A surfer carving a clean green wave at Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Playa Grande & Playa Tamarindo · Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Learn to surf on the hot sand of Costa Rica.

Private and small-group lessons with Eli: warm water, friendly waves, and the best sunsets in Guanacaste. First-timers welcome.

Rated 5.0 on Google

The Lessons

Pick your wave.

Every lesson is 90 minutes and includes your rashguard and a board matched to your level, height, and weight. All levels, all ages. We meet you where you are.

One-on-one

Private Lesson

$120

Just you and Eli. The fastest way to stand up, read the ocean, and ride your first real waves.

  • 90 minutes, one-on-one
  • Board + rashguard included
  • Total beginners welcome
Book private
Most popular Friends & family

Group Lesson

$60/ person · 2+

Bring your friends, your family, or the whole crew. Small groups, big laughs, and real progress. Everyone catches waves.

  • 90 minutes, small groups
  • Board + rashguard included
  • Great for families & friends
Book group
Go all in

Multi-Day Package

On request

Surfing every day of your trip? Stack a few lessons and watch yourself transform, plus a true beach-day setup on us. Ask Eli for package pricing.

  • Custom multi-lesson plans
  • Fresh local fruit & coconuts
  • Shade tent & beach chairs included
  • Flexible scheduling
Ask about packages

How it works

From the sand to your first wave.

  1. 01

    Reach out

    Message us on WhatsApp or grab a time on the calendar. Tell us your level, ages, and dates.

  2. 02

    Meet on the beach

    We bring the boards, rashguards, and all the gear, with a board picked for your level and size. Quick warm-up and safety chat on the sand.

  3. 03

    Ride your first wave

    Eli reads every set and guides you into the water. Most first-timers are up and smiling on day one.

Eli cross-stepping on a longboard along a clean Costa Rica wave Blood-orange sunset over sailboats in Tamarindo bay

Meet your instructor

Hi, I'm Eli.

I've spent the past 20 years reading the waves of Playa Grande and Playa Tamarindo, and there's nothing I love more than seeing someone ride their very first wave. My lessons are patient, safety-first, and a whole lot of fun. Most people are standing up by the end of their first session.

If you can stand on the sand, I'll get you standing on a wave.
  • Local knowledge of the best beginner waves & tides
  • Safety-first, family-friendly coaching
  • All equipment provided, just bring sunscreen
  • Lessons in English & Spanish
Message Eli on WhatsApp

Loved by surfers

5.0 Google rating · based on 35 reviews

“We LOVE Eli! We’ve led yoga retreats at RipJack Inn in Playa Grande for 7 years and use Eli exclusively for all our surf lessons. Professional, kind, funny — and he always makes the group feel safe in the water.”

— Candice C.

“Eli is an amazing surf coach that can teach all levels of experience. He is great with kids and families and always prioritizes safety and fun. Highly recommend!”

— Michael Natenberg

“Eli did a fantastic job — we ended up hiring him for 4 more days of lessons for our 4 kids. He’s nice and calm in the water and teaches them all the right things. We can’t wait to go back!”

— Lisa S.

Where the magic happens

Two beaches, endless waves.

Playa Grande Eli's home break

Eli's favorite, and the dreamiest place to learn: wide, uncrowded, and protected. Soft sand, mellow whitewater, and all the space you need to find your feet.

Playa Tamarindo

The lively heart of Guanacaste surf, with consistent fun waves and the golden-hour sunsets Costa Rica is famous for.

We arrange the exact meeting spot with you over WhatsApp once you book, based on the tide and conditions that day.

Ready to ride your first wave?

Send Eli a message with your dates and we'll get you in the water.

Reserve your spot

Book your lesson

Pick a day and time that work for you and get instant confirmation. We'll sort the exact beach and board on WhatsApp.

Get in touch

Let's get you surfing.

WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us. Prefer to write? Fill out the form and Eli will get back to you.

Or just message us on WhatsApp. We usually reply within a few hours.