive coaches, a relaxed vibe, and warm waves that make learning FUN.

Fill out the form below and come play with us in the best beginner surf beach in the world!