Spoiler: There were tears. But also a lot of saltwater, so who’s really counting?
If you’ve ever watched a surfer glide across a wave like Poseidon’s cool cousin and thought, I could totally do that, then you, dear reader, are a fool. A hopeful, sunburn-prone, wipeout-welcoming fool. I know because I was you. And this is the story of how I attempted—valiantly, stupidly, bravely—to surf in Dominical, Costa Rica, without completely embarrassing myself. (Spoiler: I failed. But I also floated. Which is something.)
What makes Dominical so surf-worthy?
Dominical isn’t just beautiful—it’s the kind of place where the jungle kisses the ocean and the waves are just the right kind of scary. People here don’t walk; they swagger with a board under one arm and coconut water in the other. It’s humid, it’s gorgeous, and it’s crawling with sea-loving souls who make standing on a board look easier than standing in a hammock.
How does a beginner start surfing without immediately dying?
You don’t. But you do minimize your chances of breaking your spirit (or your nose) by following a few survival tips I wish I had tattooed on my arm before paddling out.
- Take a lesson, not your ego
Your ego will drown faster than you. I thought I’d “just watch some YouTube” and wing it. Ten seconds into the water, I was being spun in the rinse cycle of Poseidon’s washing machine. - Pick the right board
The locals call the longboard the “training wheels of the ocean.” It floats, it forgives, and it won’t launch itself into your face like a shortboard does. Get one. Name it. Apologize to it often. - Understand the break, not just the breakfast spot
Dominical’s waves break hard and fast. It’s not a beginner beach without guidance. Learn where to paddle, where to duck dive, and where to just float and look confident while crying a little. - Respect the whitewash
It’s not “baby waves.” It’s wave soup with a side of “you still might get flipped.” But it’s also your best shot at standing up before the bigger sets eat you. - Practice the “I meant to do that” look
Fall? Do it with flair. Then pop up, grin at the beach, and paddle like your shorts aren’t halfway off. Everyone’s watching. Or at least the howler monkeys are.
What actually happened on the board?
My first stand-up attempt was a blur of salt, panic, and surprise dignity. For 0.7 seconds, I was upright—then promptly ejected like toast from a cosmic toaster. But for those 0.7 seconds? I was a legend. A soggy, flailing legend.
I drank at least a liter of Pacific Ocean. I high-fived a jellyfish (not recommended). And I may have belly-flopped so hard the ocean said “Are you okay, mae?”
But I also caught waves. Not gracefully. Not heroically. But enough to understand why people keep coming back for just one more ride.
What happens after you survive the lesson?
You limp back to shore with seaweed in your hair and pride in your pocket. You nurse your ribs with an icy cerveza and look out at the surfers still dancing with the waves. You realize that surfing isn’t about mastering the ocean. It’s about letting go of the idea that you need to.
You fall in love with the rhythm of it. You start planning your next lesson before your rash guard dries. You tell yourself, “Next time, I won’t cry.” (But you might. And that’s okay.)
FAQs
Is Dominical a good place to learn surfing?
Yes, with a proper instructor. The waves are powerful, so beginners should stick to surf schools or whitewater until confident.
How many times will I fall?
Think of it like mangoes falling from a tree: frequent, a little painful, and somehow still funny.
Do I need to be fit to surf?
You don’t need abs, but you do need to be able to paddle, fall, and laugh at yourself repeatedly.
Will I see wildlife while surfing in Dominical?
Yes—pelicans, fish, and if you’re very lucky (or unlucky), a stingray who’s not impressed with your form.
Can I surf without lessons?
Only if you’ve got a good sense of humor and zero fear of being publicly humbled.
