Surf Lessons

Learn to surf with our experienced instructors. We offer lessons for all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced surfers looking to perfect their technique.

Surf Lesson Format

Standard surf lessons in Puerto Escondido are about 2 hours long and include all necessary gear and instruction. Lessons usually start with a land briefing on the beach – covering basic technique, ocean safety, and how to "pop up" on the board – before heading into the water.

We provide a suitable surfboard (often a big foam board for beginners), wax, leash, and a rash guard or surf shirt (lycra) for sun protection.

We supply sunscreen and have a secure place for your belongings, like a locked van or storage, while you surf. Transportation is typically included as well – instructors will drive you from the school or your accommodation to the chosen beach and back.

In the water, the coach will assist you in positioning for waves, give you a push at takeoff if needed, and shout when to stand up. They stay close by for safety, sometimes even riding the wave on the back of your board to help stabilize it on a bigger wave.

Group lesson ratios are kept low; a good school might have about 2–4 students per instructor, ensuring everyone gets attention and stays safe.

Our Surf Lessons

Private vs. Group Lessons

Both private lessons and group lessons are widely available, each with its pros and cons. A private lesson means one-on-one coaching – just you and an instructor in the water. This allows for highly personalized feedback and faster progression, since the session is "catered to you personally". In a place like Puerto with powerful waves, many learners appreciate the undivided attention of a private coach who can focus on their specific needs (for example, working on turtle-rolling under bigger waves or refining pop-up technique). Private sessions do cost more, but first-timers often find it worth the investment.

By contrast, group lessons are a fun, social way to learn and are more budget-friendly. In Puerto Escondido, group classes typically range from 2 to 5 students per instructor (schools strive to maintain about a 1:2 instructor-to-student ratio even in larger groups). You'll meet other travelers and can cheer each other on, which makes for a great vibe. Group lessons cover the same basics, often starting with everyone on the beach learning about board handling, wave etiquette, and safety together.

In the water, instructors take turns helping each student catch waves. Good schools keep group sizes small enough that each person still gets plenty of waves and coaching (for example, two students per instructor is common for beginner classes). If a group is larger, there will be multiple instructors – e.g. a group of 6 may have 3 instructors in the water so that effectively it functions as several small pods. This ensures even group lessons in Puerto can feel almost as supportive as private sessions. Semi-private options (for two students, such as a couple or two friends with one instructor) are also offered by some schools, giving a balance between individual attention and a shared experience.

Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Coaching

Surf instruction in Puerto Escondido isn't just for novices – schools here cater to all levels, from absolute beginners learning to stand up, to seasoned surfers looking to refine technique or brave bigger waves. Whether beginner or advanced, the common thread is personalized coaching: schools tailor the lesson to the student's level and goals, ensuring you get the most out of each session.