The Surf Camp
At Del Mar Surf Camp – if you are just starting to surf, have never been on a board or have surfed a few times, know how to paddle out and want a refresher, the beginner level packages are just for you.
“Will I ride a wave during my first week?” “Absolutely. YES!”
Your first welcome & beginner surf lesson will take place in South Jaco in front of Club del Mar Hotel (Playa Hermosa, Jaco), in front of the grass hut in Playa Guiones (Playa Nosara) or in the beautiful Playa Santa Teresa. In all the cases, with any one of our packages we will be sure to pick you up and take you there each day. During the week, depending on your level and conditions of the swell, we will take you to different areas of the beach (maybe a different beach in Hermosa, depending on the conditions) to surf in a variety of waves. See our Del Mar Packages & Rates.
First Day: Welcome to Del Mar Surf Camp
Our instructors will welcome you to Costa Rica and Del Mar Surf Camp. They will start off my introducing themselves (their name, CPR- First Aid and Water Rescue Certified) and tell you a bit about the surf camp history and different locations.
Introduction to the Ocean
Both our beginner locations at Playa Hermosa , Jaco and Playa Nosara , Guanacaste are “beach breaks”. This means that the beach has a sand bottom. The instructors will explain to the students the differences between beach breaks, reef breaks and point breaks. They will also show exactly where the rocks & channels are in their specific locations so that you are aware for your safety. Remember, it is important to know all this before getting into the ocean because the number one rule is: “The Ocean Always Wins”.
Review of General Safety Tips
The instructors will then show you what to do in the water during different situations, how to paddle out, how to get over a wave as well as the signs for an Emergency. *Safety Guidelines: What to do when falling off the board? What to do in case that you are under the water and need to come up to the surface? Always cover you head and face. Make sure that you are not in front of a beginner surfer when paddling out. Or you are not in the way of a surfer. They will also explain about Rip Currents, the consequences and how to get out of them.
Introduction of the Equipment
Since you will be spending most of your time on the board, it is very important to first understand it. The surf instructors will review with you, the Surfboard: top and bottom, nose, rails, fins, leash & wax. They will also explain differences between a Long Board and Short Board. In all surf packages, Del Mar uses only high quality epoxy long boards to teach from NSP & South Point – we also have soft tops available.
Beach Practice
Before getting into the water, students will practice popping up while our instructors will help them correct their stance, arms and legs. This will help you get the feeling of the stance so that you are familiar with the proper positioning before getting into the water.
Getting On Your Surf Board
One of the most important steps of the week. We will show you how to:
- Manipulate the board: How to grab the board, walk with it, put it in the water
- Lay on the board: How to position yourself on the board and how to paddle & pop up. The differences between Regular and Goofy foot.
- Push Up, Roll Over or Turtle Roll: It is very important to let our students know the different techniques to paddle out and avoid getting pushed back by the white water when the wave brakes in front of you.
In the Water
Students will be taken to the water with a ratio of instruction of 1 instructor per 2 students. This will guarantee individual attention. We will start in the white water by pushing the student on the surfboard. Depending on the student’s ability, the surf instructor will then take the student further out into the ocean for a push in a green wave & then guiding the student about turning and riding the face of the wave. As you advance, you will begin to learn how to read the waves, timing of sets and when to score the perfect wave on your own with the help of our instructors every step of the process!
Surfing Instruction
(2:1 students to teacher)
For beginners and advanced surfers alike, your surf lessons will always be accompanied by surfing experts certified with:
- ISA (International Surfing Association) Certified
- Red Cross of Costa Rica in CPR
- Water Rescue
- First aid
- Guaranteed a min 2 hour session each time
- Each instructor will only have two students to ensure proper surf training
VIDEO: Learn to Surf With Del Mar Surf Camp
