Elite Surf Experience

Elite Surf Experience offers private surf lessons, coaching and guided surf sessions from Tamarindo. It was founded by two professional Costa Rican surfers, Dean Vandewalle and Malakai Martinez. Each coach takes a maximum of two students. Surf spots are chosen each day according to conditions, and hotel pickup and equipment are available.

Programs range from beginner lessons in white water to technical coaching for advanced surfers and full guided sessions. A photo and video package and video coaching are also offered. One coach speaks English, Spanish, Dutch and French and is a certified personal trainer; the other focuses on teaching children. Bookings are made through the website.

The business is consistently well reviewed. Clients often mention the coaches’ professional surfing background, lessons adjusted to each person’s level, and good local knowledge of where to surf. Both families and experienced surfers report good progress.