Surfing Waves

Hey everyone!

I’m planning a surf trip to Costa rica in June/July. However, I’d describe myself as a low-intermediate with a bit of a fear of higher waves (higher than waist). I’m absolutely working on that and maybe I’ll be able to fix that soon but I’m a bit concerned about the wave height in Costa rica during that time (rainy season).

Can anybody tell me whether there are spots (and if so where) in costa rica that produce smaller waves even with a big swell. Or is a big swell not even consistent in June/July and there are gonna be several days of smaller sized waves anyways?

I only find information for beginners (white water) and advanced so I’m struggling a bit to decide..

Thanks in advance! ☺️

Do you want to travel alone and pick sort of BnB type accommodation or would you prefer a surf camp?
Some of the options I have checked can cater to your needs , obviously if they have beginner classes and intermediate groups to better waves they might be suitable , .
Possibly gives you a wider range of waves to go to if conditions change, local knowledge might be very helpful

Hey Jaffa
Thanks for the quick reply!

I might go into a camp for a week or something like that but definitely not the whole time.

But I was mostly asking about the waves, I mean I 100% agree it’s important to rely on locals to find good spots but I was just wondering what the general tendency is - e.g Europe in the winter would be in my experience/to my knowledge (nearly?) everywhere too big and challenging for me the majority of the time.

And i was just wondering whether anybody has been there during that time and knows whether I’d have to be really lucky to find some spots/some days that would be „surfable“ for me as the waves are rather constantly big during that time or whether it’s just SOME big swells/ whether there are more protected beaches that still produce smaller waves..

sounds like a good plan, most camps would be catering for beginners so as you said white wash surf! but beyond the white wash there are waves breaking….. but a good base to build from.
The next level in camps may have drives to other locations, again hopefully ability appropriate.
A recommendation for you and other surf travellers The Stormrider Guides either online or as bookcopy, they cover beaches conditions and seasonal places to surf, it is one of my reference in choosing trips! They are quite accurate

ive never gone to Costa Rica during the wet season, only during Jan-Feb. Playa Guiones is best all around for beginners, long beach break with many surf schools and accommodations. waves closer to the north point are smaller. also 2 beaches 45 minutes south of there, Playa Samara and Playa Carillo are beautiful beaches protected by an outer reef, hence the waves are always small. But I'm told in the dry season the swells from the south are big enough that these beaches start working. These 2 beaches are easier to access during wet season, while getting to Guiones(Nosara) can be sketchy once you leave the pavement. Playa Tamarindo always a possibility. Pura Vida