Surfing Costa Rica

Hello surfing community, I hope you are planning your trip to Costa Rica because in the last weekend we had a good swell with the perfect direction to the central pacific. And for the rookies, I’m going to give u some good tips, and don’t be afraid, we,tico surfers are really nice people!

First- the surfer who has been waiting the most will have the right to ride the next wave, which is called the inside of the wave. On a beachbreak he waits his turn at “el piko”. So the surfer paddling closest to the inside or “el piko” has right of way.

Second-Once a surfer is up and riding on the inside, he has the wave. So,if you take the wave and see that is already riding inside you, move from the wave.

Third- Please try not to snake. If someone’s already paddling the wave and it’s their turn, don’t claim the wave out of turn. That’s called “snaking” witch is not nice at all,you will be impolite . Be patient,we all want to surf too.

Fourth- Keep away from the surfers way. If your paddling out, keep away from the surfers zone. If it looks like you will collide , don’t paddle for the unbroken part of the wave and get in his way. Paddle behind him and duck-dive the foam. (usually the surfer have more maneuverability so he will try to avoid you). When riding, if it looks like you will collide with a paddler, avoid him, even if it means jumping off the wave. If you hit someone’s board, immediately apologize and offer to pay for the repairs.

Fifth- All surfers have the same right to their fair share of the waves. Don’t pre-judge anyone just because they are not good enough, because is a girl or because is from a different culture, here in costa rica we are all the same and we all have the same right to enjoy surfing.

Sixth-If you are just surfing for the first time don’t surf in a crowded area, look for a less crowded place and practice with the foam of the waves in the shore.Or even better look for a surfschool where you will have more benefits.

And remember if you want to be a good surfer just follow this tips and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica!!!!

“Love and treat nature as you love and treat yourselves.”