SURF SCHOOL

Learn How To Surf at Choco’s Surf School in Sámara Beach, Costa Rica

learn how to surf in samara

Catch the Waves with Sámara’s Most Trusted Surf School  – Over 30 Years of Experience

From your first wave to surfing solo — we’re with you every step.

Learn to surf with Choco’s Surf School, the original surf school on Sámara Beach. With more than three decades of expertise, ISA-certified instructors, and a commitment to safety and fun, we’ve helped thousands of students ride their first wave and improve their skills.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned surfer looking to refine your technique, our professional surf instructors and certified lifeguards will guide you with patience and care. We focus on building confidence, ensuring safety, and making sure every lesson is unforgettable — all in the stunning setting of Playa Sámara, Costa Rica.

Book your surf lesson today and experience why Choco’s Surf School is Sámara’s surfing legacy.

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About Us

We are Choco’s Surf School

Choco’s Surf School is located in Sámara at a gorgeous white sandy beach, surrounded by nature with a breathtaking view of Chora island.

Since the bay of Sámara is largely protected by an outer reef, the waves are easy to catch and are perfect for beginners. Our surf school and Sámara beach are known to be the top surf spots in Costa Rica.

chocos surf school
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Introductory Lessons for all ages

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Easy Payments & Flexible Scheduling

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Certified by the International Surfing Association (ISA)

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Lifeguard-Certified Instructors

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30+ Years Experience

Reviews

Client Testimonials

Google
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CAM PAJ
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Learned to surf on the first day! Great instructor and also very informative on how to ride the waves and how to choose which wave, definitely recommend for your first time!
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Ivn
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The best surf school in Sámara! Choco and his team are professional, friendly, and incredibly experienced. With over 30 years of teaching surfing, they make every lesson safe, fun, and memorable. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, you're in great hands. Highly recommended!
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Nuria VF
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Today I had the most amazing time, surfing at Chocos Surf School! The coach, Manfred did a great job. My best experience surfing so far!
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Valeria Sandoval
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Excelente experiencia en esta escuela , el instructor choco muy amable y enseña super bien todo , me encantó! Recomiendo 100%
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Rhea-Ann Lalsingh
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We had such a great experience with Choco! He is an experienced surfer and a fantastic teacher - patient, knowledgeable, and made the lesson really fun for us. The prices are very fair, and an amazing bonus is that after your lesson, you can go back for a few days so you can practice on your own. Another bonus is that his family runs a lovely soda nearby, which we also tried and really enjoyed. Would definitely recommend!
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Florian Kremser
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We had an incredible experience with Chocho’s Surf School! Our 11-year-old son took individual surf lessons with Choco, and the progress he made was truly amazing—far exceeding what he learned in years of attending other surf camps. Choco is a phenomenal teacher: professional, patient, and deeply knowledgeable. He did so much to help our son become a confident and proficient surfer. What stands out most is Choco's passion; it never feels like he’s just doing a job. he truly loves spreading the joy and spirit of surfing. The entire team (Manfred, Jose and Andrey) is super friendly, welcoming, and warm. After just one week at Sámara Beach, it genuinely felt like being part of a local surfer family. We couldn't recommend Chocho’s Surf School more highly! Pura Vida!
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Anique Olivier-Mason
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My boys (ages 16, 12, and 8) had a wonderful early morning lesson at Choco's Surf School with Alex and appreciated coming back in the afternoon to practice with the boards. Definitely recommend for other families interested in surfing!
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Thomas Pruis
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De beste surfschool in Samara. Zeer kundige en vriendelijke leermeesters. Ze hebben veel geduld en je hebt na de les veel tijd om zelf verder te oefenen. Zeker een aanrader!
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Niels Willeboordse
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Alex is a great instructor. He is patient, polite and gives good feedback. The whole family was surfing at the end of the lesson.

⭐ 5/5 from our happy surf students

Loved your experience with us?

What We Offer

Surfing Lessons

We offer a variety of surfing packages to suit your needs, including private lessons, group lessons, and surf camps.

All surf lesson rates include:

icon_check iconSurfboards and all the necessary equipment.
icon_check iconStep-by-step instruction following the ISA protocol.
icon_check icon4 free hours of board use – up to 1 hour per day over 4 days while you are in Sámara.

Rates shown are exclusive of 13% IVA (local tax).

For beginners, we start with the basics and safety. For more experienced surfers, we’ll teach advanced techniques and tricks, and even take you to different breaks in the area. You’ll be riding waves in no time when you learn at Choco’s Surf School!
Having a knowledgeable, friendly, and professional instructor makes all the difference. If you already surf, come hang out with us or rent a board.

She Surfs Sámara

Women’s Surf Retreat

women surf retreat in costa rica

5-Day Women’s Surf Retreat in Sámara, Costa Rica
Join us for a soul-soothing surf retreat — daily lessons, yoga, nourishing meals, and optional lodging. Flexible Dates!

women surf retreat in costa rica

We Provide The Best Surf Lessons in Sámara, Costa Rica

Contact us today to book your surf lesson or package and start your surfing journey with Choco’s Surf School. You can add a professional photoshoot to your lesson!

Our Certified Instructors

Our Amazing Surfers

Our experienced instructors are certified by the International Surfing Association (ISA), trained as lifeguards/Ocean Rescue, have years of successful teaching experience, are bilingual, passionate about surfing, and dedicated to helping you improve your skills in a safe and enjoyable environment.

We provide personalized instruction and guidance to help you achieve your surfing goals and experience the thrill of catching a wave.

choco

Alex Gómez (Choco) – The Owner

Choco – The Founder

Meet Choco! He is one of Samara’s pioneering surfers. Choco started surfing in the late 80s with his tightly bonded group of friends. His surfing enthusiasm led him to the top levels of National Competitions  (Circuito Nacional de C.R.). Choco is currently ranked #2 in Costa Rica in Longboard (2013-2015) and he represented Costa Rica in the 2013 World Longboard Competition in Huanchaco, Peru. He was Pre-Selected to represent Costa Rica in the Billabong World Surfing Tournament in 2008 and Central America’s Surfing Competition in Playa Veneo, Panama in 2013. In 2015 Choco represented Costa Rica in the PanAmerican Games in Nicaragua.

Our Surf Instructor Team

manfred rodriguez

Manfred

noldan zuniga

José

andrey lopez

Andrey

Memorial

Shaggy

Shaggy passed away in April 2012 unexpectedly. We miss his vivacious spirit and love of life. He taught hundreds of people to surf and to laugh while learning a new sport. Shaggy began surfing when he was ten years old. His natural ability and drive were highlighted in 2007-2008 when he won First Place in his category in Costa Rica’s National Surfing Competition (Circuito Nacional de Surfing). Since his win, he has continued participating in local and national competitions. A favorite with tourists for his quick humor and effortless English, he has been giving classes since 2008. When he was not working, he surfed and studied English.

surf school

Where To Find Us

At the beach, in front of the Sherrif Rustic Restaurant, Sámara Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

chocossurfschool@yahoo.com

Contact Us

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chocos surf school
Choco’s Surf School in Sámara, Costa Rica, offers surf lessons and board rentals for all levels with experienced, bilingual, ISA-certified instructors.

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Contact

Turn right at the Sámara sign on the beach, past the police station, we are located in front of Sheriff Rustic Restaurant. Sámara Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

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