Surfer riding a wave at sunset in Nosara, Costa Rica
Playa Garza · Nosara · Costa Rica

Surf Lessons
in Nosara

Authentic surf coaching with nearly 15 years of experience sharing the connection between surfing, nature and ocean lifestyle.

15
Years
1000+
Students
5.0★
Reviews
Chelo at the surf school
Chelo with competition medals and trophy
Chelo surfing an aerial maneuver
Swipe
13
Years sharing the Costa Rican surf lifestyle
Meet Chelo

23 years of waves,
shared with the world.

My name is Marcelo — but everyone calls me “Chita”. I've spent over 23 years surfing and 13 years sharing my passion and knowledge with people from all over the world.

Surf trips around Costa Rica and abroad have shaped my path, and representing my country in longboard competitions taught me that beyond borders we're all one big family connected by the ocean. Every lesson is a chance to pass on the love for the sea, create happy moments, and share the true Pura Vida vibe.

  • 23+ years
    Started surfing the Tico coast, living in Nicoya.
  • 13 years
    Teaching surf to travelers from around the world.
  • Team CR
    Represented Costa Rica in longboard competitions.
  • Today
    Sharing Pura Vida one wave at a time.
Services & Pricing

Choose your wave.

From your very first pop-up to advanced performance coaching — every session is built around the ocean, your level and your goals.

First-Timers Group Lesson

$80USD / person
1-hour water session
  • Surfboard
  • Rashguard
  • Sunscreen
  • Hydration
  • Surf basics and foundation
  • Ocean safety introduction

Perfect for beginners who want to experience surfing in a fun and supportive group environment.

Minimum 2 participants
Book this experience

Family First-Timers Surf Lesson

$80USD / person
3-hour family experience
  • Surfboard
  • Rashguard
  • Sunscreen
  • Hydration
  • Surf basics and foundation
  • Family-focused instruction
  • Ocean safety education

A fun and memorable family adventure designed for all ages.

Kids surf first, followed by the parents
Book this experience

Kids Surf Lesson

$120USD
Designed for kids ages 4 to 8
  • Safety first
  • Fun and playful learning
  • Ocean confidence
  • Surf introduction
  • Basic surfing skills

An engaging and safe surf experience that builds confidence in and around the ocean.

Book this experience

Intermediate Private Lesson

$120USD
1-hour water session
  • Surfboard
  • Rashguard
  • Sunscreen
  • Hydration
  • Technique improvement
  • Confidence building
  • Ocean awareness
  • Wave-reading fundamentals

Perfect for surfers looking to progress beyond the beginner level.

Book this experience
Most loved

Advanced Private Coaching

$160USD
90-minute coaching session
  • Surfboard
  • Hydration
  • Performance coaching
  • Wave selection strategies
  • Technical analysis
  • Video analysis and feedback

Designed for experienced surfers seeking to maximize performance and refine their skills.

Book this experience

Longboard Private Coaching

$160USD
90-minute coaching session
  • Longboard
  • Hydration
  • Technical assessment
  • Customized drills
  • Cross-stepping exercises
  • Style improvement
  • Video analysis and feedback

Focused on helping longboarders develop flow, style, and advanced maneuvers.

Book this experience

Garza Boat Trip Experience

$120USD / person
  • Local guide
  • Snacks and fresh fruit
  • Hydration
  • Ocean adventure experience
  • Local knowledge and exploration

Experience Costa Rica's coastline from the water — hidden spots and a unique ocean adventure.

Minimum 4 · Maximum 6 participants
Book this experience
Why choose us

Built on the ocean,
shaped for you.

Local Surf Experience

National competitor with international experience and deep knowledge of Costa Rica's best waves.

Ocean Knowledge

Learn how to read waves, tides, currents and ocean conditions.

Personalized Coaching

Every session adapted to your level, your goals and the day's waves.

Real Surf Lifestyle

More than surfing — the authentic Pura Vida ocean lifestyle.

Loved by travelers

5 stars from every coastline.

5.0 · See all reviews on Google
Lyana Katayeva
1 review
6 days ago

Marcelo is amazing, the only person I trust with my lessons, and I feel lucky to have found him! He coached me through my pretty severe anxiety, and got me eventually paddling out and catching waves by myself confidently. He really cares that you learn the right way, to make sure you are always safe. Your joy, safety, and progress is his priority. The only person I will always recommend when you are in Nosara.

Read on Google
Find us

Come surf with us
in Playa Garza.

Location
Nosara — Playa Garza
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
WhatsApp
+506 8593 7055
Follow the journey

Ready to experience the real
surf lifestyle in Costa Rica?

Book your next surf experience with Chelo Surf School. Sessions run year-round in the warm waters of Playa Garza.

Book via WhatsApp
+506 8593 7055 · Reply usually within an hour

Sponsors

Proudly supported by

  • Surf Adaptado Costa Rica
  • Pura Vida Sunblock
  • Moana Surf Resort
  • Casa Soulmate