Tag: cross step surf tutorial

Why You Should Learn to Surf at a Women’s Surf Retreat in Northern Costa Rica

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surf with amigas beginner surf retreat northern costa rica

Imagine waking up to the sound of howler monkeys and the crash of warm Pacific waves, your surfboard waiting for you just steps from your room. If you’ve ever dreamed of learning to surf—or simply want to deepen your connection with the ocean—there’s no better place to do it than at a women’s surf retreat in Northern Costa Rica. Here’s why:

1. Easy to Get To, Hard to Leave

One of the biggest perks of the Northern Costa Rica Palm Beach Retreat is how simple it is to get there. Just a short drive from the Liberia International Airport, you’ll skip the long travel days and arrive at your beachside hotel ready to unwind and dive in. For many Amigas, this makes the experience more accessible, stress-free, and appealing—especially if it’s your first time traveling solo or abroad.

2. The Most Beginner-Friendly Wave We Offer

The Northern Costa Rica Palm Beach Retreat location is Surf With Amigas’ most ideal retreat for brand-new surfers. The mellow, sandy-bottom beach break is perfect for learning how to catch your first wave and ride it all the way to shore—no reef, no crowds, and no intimidation. The waves here are gentle and consistent, which means more waves caught, more progress made, and way more fun. However, this retreat is still also great for more advanced surfers who want to improve their skills! There are plenty of waves just a quick walk up the same stretch of beach that can cater to higher levels.

3. You’ll Learn in a Safe, Supportive, All-Female Environment

Let’s be honest—surf culture can feel a little overwhelming. But at Surf With Amigas, you’re surrounded by encouragement, laughter, and zero judgment. Whether you’re paddling out for the first time or refining your pop-up, you’ll be guided by experienced female coaches and cheered on by a crew of adventurous, like-minded women.

4. You’ll Get Pro Coaching + Video Feedback

One of the most empowering tools you’ll experience is video analysis. Seeing yourself surf—even if you’re just getting started—helps you improve faster and build confidence. Plus, you’ll leave with incredible photos and videos that capture your progress and stoke. Not to mention, keep up your learning pre or post retreat with our SWA Online platform, where you can find more surf tutorials and tips!

5. Relax in Comfort Close to the Waves

The Northern Costa Rica Palm Beach Retreat is hosted at a cozy, locally-owned hotel just steps from the surf. Think laid-back jungle vibes, delicious meals, hammocks under the trees, and a private trail straight down to the sand. It’s simple, comfortable with all the modern amenities, and the space is built  on what matters: connecting with nature, yourself, and your new surf crew. Not to mention, the hotel’s bistro cafe is open to the public, so you’re bound to meet other travelers and locals!

6. Deep Roots in Local Community + Sustainability

Surf With Amigas isn’t just dropping in for a vacation—they’ve been working with local instructors and communities in Costa Rica for over a decade. The retreat supports local businesses, fosters cross-cultural friendships, and encourages sustainable travel choices. You’re not just a tourist—you’re a temporary local, with a meaningful role in a greater community.

7. It’s a Confidence Boost That Lasts a Lifetime

There’s nothing like the feeling of catching your first wave. Learning to surf in adulthood challenges you in all the right ways—it builds trust in your body, helps you push through fear, and leaves you feeling strong, exhilarated, and proud. Whether you arrive solo or with friends, you’ll leave with a deeper sense of self and a whole crew of Amigas cheering you on.

Learn more and book your retreat here!

How to Noseride: Push the Bush and Tuck the Tush

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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding to the nose—weightless, piggies over the edge, wave peeling beneath you like silk. But behind every dreamy hang-five is a solid setup: timing, positioning, and body and wave awareness. Our favorite places to do it are in Southern Costa Rica and in Morocco! If you’re working on your cross-step and noseride technique, here are three classic approaches to help you find your flow:

1. Stall to Stay in the Pocket

Especially when the wave is slow and not quite a perfect, tall, nose-rideable wall in front of you, don’t rush your cross steps! Shift your weight back to gently stall (or even step back with your back foot)—this lets the wave catch up and allows you to situate yourself in that perfect little pocket of speed and power, in between the breaking wave and open face. Once you feel the tail of your board held down by the breaking wave, begin cross-stepping forward with smooth, slow, deliberate steps. You’ll likely start to levitate up towards the top 1/3 of the wave, this is where you want to stay! Remember: good posture is key. Tuck the tush, push the bush—hips forward, chest back—to stay light and balanced over your board. Don’t forget to keep your eyes up looking at the section in front of you! You may even need to repeat this tactic several times on one wave to set up again.

2. Go Straight to the Nose on a Fast Section

If the wave is steep, speedy, and forming a nice tall wall down the line, don’t hesitate. Angle your line high by leaning on your inside rail, trim along the top 1/3 of the wave and go for your cross steps. Because the tail of your board is already held down by the breaking wave in this scenario, you’re already set up, just focus on staying centered and keep your steps in control!  Again, that “tush-tucked, bush-pushed” posture helps keep your weight evenly distributed for better control and style points.

3. Use a Big Bottom Turn to Set Your Line

This technique will help you to slow things down while setting up for the noseride of your dreams. Try a deep bottom turn. This technique will not only help you stall if you’re not quite in the right place on the wave, but also will help you generate speed to  propel you to the upper third of the wave as you take your first steps.  After bottom turning, take your first step forward as you float up the wave  and settle in for that long glide.

Finally, noseriding is way more fun when you’re warm, flexible, and confident in your gear. That’s why we love Mamala wetsuits—designed by women, for women, with buttery soft neoprene and cuts that move with you (and yes, they look good on the nose, too).

Want to break it all down even more? Surf With Amigas Online is your go-to for tutorials, noseride tips, and feedback from experienced instructors. Whether you’re a few steps in or already hanging ten, there’s always more to learn—and more fun to have along the way!