The Rhythm of the Tide: Finding Confidence in Southern Costa Rica
When most people think of Southern Costa Rica, they imagine waves—and for good reason. This stretch of coastline is home to some of the longest, most beautiful rides in the world. For surfers, it’s a bucket-list destination, and for me, it was also about the rhythm of life at surf camp: mornings shaped by the tides, afternoons spent laughing with new friends, and evenings unwinding as the sun melted into the Pacific.
I stayed at the Surf with Amigas Longboard House, a women-focused surf camp designed to help surfers of all levels find confidence and have fun in the water. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed into a community built on encouragement, fun, and connection. It was a total immersion in the salt-water, surf-loving lifestyle—a place where you trade your watch for the tide chart and your shoes for flip-flops.
Days Shaped by the Tide
From the first morning paddle-out to the final sunset, everything revolved around the waves. We woke before dawn to sip coffee, wax our boards, and stretch as the sun rose over the jungle. As light began to fill the sky, we were already paddling out, salt spray in the air, chasing the promise of long rides. Some waves stretched on endlessly, and even when I wiped out (often!), the fun of being there was unmatched.
Homemade meals awaited us after each surf session, the kind that nourished both body and spirit. I’ll admit I got completely hooked on the pancakes that followed a morning in the waves. Afterward, restorative yoga classes offered a chance to stretch out sore muscles and reset under the jungle canopy. The afternoons offered a different pace—lounging poolside, walking the beach, or grabbing my camera to capture the quiet moments in between. Some afternoons were spent on land with lessons, refining technique in a calmer setting, while others turned into adventure outings or creative sessions that added even more dimension to the experience.
The Long Lefts
Southern Costa Rica is famous for its long left-hand surf break. A single ride could last for minutes, carrying you along the coastline with a rhythm that felt more calm and meditative than scary. I quickly learned that surfing here was as much about slowing down as it was about skill. Some waves came easy, others challenged me, but every session left me smiling.
The instructors were incredible. They didn't just teach us how to stand up on a board; they taught us about the ocean's rhythm. They'd explain the currents, the breaks, and how to read the waves from a distance. Even when I wasn’t surfing, I loved sitting on the beach, watching my new friends glide across the water. The sense of community—with cheers, laughter, and shared stoke—was as rewarding as the waves themselves.
Evenings Together
After a long day, evenings brought everyone together. We’d gather for sunset before a shared dinner and stories of the day’s best (and worst) rides. As the sky shifted from orange to violet with the sound of the ocean in the background, it felt like life had slowed to its most natural rhythm.
While I spent most of my time being present, when I did bring out my camera, I tried to capture not just the waves, but the atmosphere of surf camp—the fun of the group, and the joy of learning something in a place where the ocean is both a playground and a teacher.
Where We Stayed
Our home for the week was a beautiful property with a shared common house that served as our central hub for meals and socializing. The rest of the accommodations were in cozy casitas scattered throughout the property, giving us a sense of privacy and our own space. The grounds themselves were a piece of paradise, with a refreshing pool perfect for a post-surf cool-down and surrounded by the same lush jungle that characterized southern Costa Rica. It was a place for us to share stories, laugh about our wipeouts, and soak up the laid-back, supportive community that the camp fosters.
What I Took Away
This trip was about improving my surfing and finding a new level of confidence in the water. The instructors pushed me to try new things and helped me build the skills I needed to feel more comfortable on my board. It was about overcoming personal challenges and learning to trust myself and the ocean. Ultimately, the experience was about more than just the waves. It was about finding a rhythm that balanced challenge and peace. The ocean tested my patience and pushed my limits, but the supportive community taught me to take challenges as they come—in waves.
I came here to chase waves and a feeling of freedom, but I left with something more: a newfound confidence and a rhythm I hope to carry with me to the beaches at home.
Want to Attend Surf Camp?
If surf camp in Southern Costa Rica is calling you, here are a few things to know:
Surf with Amigas: The Longboard House offers retreats for women of all levels, with coaching, equipment, and a supportive community.
Waves for all levels: While this region is famous for its long left-hand break, there are spots for beginners and advanced surfers alike.
Community: Camps are designed to be welcoming. You’ll find encouragement in and out of the water.
Bring a camera: Whether it's to capture sunsets, surf sessions, or the in-between moments, this coastline offers endless inspiration.
Embrace the rhythm: The best part of surf camp isn’t just the waves—it’s the way life slows down, syncing with the tide.
Final Thoughts
Surfing Southern Costa Rica is more than chasing waves. It’s about living in rhythm with the ocean, finding joy in community, and learning to let the tide set the pace of your days. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or stepping on a board for the first time, this is an experience that will linger long after you’ve left.
For more of my Costa Rica adventures, be sure to check out my images captured in Costa Rica with the Weathermatic and about our trip to Playa Grande.
