Surf Lessons in Tamarindo-Shaka Surf School

Discover Tamarindo with Shaka Surf School. Expert local surfers ensure unforgettable memories and smiles. Perfect for all skill levels. Join us for an ocean adventure.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Beach Parking - Learn to surf from zero to hero! We provide rash guards, leashes, boards, and have sunscreen on hand.

We give 2 hours of instruction, with 30 minutes on land going over positioning, safety, and tips to help you gain comfortability and confidence. We go over rules of surfing and how to stay safe in the ocean and on the board. We then enter the water for around where you are guaranteed to stand up on a wave! You will get one-on-one instruction in the water, getting guided into the waves and your own personal cheer team from the beach! If you are interested in photos please let us know.

If you already feel comfortable and confident on a board, you can also rent per hour or for the duration of your stay, we have body boards for kids and adults as well.

For those interested in stand-up paddle board, or for those with weight concerns, we also offer classes with a stand-up paddle board which offers more support and buoyancy and is even easier to learn on.

What's Included
  • Boards
  • Rashguards
  • Leashes
  • Sunscreen
Additional Information

We are local Costa Rican surfers who love the ocean and love giving back. We want you to leave here with the biggest smile and the best stories to take back home. We love our job and we want you to feel how special Tamarindo really is! Our 20+ years of experience gives us an understanding of how to approach the different levels of skill and confidence. The ocean is an amazing place and no matter where you are at on your journey, we are here to support you and want to help guide you to leave Costa Rica with new, lasting memories.

Location
Beach Parking
We are located right on the beach, next to the Lifeguard Tower & Pico Bistro (restaurant). We have a large Yellow flag that says Surf Lessons. Ask for Gustavo! We can meet you anywhere in Tamarindo or Flamingo and guide you to our location.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(26 Ratings)
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K55bitk
Aug 1, 2024
Very friendly, make you feel at home - Tamarindo has a beautiful beach and we had great weather. My daughter was scared at first but now she doesn’t want to leave. Instructors were great, my kid really liked Tavo. Instructors have many tips on things to do and places to eat as well because they are locals. Who knows, maybe we will move here🥰
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scott_k
Jul 28, 2024
Great beginner surf lesson!! - The guys were cool, helpful, friendly and attentive and i caught a bunch of waves!! They helped me correct when I was doing stuff wrong and got me on the right track
Review provided by Viator
Melaniemn5065zh
Jul 20, 2024
Amazing instructor! - Adric was an amazing instructor! So patient and corrected me so I could improve each time. He made it feel so easy and overall a fun time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Savannahk337
Jul 2, 2024
So much fun and GREAT prices!! - Me and my boyfriend did a surf lesson with Shaka Surf School when we were on our trip in Tamarindo and it was AMAZING! In the past when I have done other lessons, I always felt rushed and had trouble getting up, but this was the opposite. Gustavo really took his time getting us ready to get in the water and helping us get up on the waves. He was nice and I felt like we instantly made a friend! Me and my boyfriend were able to get up on multiple waves and felt so safe with these guys. If you are coming to Tamarindo, I recommend surfing with the guys at Shaka. Not only is it affordable compared to other places, but it was one of the best experiences I have had with surfing lessons!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W8019kktaylort
Jun 24, 2024
Girls Trip Surf Lessons - A couple of girl friends and I headed into town for our annual girls trip and surfing lessons were on the top of our to do list. We chose Shaka Surf School and I could not be more impressed and in awe of how amazing it was! None of us had ever surfed before and our instructor, Gustavo, was kind, patient and an incredible teacher. He really took the time to make sure we were all comfortable and was extremely hands-on- really providing a good foundation of skills that resulted in all 6 of us being able to get up and ride multiple waves on our own (something that most of us didn't think was possible). Gustavo sets a foundation of fun and safety during every lesson and I can't imagine a better place to have checked off this bucket list item at! Thank you Gustavo and the Shaka Surf School- I will be back!!!!!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brennah690
Jun 18, 2024
Highly Recommend Shaka Surf School!!!! - As someone who frequently travels to tropical destinations for business, I’ve taken a few surf lessons over the years. I never write reviews for businesses, but I just had to review this place. I had the instructor Gustavo, and I’ve never felt more welcomed and comfortable while surfing. He made sure that I felt 100% safe and secure before getting in the water and surfing has never felt easier for me. I had no trouble riding the big waves, which seemed unattainable before my lesson! I feel like a pro now! I highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jspector215
Apr 27, 2024
THE BEST - Me and my buddy were looking for a quick surf lesson. I already have surfing experience but always excited to learn more and I learned a lot. Gustavo and his team were very helpful and spent a full two hours with us in the water. They were kind enough to buy us both beers after too. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisalm4603kq
Mar 20, 2024
A gem on the beach - My surfing lesson with Gustavo was phenomenal. It was clear from the beginning that he knew what he was doing, both in terms of surfing and teaching. With patient guidance and friendly, expert instruction, I quickly felt comfortable in the water and on the board. I can't recommend this school highly enough for anyone looking to surf in Tamarindo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ella_t
Apr 3, 2024
Gustavo kept reminding us... - Gustavo kept reminding us to have a good time and we really had. Gave us water after which was a huge plus!
Review provided by Viator
Sacha_k
Apr 8, 2024
Not so good - Meeting point was vague and the guide arrived 20 minutes ns late and didn't even apologize. The whole experience was supposed to last 2h but it was more 1h30 actually. Waves are small, which is good for beginners, but they good ones can be rare, they were on the 2 days we spent around Tamarindo beach.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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