Rapture Surfcamp Costarica Happy People After Surfing
Rapture Surfcamp Costarica Playa Avellanas
Rapture Surfcamp Costarica Woman Longboarding
Rapture Surfcamp Costarica walking towards the beach
Rapture Surfcamp Costarica Longboarding
Rapture Surfcamp Costarica Woman getting ready for the Surf
Rapture Surfcamp Costarica Perfect Waves

Surf School
in Avellanas.

Playa Avellanas, possibly the best surf spot on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, is waiting for you. With no tourists, wide sandy beaches, turquoise water, and perfect waves, this camp truly is a hidden gem. In fact, you’ll live in the middle of the jungle surrounded by pristine nature at just a short walk to the beach, and yet only a few kilometres away from legendary Tamarindo.

Perfect surf in all sizes – yours at Playa Avellanas

Our surf school in Costa Rica is located in one of the most versatile and consistent breaks in Central America. Of course, waves here at Playa Avellanas can be incredibly easy to surf. On the other hand, they can also offer more challenging rides when the swell is up.

In the immediate vicinity of our surf school, there are also five other breaks: La Purruja, El Parqueo, El Palo, El Estero de Avellanas, and Little Hawaii. Each of these breaks is different, with some breaking over a rocky bottom and others over a combination of reef and sand. Accordingly, this makes them more suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers. On top of that, we’re also only a short drive from world-class spots such as: Playa Negra, Langosta and Playa Grande

No matter if you are a rookie or an expert – here you will get your money’s worth.

Learn to surf in the ultimate surfer’s paradise

All things considered, Playa Avellanas is a surfer’s paradise! The white sandy beach is surrounded by mangrove forests. Also, water temperature is 27 degrees Celsius on average year-round, making wetsuits obsolete. You can peacefully enjoy breaks between surf sessions under the palm trees.

Surfing, diving, wildlife watching, day trips, boat excursions, jungle walks, party nights or just a calm place to relax: at Rapture Surfcamps Costa Rica you can do it all.

A girl surfing a begginer wave in cosra rica
best places to learn how to surf
A surfer riding a small wave at ocean
A group of surfers jumping with surfboards
An old woman surfing in costa rica avellanas
An old man surfing in costa rica
Group of surfer girls with dog on the beach
Surf Guide Costa Rica
Surfer making top turn trick in Playa Avellanas
Surfer standing on a surf board

Surf Lessons for all levels

No matter if you have stood on a board once or twice before, you plan all your travels around surfing the world, or you want to experience the feeling of riding a wave for the first time, our local surf guides know every break and will take you to the one that suits your level and offers perfect conditions for that day.

Indeed, our staff will show you how to successfully pop on the board, how to progress from whitewater to green waves, and how to enhance your existing skills, taking you from riding to ripping.

At our surf school, we have a selection of boards that you can hire from our friendly staff. These include twin fins, longboards, and thrusters. With this variety you can surf everything from a ripple to overheard barrels, switching up boards as the conditions change.

A group of surfers standing up on surfboard

Level 1
Beginners Surf Course

The beginner module is a great fit for those who have never surfed before. Also, for those who haven’t surfed in a while and want to go through the basics one more time. Our surf instructors will make sure that you develop your skills in line with your level. Moreover, they will make sure you’ll catch as many waves as possible while having fun with the other surfers.

A significant part of our guests at all camps are complete beginners, that’s why our school organizes lessons for complete beginners from Mondays to Saturdays, and as you progress during your time at camp, so does the instruction you receive. At Rapturecamps Costa Rica with the help of our patient and experienced instructors in just a few days you might already be riding green waves.

What will you learn in the Beginner module

Your first surf lesson begins with an introduction about safety, beach awareness, and as well a clear overview of surfing equipment.

After you get familiar with these concepts you will start to learn the basics on how to handle a surfboard, paddle out, catch a wave, and get to your feet.

These are some fundamentals you will learn at our surf camp in the Beginner module:

  • Discover what kind of stance suits you best
  • Adjust your position
  • Learn how to paddle properly
  • How to pick and catch the best wave
  • Get familiar about standing up on the board
  • Controlling your board
A beginner surfer girl catching a wave in Bali

Level 2
Intermediate Surf Course

The main difference with the beginner module is the level of autonomy in the water. To be suitable for the intermediate classes you should be able to get up on waves on your own. Also, have a strong paddling ability, and feel comfortable in deep water. If these requirements represent a challenge for you, you might benefit more from the beginner course.

Our instructors will help you to:

  • Improve your skills
  • You will learn how to read the water
  • Where to position yourself
  • How to turn on waves.

What can you expect from the intermediate course

This module is focused on getting to the outside (lineup) in waist-high waves. We’ll teach you to catch green waves and ride the face of the wave instead of going straight in the white water. Our instructors will give you personalized tips on how you surf and about what to improve as the quality of the waves you pick, the speed you are able to generate, your agility on the wave, etc. Their advice will help you develop your technique and improve your surfing style.

Other important things you will learn in the Intermediate course:

  • Catching a wave towards shore
  • Improving your stance
  • Reading the ocean – Learning which waves to catch and which waves to rather skip
  • Catching a wave towards shore
  • Stalling and accelerating
  • Improve your stance
  • Angled take-offs
  • Bottom turn & cutback
A happy surfer riding wave in Bali beach

Free Surf Guiding
For Experienced Surfers

Surf guiding is always included in the room price and provided at no extra cost to all experienced surfers looking to surf at one of the many world-class breaks along the area around our surf camp.

This option does not include instruction and it is intended for surfers that know how to surf (level 3), but just don’t know where to surf in Costa Rica.

Our experienced surf guides will take you to the best waves suited to your ability and advise the best places. Either to paddle out or to inform you of any possible currents, rips, and dangers you need to be aware of.

Participants in the surf guiding group must be advanced surfers with the ability to:

  • Paddle out
  • Duck dive through the waves to the backline
  • Read and ride green waves
  • Select/catch waves on their own
  • Deep knowledge of surfers etiquette and water safety

If you do not fit into this category, but have skills more than beginner level that you wish to improve on, we suggest opting for the “intermediate” lessons instead.

About our Surf Instructors in Playa Avellanas

Whether you are a beginner or have plenty of surfing experience, our surf guides and the instructors at our surf school know every break by heart. They will take you to the best spot for your level depending on tides and weather conditions.

If you are taking surf lessons, our instructors will first teach you the basics in surf theory class. Afterwards, they will advise you on which break suits your skill level. They’ll show you how to pop up onto the board for the first time or how to improve your existing skills. You’ll get from riding to ripping in no time. Moreover, our rental fleet consists of new epoxy and fiberglass boards in all shapes and sizes to suit your surfing needs and wishes.

Know more about surfing in Costa Rica

Man surfing a wave in Costa Rica

5 Surf Spots for Beginners in Costa Rica

Costa Rica 23. Sep 2023

With its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and world-class waves, Costa Rica has earned its reputation as a surfer’s paradise.…

Top 8 Surfing Spots (with map) around Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica

Costa Rica 19. Sep 2023

Want to surf a different world-class break in Costa Rica every day of the week? Read on to find…

Sunset on the Beach in Costa Rica

10 Things to Do in Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica

Inspiration 27. Nov 2023

Situated on Costa Rica’s beautiful coastline, Playa Avellanas  offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of every…

Got more questions about our Surf Lessons?

Browse our FAQ for more info about our surf lessons in Avellanas.

How far away is the nearest beach to the surfcamp?

Playa Avellanas is just 10 min walking from our surf camp.

Read More

Is the surf camp suitable for complete beginners?

We love surfing, the ocean and Mother Nature and we love sharing this passion with our guests! Over the 15 yrs of history of Rapture Surfcamps we have taught more than 12,000 people how to surf. Allow us to light the fire within you too! 

Read More

Difference between Surf Lessons and Surfguiding?

During a lesson you will work with an instructor to improve technique and gain confidence in the water. The instructors will help you to catch the waves so you can save your energy to practice pop ups and turns. In lessons a board and lycra is included in the price. Guiding is included in the price of your stay, all you have to pay for is the board rental. Guiding involves transport to the spot and some guidance on areas to avoid in the water but apart from that you are responsible for yourself and the instructors will not give you any hints or tips.

Read More

Ask questions via...

Chat button