Surf Camp in CR

**warthog** · 02-27-2008, 07:26 AM

Anyone ever do a surf camp in CR? I am looking at Safari Surf School in Nosara. Seems really cool, off the beaten path, yet all inclusive, so I don't have to think all that much. Since this is our delayed honeymoon, I really don't want either of us to be "in charge" of the trip, just want it to flow.

Here is the website:
http://www.safarisurfschool.com/

My wife is a total beginner, and I can get up, but need to learn more about timing, cutting, and just generally need more time on solid waves. This place also has a big Yoga center, so they incorporate yoga into each day. Sounds really chill. All the other standard stuff applies. Canopy tours, waterfall tours, fishing, ATV rentals, etc. are available. You get 2 surf sessions per day, one at the crack of dawn, and one in the evening. The rest of the day is free time to do whatever.

If you have hit one of these surf schools, let me know. I really am looking for the best one, but they need to have nice(not 4 seasons, but still honeymoon worthy) accommodations, pick up service from the airport, food packages, good surf and instruction, and some other things to do in the down time.

Thanks for the help.

**warthog** · 02-27-2008, 08:53 AM

Whoops, noticed the other thread going on this very subject. Sorry. I'll keep checking both.

**LiveTheDream** · 02-29-2008, 12:07 PM

My wife and I went for Witches Rock in Tamarindo a few years back... nice settup, good folks, cater to all ability levels.

**Rick Kane** · 02-29-2008, 03:10 PM

loma del mar (rovercam.com) based out of the hermosa area, they'll take you do different spots everyday. went there about 6 years ago with a complete beginner, they took him out for lessons in the more sheltered spots around jaco. also the pavones area can be a nice place for groups of varying abilities, you can surf the top of the point while she can learn further around the point where it is sheltered and the waves are smaller/gentler.

**JMO** · 02-29-2008, 09:57 PM

I posted in the other thread but since you mention that your wife is a total beginner, check it out. surfnegra.com

The house sits above both breaks at Negra. The beach break is so perfect for boogie boarding - in fact, that's pretty much all we do when we go down there.

The reef break is pretty good, too - just 200 yards up the beach.

Sunsets from the porch ain't too shabby, either.

The bar at Avellanas:

**SuperChief** · 02-29-2008, 10:16 PM

Whats the best time a year to go? Thinking a tropical vacation is in my future.

**warthog** · 03-03-2008, 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by SuperChief

Whats the best time a year to go? Thinking a tropical vacation is in my future.

They say April to October is the best surf time. I've heard the wet season is good cause the dust settles down. I have no choice- gotta go when school is out, so my mother in-law can watch the munchkin.

**Susannah** · 03-15-2008, 03:21 PM

Just got back from Witch's Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo and I would NOT recommend it. Tamarindo is a crowded, noisy tourist trap and the locals seem very resentful of the development. Be careful - crime is high and scams are rampant. I live way up in the Colorado mountains and I saw more Americans during a week in Tamarindo than I usually see in a year where I live. Witch's Rock Surf Camp is billed as a laid back, bare bones place, which I usually go for when I'm traveling. Honestly, this was a dump. The door to our room didn't close, the air conditioner was broken, we were overrun with ants, and there were holes in the walls - not what I was expecting for the high price. Another guest got sick from the sushi. The surf instructors spent about 1/2 hour of each 2 hour lesson with us, then chatted up the girls on the beach or went surfing on their own. I know this seems like one long complaint, but I was so suprised at how bad it was. I've worked as an outfitter, sailing instructor, and snowboard instructor for the past 25 years and have never seen such a poorly executed adventure/sports camp. Re: best time to go, the ocean in Tamarindo is very polluted and I understand people don't even go in it during the rainy season because of all the raw sewage that pours off the streets. On the bright side - We spent one day surfing at Avellanos and this seems like the place to go. It's beautiful there, clean and uncrowded. The photos posted in this thread do not lie! There are much better places to go than Witch's Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo.