5 Reasons Why You Should Have a Surf Instructor in Tamarindo
- Oscar Valverde

- Nov 25, 2025
- 3 min read
Hey there! I’m Oscar, born and raised in Costa Rica. I teach surfing in Tamarindo, a beach that’s ideal for learning or improving your surf: mellow waves, ideal conditions, and a really welcoming vibe. Of course, the ocean can still feel a little overwhelming in the beginning, and that’s completely normal. That’s where having a professional, certified surf instructor in Tamarindo makes everything smoother, safer, and a lot more fun. Here are my top 5 reasons why having an instructor by your side is the best choice you can make.
1. Learn Faster With the Right Technique
When you’re on your own, you might catch a few waves… or you might struggle and feel stuck. A certified surf instructor can see the small details: your stance, timing, paddling, and positioning – and give you instant feedback.
This means:
You improve way faster.
You avoid building bad habits.
You feel progress every single session.
Watching my students catch their “first real wave” with good technique is the moment that keeps me passionate about teaching.
If you’re looking for beginner surf lessons in Costa Rica, this is the fastest way to grow.

2. Your Safety Comes First
The ocean changes every minute: currents, tides, and wind can shift fast. And when the beach gets busy, it’s crucial to know how to move in the water safely. With a certified surf instructor in Tamarindo, you’re not just learning how to stand up – you’re learning how to stay safe, aware, and respectful in the lineup. Safety is one of the biggest benefits of surf lessons.
I’ll teach you how to:
Understand the rules of surfing and surf etiquette: right of way, priority, and safe paddling lines.
Read other surfers: from locals who know the break to beginners who might not yet know what they’re doing, so you can stay safe and make smart decisions.
Pass waves safely using turtle roll and handle wipeouts with confidence.
Navigate crowded water calmly and confidently, even when the lineup is busy.
When you understand the rules and feel comfortable in the lineup, everything changes. You relax, you enjoy yourself, and you surf smarter – which means more waves and fewer worries.
3. A Lesson Tailored Just for You
Everyone learns differently. Some students need encouragement, some want technical explanations, others learn best by feeling it in the water. As a certified surf instructor in Tamarindo, I adjust the lesson to your needs, your pace, and your goals. Whether it’s your first day or you’re working toward the next level, I’ll be right next to you helping you grow.
Surfing is personal – and your lesson should be too. That’s another big benefit of surf lessons: personalized coaching.

4. More Confidence, More Fun, More Waves
Surfing isn’t only about standing up – it’s about feeling good, trusting yourself, and enjoying the moment. When someone is there to guide you, support you, and celebrate your wins, everything becomes easier.
My goal in every session is simple: you have fun, you feel confident, and you leave the water with a big smile. I’ll also teach you how to connect with the ocean, be patient, and appreciate the magic of simply being out there. That’s the pura vida experience.
5. Real Local Knowledge Makes a Huge Difference
After years in the water here in Tamarindo and the surrounding beaches, I know when the waves get good, where to avoid crowds, and how conditions change throughout the day.
With a local surf instructor in Tamarindo, you get:
The right spot.
The right tide.
The right moment.
A much better chance of catching great waves.
When you surf with me, you’re not just booking a surf lesson – you’re getting the full local experience.

Why You Should Have a Surf Instructor: The 5 Reasons That Truly Matter
When you look at everything together, it becomes clear why having a surf instructor makes such a big difference. A professional instructor doesn’t only teach you how to surf. They teach you how to understand the ocean, stay safe, improve with purpose, and enjoy every moment in the water.
These are the 5 reasons that truly transform your surf experience:
You learn faster with proper technique.
You stay safer and understand surf etiquette.
You get lessons tailored to your goals.
You build confidence and have more fun.
You benefit from local knowledge that only comes with experience.
If you’re ready to feel the difference these five things make, I’d be honored to guide you on your surf journey – one wave at a time.
Visiting Tamarindo, Costa Rica?
Let’s get you in the water, catching waves, and experiencing how surfing can change the way you think, move, and feel – both in and out of the ocean.
Book your lesson with me today!
WhatsApp: +506 8479 4355
Email: oscarvalverdesurf@gmail.com
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