Learning to Surf Around the World
2023 was the year I decided it’s (finally) time to learn how to surf.
On this page, I’m not only logging every surf break I’ve paddled out in, but sharing links to the schools, instructors, lodging, and some of the milestones that have been part of my personal surf journey so far. As anyone who has picked up surfing knows, it is a journey that promises no destination. And isn’t that the best kind?
The Backstory First
From as far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted to learn how to surf. I grew up in landlocked towns hours from the beach, but movies like “Blue Crush,” “Johnny Tsunami,” and even the live surf cam at the Hollister store at my local mall kept the dream alive. My childhood bedroom was also decked out in a Hawaiian surf theme, surfboard, fake palm tree, and all. Later in life, as a digital nomad with more choice as to where I live and travel, the deep-seeded surf dream has continued to be stoked when I’ve stumbled across surf towns like Puerto Escondido, Santa Teresa, Lobitos, Nazare, and even Lima, Peru. In 2023, I finally dusted off the dream and turned it not only into a priority but a reality by taking my life of work and travel and sticking to surfable coastlines as best I could. I started taking lessons in spots all over Central America and Europe and am slowly but surely becoming the surfer girl my younger self would be ecstatic to see.
So come along and check back often. This page will evolve and get updated often as I surf my way around the world, finding my goofy-footed way with the sport of my childhood dreams.
2023
2023 brought me to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Scotland, and England to surf. I ended the year still feeling very much like a beginner, but also feeling like the pieces are starting to click.
Costa Rica
Jacó
I attended School of the World in Jacó. My week-long stay there marked the beginning of my surf journey. It was the very first time I learned to stand. I didn’t even make it out of the white water but did learn how to get out of my own way mentally by singing a song at the takeoff. My song? Don’t Stop Believing.
Uvita
After surf camp in Jacó, I moved over to Uvita and took more lessons with two different instructors. The first was with Uvita Surf + Tour and the second was with Bodhi Surf + Yoga. Both instructors took me out in the green waves for the first time. Can’t say I caught a single wave, but I did certainly get to practice my turtle roll.
Nicaragua
Popoyo
Popoyo’s Beginner Bay is a dream for anyone looking to begin their surf journey on green waves. Due to the bay’s shape and the waves that result, there isn’t really any white water to practice on, so it’s straight to the green no matter your experience. I took lessons with Big Surf House and Luli of Sardina Surf. To date, Luli is one of my favorite instructors I’ve had. Popoyo left me feeling extremely confident not only on green waves, but on a smaller board.
El Transito
One thing I learned about surfing thanks to El Transito is that no two beach breaks are alike. While I’d gained my confidence in Popoyo, El Transito shattered it. I left my first lesson on the brink of tears and feeling very humbled. El Transito’s a nice spot to learn or improve your surfing, because nearly every lodging has its own certified surf instructor that will take you out and there’s plenty of white water to practice with on your own. I stayed at both Nimbu Surfhouse and Solid Surf Camp & Hostel. Both had great instructors and there are a variety of beginner-friendly spots to surf all up and down El Transito’s beach.
Playa Maderas
Playa Maderas is located just outside San Jose del Pacifico. Its waves are a mixed bag and can sometimes get so big they break boards and traumatize beginners like me. I decided to join Dreamsea’s week-long surf camp there. Their style was to put us out in conditions that definitely stretched me beyond my comfort zone. If I’m being perfectly honest, it’s not a camp I would recommend to beginners who want to get out into the green waves. The instructors just weren’t dialed in and focused on teaching and keeping us safe as I would have liked. I did take lessons privately with a great local surf instructor named Alvaro after the camp finished. You can reach out to him directly at +505 7547 8235 and tell him I say hi!
Mexico
San Pancho
Coming soon!
Punta de Mita
Coming soon!
Scotland
Dunbar
Coming soon!
England
Newquay (Cornwall)
Coming soon!