The best surf school in Tamarindo, according to the people who learned here.
A local school on Tamarindo Beach, teaching since before most of the town had wifi.
Book a LessonYour local surf family in Tamarindo.
We are a local school on Tamarindo Beach, recognised by students from around the world as the best surf school in Tamarindo. Our job is to share the ocean through good instruction, local knowledge, and the pura vida spirit this town runs on.
First wave or first green wave, the goal is the same: get you better, quickly and safely.
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What "certified" actually means here.
Every surf school in town says its instructors are certified. Here is what ours are held to.
ISA-certified, every one of them
Certification by the International Surfing Association is the recognised standard for surf instruction. It is not a badge we award ourselves.
Trained in ocean rescue and first aid
Tamarindo is a gentle beach break, but the ocean is still the ocean. Every instructor is trained to handle it going wrong.
Four students per instructor, maximum
Group lessons cap at four. Semi-private at three. Nobody is left paddling around while the coach works with someone else.
Stand up on your first lesson, or the next one is free
We put that in writing because we can. Most beginners ride whitewater inside their first 90 minutes.
How it started.
Pura Vida Surf School came out of a love for the ocean and the want for a place where people from anywhere could learn to surf without it being intimidating. Our founders grew up surfing these waves.
What began as a handful of local surfers is now one of the busiest schools on this beach, and the thing we are proudest of has not changed: people leave able to do something they could not do before.
Over the years we have taught thousands of surfers, from six-year-olds on their first board to grandparents who decided it was finally time.
What students say
Most students tell us their first lesson was the highlight of the whole trip.
Carlos M.
Traveler · Spain
The best surf school I have been to. The instructors genuinely care about your progress and the vibe is welcoming.
Jessica L.
Solo Traveler · USA
I was nervous about surfing for the first time but they made it easy. Patient, professional, and a lot of fun.
Thomas B.
Digital Nomad · Germany
I have tried surf schools in Bali and Portugal. The local knowledge here makes all the difference.
Ana P.
Traveler · Brazil
Brought my whole family, from my 8-year-old to my mom. Everyone learned, everyone had fun.
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure which option is right for you? Talk to our local surf team and we'll help you choose the perfect option.
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