I had a private surf lesson with Bennie and she completely made me forget about my negative previous surfing experiences. She was so patient with me and then as soon as things started clicking, she was giving great feedback in a helpful way. I made some notes to keep much of what she taught me fresh in my mind for the next surf day. When I return next year, I'm going straight to this surf school!

Surf notes1. How to get the board up and over the wave. Place hands down centre of board near the tail, exclaim HI YAH and pop the nose over the wave as the back hand pushes down HARD on the board. 2. I should get a standard board 9 feet in length. 3. Watch the wave build and start to break. Then turn around by pushing on the tail. Get on the board and watch the wave until it is quite close. Swim like hell and feel the pull of the wave. Stand up as soon as possible after that. 4. Waves look bigger as they build but when they get to where I am which is shore side of the break, they are okay. 5. It's okay to ride the wave in on your chest. But, keep the chest high. 6. When you pop up, think about turning your toes inward. You won't but they end up where they should be. 7. I tend to keep myself a bit square on the board but I need to remember to be perpendicular to the board. 8. No matter what, stand up on the ride in. Even if it's close to shore because it gets more automatic after that. 9. When you bail unexpectedly, pull one arm over your head to the crown, and the other wraps around to reach the other ear. The elbows should cross over the nose. This position will protect the face from the board hitting it. Stay like that till you surface. 10. I CAN surf!!!

I am overjoyed by the success of my trip to Costa Rica, and I owe that to the team at Costa Rica Surf & SUP. This was the first time for myself and two female friends in Costa Rica and from the beginning Bennison helped us create the perfect getaway. Surfing was the main reason for us to visit Santa Teresa and really was the highlight. Our instructor Kelsey was incredible, she really made it fun and we all picked it up pretty quickly. She is clear in her instruction and is extremely easy going and a ton of fun. Our SUP tour was such an adventure and a unique experience. It wasn't hard to dedicate everyday to surfing with the this team. I could not have felt more at home in a new place, their positivity and commitment to us was truly amazing. I recommend anyone interested in learning how to surf or SUP to choose this surf family. I already want to start planning my trip back, they really do an excellent job at fostering a love for surfing.

The team at Costa Rica Surf & SUP helped us plan our trip and were very responsive regarding travel logistics, lodging etc... I had over 7 lessons with both Kelsey and Josie and they are both great coaches. I'm in my late 40's and not in the greatest of shape but they made me feel very comfortable and had me up on the 1st day. We were a group of 7 and everyone was extremely happy with their experience. Both Kelsey and Josie pushed us every day and got the most out of us like only a great coach can. We could really see the difference when seeing other surf instruction taking place nearby (lots of amateur "instruction" out there) - it made us grateful for our skilled coaches. Our safety was their top priority but they also ensured that we had FUN!
I did not take the stand up paddle board trip but our friends loved it and I wish I had. Thank you Bennison, Al, Josie and Kelsey for making this an unforgettable trip!!! We can't wait to come back.

A few months before heading to Santa Teresa, my friend and I were busy emailing different places to plan the trip. Bennison was the most helpful in helping us plan. Her emails were always full of detailed helpful information and she really made me look forward for our adventurous trip with all her enthusiasm. We ended up booking a SUP tour and a surfing lesson with her. Al took us on the SUP tour. It was very fun for first-timers. The river trip was very relaxing and easy to do. I absolutely loved it. Al was kind enough to take photos of our adventure and they were some really great photos. My friend took a surfing lesson with Kelsey, which she enjoyed as well. Thanks for making our last day in Santa Teresa so much fun!