Beginner surf lessons at Playa Guiones
Nosara's beach break is built for first waves.
Dispatch Surf Co is a mobile surf school. Our sprinter van meets you at North, Main, or Bakers — whichever access fits the day. Boards, lockers, showers, and your coach are at the sand. You skip the long walk from town and get more time in the water.
No experience required. Sand practice first. Then whitewater.
Why Guiones for beginners
Playa Guiones is a sandy-bottom beach break with multiple peaks. Beginners start in whitewater — waves that have already broken, shallow enough to stand. Your coach picks the access (North, Main, or Bakers) for the day's tide and crowd.
Warm water year-round. Soft-top boards that paddle easy. One coach focused on you in a private lesson — or a small group with two coaches.
What a first lesson looks like
1 · Meet
Van at the confirmed Guiones access. Pickup if you need a ride.
2 · Gear
Soft-top board, rash guard, sunscreen included.
3 · Sand
Why today's waves break the way they do. Pop-up. Weight. Stance.
4 · Water
Whitewater first. Catch, stand, fall safely, try again. About an hour in the water inside a ninety-minute private, semi, or group adult lesson.
Kids private lessons are 60 minutes.
Prices
Private
Most popularOne surfer, one coach.
90 minutes, about an hour of it in the water
Semi-private
Two surfers, one coach.
$85 per person.
90 minutes, about an hour of it in the water
Group
Up to four people, two coaches.
$85 a person, $340 for the group. Families and friends welcome.
90 minutes, about an hour of it in the water · 2 coaches
Three days or more cost less per day: 10% off for 3 or 4 days, 15% for 5 or 6, and 20% for 7 or more. The booking form applies it.
We accept
, and cash.
Coaches
Allan — Head coach. Professional instructor; lifeguarding and beach rescue certified. Strong with first-timers and kids.
Piri — Coach. Clear cues, calm water time. Pick a coach at booking or let us assign.
What guests say
“Just being out there was completely worth it, but catching my first real wave was surreal.”
— Nomia
“I was a little timid and scared to try but Steven made me super comfortable, it's basically just yoga in the water lol. One day and I was locked in.”
— Dakota
“If I can do it on my 70th birthday you can certainly do it in your 30s.”
— Greg from Texas
“Our grandkids 7/9/14 all learned to surf and loved it. Nosara is the perfect place to learn. 10/10”
— Lindsey
When to book
For kids and first-timers we recommend whitewater from low tide as it rises toward mid. Once you are catching unbroken waves, rising tide from mid to high often has better shape. The conditions block on the site marks both windows daily. Any daylight slot on the calendar works; we match the meet point to conditions.
See today's windows on Conditions.
Questions
Do I need experience to take a surf lesson in Nosara?
No. A first lesson starts on the sand, then moves into whitewater. Most guests at Guiones are learning or early intermediate.
Where do beginner lessons meet?
At one of Playa Guiones's three accesses — North, Main, or Bakers. We confirm by WhatsApp after you book. We are mobile; there is no fixed shop to walk from.
What's included?
Board, rash guard, sunscreen. You bring swimsuit, towel, water.
How much are beginner surf lessons at Guiones?
Private $115 · semi-private $170 for two · kids $100 · group $340 for four with two coaches. Tax included.
Can you pick us up?
Yes. Tell us where you are staying when you book.
Is Playa Guiones good for absolute beginners?
Yes. Sandy bottom, spread-out peaks, and reliable whitewater windows make it one of Costa Rica's easiest places to learn.
What if waves are too big or messy?
If you or the coach judge conditions unsafe, we reschedule at no charge.
Same-day booking?
About two hours' notice. Calendar opens six months ahead.
More from Dispatch
Beginner lessons are one part of the school. Dispatch also runs lessons at all levels, golden hour and sunset sessions, longboarding, kids lessons, senior-friendly private lessons, and board rentals at Playa Guiones.