Surfing in Nosara! Something for Everyone

Welcome to the E Street Surf Nosara Blog!

Whether you're planning your first Costa Rica adventure, or you're a seasoned surfer dreaming of your next Pacific session, we're thrilled to share our corner of paradise with you. We've been coming to Nosara for over a decade and it has a special place in our hearts. Once you go, you'll understand why.

For our first post, we're diving straight into the heart of the matter... the sheer joy of surfing at Playa Guiones, Nosara.

Why Guiones?

Playa Guiones isn't just a beach, it's a 3.5 mile long, sandy-bottomed playground, and wildlife sanctuary all rolled into one. It’s what makes Nosara one of the best surfing destinations in the world, especially for people who might not fit the typical "pro surfer" mold looking for a safe, chill, and welcoming vibe.

Fellow northeast surfers, say goodbye to cold water and wetsuits! The warm tropical waters of Nosara mean you can surf for hours in just a rashguard or bikini.

For the First-Timer:

If you've ever thought, "I could never do that," Guiones is here to prove you wrong.

Unlike many breaks that hide rocky reefs or sea urchins, Guiones is a beach break. This soft, forgiving bottom makes those inevitable wipeouts less intimidating...a huge plus for beginners and parents with children. it's where our kids learned!

The waves here are famously consistent, often providing gentle, long-peeling white water that's perfect for learning to pop up. You won't spend your whole lesson waiting for a decent wave. Our local instructors will help you find the perfect peak where the waves are mellow and manageable.

The atmosphere in the water is supportive... it's not territorial. It’s common to see a family surfing together, or women attending a retreat surfing in a group or a solo traveler catching their first green wave and being cheered on by a local instructor.

For the Intermediate Surfer:

Thinking of ditching the foam board and riding a green wave all the way to the sand? Playa Guiones is the perfect place to level up for sure... Not that there's anything wrong with foamies :) The waves have a user friendly shape yet enough "oomph" to get you up on boards that might be a couple inches shorter than you're used to.

Longer Rides equal more practice. When the swells are running, Playa Guiones offers long, sectioning waves. This means more time on your feet to practice turns and work on your wave timing. It's the kind of ride where you truly feel yourself getting better with every session. You'll get great tips from instructors, too. One of our favorites, "don't forget to breathe." (seriously, it's great advice!).

This beach break changes subtly with the tide. Mid-to-high tide often creates slower, softer waves... great for longboarding. Lower tides can bring a little more punch and speed, ideal for shortboarders working on quicker maneuvers. There's always a new way to surf the same spot regardless of what's in your quiver.

Sunsrise and Sunset Sessions:

Surfing at sunrise or sunset is an unforgettable experience. The Pacific sun bathes the beach in impossible colors, and the air is often perfectly still and glassy.

Sunset is a magical time at the beach. Locals and tourists flock to Playa Guiones at the golden hour for great end of day sessions and photo ops. It really is super special and not to miss.

Experience the Pura vida for Yourself:

Whether you’re a family looking for a shared adventure, friends on an escape, a woman attending a group retreat, or a solo surfer craving great waves, Playa Guiones is for you!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to E Street Surf School. We explored every corner and love to share what we've learned with new people!