Great Surfing all around Tamarindo

The 4 BEST Beginner Surf Spots in Tamarindo

www.tamarindofamilyphotos.com best surf spots tamarindoAlong with Playa Jacó in the Central Pacific and Playa Pavones in Golfito, Tamarindo is without question one of Costa Rica’s 3 great surfing meccas.

 For beginners, if you don’t know what you’re doing you can find yourself competing for waves with expert surfers – who often don’t have a lot of patience for newbies. More often than not, the best place for a complete beginner to learn is along a section of beach that is not particularly famous for its big waves.

Here is RPM’s list of the best mild surf spots in and around Tamarindo for beginner surfers.

1. In front of Witches Rock

The portion of beach directly in front of Witches Rock Surf Camp is ideal for learning how to surf almost year-round. And when you start to improve, the rivermouth’s intermediate to advanced waves are only a few feet away. This is quite a large area of beach, so there is plenty of room for people to spread out.

2. In front of  Capitan Suizo

Just in front of the Capitan Suizo hotel there is a great surf break for beginners. Although it can be a little fickle, when it’s good it’s very good. The waves here are usually pretty mild with lots of white water, perfect for learning how to stand up on the board. If you don’t see anyone else surfing here, the waves might be too small. Try again in a few hours.

3. Avellanas

Avellanas can be great for beginners when the waves are SMALL. Don’t try to surf it on a gigantic wave day or you might get crushed. Definitely stay away from people who look like they know what they’re doing (avoid Little Hawaii and the Rivermouth). Surfing along either side of the big dead tree near Lola’s is great for beginners, because the waves are relatively small and very consistent.

4. Playa Grande

Playa Grande is another beach that can be great for beginners when the waves are on the tame side. Only surf here if you’re a strong swimmer, as surprise currents can pop up out of nowhere – and they can be quite strong.  Once you feel comfortable getting up on the board, try Las Casitas near the estuary, in front of the brown wooden building. There you’ll find consistent waves.

Surf Etiquette Rule of Thumb:

Surfing in Tamarindo definitely comes with a “secret handshake” among locals, along with a delicate (and largely unspoken) system of rules and etiquette while in the lineup waiting for a set. Check out Witches Rocks’ article: The 5 Rules of Surfing Etiquette. If you don’t have time to read the whole thing, they are:

Rule #1  –  Don’t Drop In On Another Surfer

Rule #2  –  The Surfer Closest To The Peak Has Right-Of-Way

Rule #3  –  Paddling Surfer Yields To Surfer Riding Wave

Rule #4  –  Don’t Ditch Your Board

Rule #5  –  Don’t Be A Snake

Have fun!

Photo Credits:

Photos by Genna Marie of Tamarindo Family Photos

 

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Ideal Costa Rica Vacation Spot

Aimee
4star rating
March 9, 2019
Definitely recommend staying at Las Mareas for a vacation in Tamarindo. The location is just outside of the hustle and bustle of the town center and has an incredible view. Town and the beach is only 5 minutes away, down the hill, and past the gu...

Pura Vida

Carol
5star rating
March 15, 2018
Great time, Great accommodations. Lola from RPM was very helpful and responsive to questions prior to our arrival and after our arrival. When traveling a bit outside of Timarindo the beaches are amazing. At Playa Langosta the mayor of Langosta a...

Lovely Location

Elizabeth
4star rating
December 29, 2014
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Casa Colorado Tamarindo

Terri
5star rating
May 13, 2022
Great family vacation! Visited numerous beaches in the area. This house is a great central location to visit many beaches. Monkeys, birds and beaches everyday!

Great family fun

Jean-Marc
5star rating
January 20, 2020
The Courtyard experience was wonderful. Steps away from a wonderful beach and far enough from the hustle and bustle of central Tamarindo where the action is. All the necessities as there to spend quality time with friends and family.

Very GOOD location

Paola
4star rating
February 18, 2014
The apart is really pretty and had a great location, a very GOOD spot to go with your family

Case Blanca 1

Trudy
4star rating
February 8, 2016
We enjoyed our stay the unit was clean but unfortunately there is a large puddle of raw sewage on the road very close to our unit. Tamarindo has to improve its garbage collection , and RPM should look into the termite problems that are beginning t...

MUY BUENA EXPERIENCIA

Christine
5star rating
November 6, 2017
Nos quedamos en este apartamento 4 dias. Esta frente al mar con un acceso directo y privado. El apartamento era muy limpio y el jacuzzi en el ultimo piso era maravilloso.

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Eric
3star rating
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The place was nice. The disconnect between this property and the Hotel was an inconvenience throughout. No breakfast included, and actually you are not supposed to use the hotel pool. It is completely separate. The condos are nice and the lagoon p...

Tamarindo Rental

James
5star rating
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Everything was perfect! The condo was beautiful, the instructions were clear and complete, and the support from RPM (local management company) was outstanding! Rapid response to all our questions and assistance for outside issues like car rentals.

Dream vacation

Catherine
5star rating
March 21, 2017
We had a wonderful experience. Casa pipilachi was amazing the view was spectacular. Rpm has great customer service. Thank you for a dream vacation

GREAT VACATION!

Maria
5star rating
November 28, 2017
SPECTACULAR!


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Excelente

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Cocina totalmente equipada

Amazing!

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B-2-Y
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5star rating
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Visiting Costa Rica far exceeded our expectations, and Casa Bendita was part of the reason why. This home is stunning! While the pictures online are great, they don't do it justice. It is truly breathtaking in person! It is extremely comfortable f...

Wonderful!

Rebecca
5star rating
April 6, 2022
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La mejor puesta de sol!

Awesome week in Tamarindo

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5star rating
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Carmen
4star rating
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The property was in good condition and well laid out with good provisions. The unit was clean and a maid came in twice during out stay.The property management group was not very helpful - on our arrival they gave us the key code and pointed across...

Courtyard Buho #2

Lynn
5star rating
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4star rating
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Acogedor y relajante

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