PHILOSOPHY
Believe. It is Believe Surf and Yoga's philosophy, their motto, what has driven them here. Believe in the innate potential that we have when we are connected with ourselves and nature. The aim of the hosts - Lucho and Martin - is to enable their guests to experience something different from a traditional beach holiday or a trip across great landscapes. Let yourself go during the whole journey: surfing, enjoying the fantastic beaches of Santa Teresa, and the wonderful nature around, while nurturing your body and consciousness, through yoga and healthy food habits. A brief experience may leave a significant trace in our life. And, without noticing, the smallest detail changes our mind. This is the cornerstone of their project; what they strive for, every day.
Santa Teresa is world famous for its surf breaks so surfing will be a top priority during your stay and everything else will revolve around it. You will have three surf lessons, which they believe is the ideal load of classes if you do not have previous experience or if you have not been surfing for a while. You don’t want to burn yourself out or get an injury! Besides, there are many other things to see and do in Santa Teresa too so you will need some free time. Once you are here and after the first few days, you can decide whether to have an extra surf lesson during your last days.
Believe are different to most other surf schools in that surf lessons are fully personalized. Surfing levels are never mixed and the maximum group size is three surfers per instructor. What is even better is that if none of the guests are starting their surfing week when you start you may have a one-on-one instruction during your whole week. No sitting through the first lesson instructions or being pushed to go quicker than you want to! The lessons last 90 minutes and they provide high-quality long boards, rash guard, and hydration during the session. If weather and swell conditions require the lesson to move to other beach breaks, they will arrange that for you with your own 4x4 transportation.
SURF LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS
The beaches of Santa Teresa are one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica and they are the perfect starting point for your surf lessons. Gentle whitewater will let you have the best first sensation of this wonderful sport. The challenge is to develop your skills so that you can gain independence and confidence in the water. Believe Surf and Yoga Costa Rica will focus on your balance on the board and make sure that you have all the necessary safety tips to get into the water: handling the board, managing wipeouts, etc. The policy is to have no more than three surfers per instructor, this is important to make sure that you are properly observed and receive personalized feedback in the water.
INTERMEDIATE SURFERS
Intermediate surfers will be introduced to the art of catching waves and developing the surfer’s instinct. First of all, your surf instructor will look for the best surfboard size according to your level (you will usually be using a smaller board than beginners). You will focus on your paddle technique, on how to observe the sea and read the upcoming sets so that you are in the best spot, and on developing a fast and proper pop up. Furthermore, the instructor will be coaching you on how to turn to one side or another according to the wave, and evaluating your position on the board, your style, and your balance, so you better get ready!
ADVANCED SURFERS
Advanced surfers will have an initial surf session with an instructor so that they can set a common objective to target along the week together (i.e. improve your pop up technique in faster waves, develop certain surfing, and take advantage of the wave, etc). Based on this first day and on surfing conditions, they will decide which beach is the best to make sure that you make the most out of it. Believe Surf and Yoga will always seek bigger and steeper waves and will look to take you to the next level. They want you to have a safe surfing session with a lot of adrenaline and make sure that this experience drives your will to keep on developing yourself in this sport. For advanced surfers, there will be one instructor for two people for a safe session and better feedback.
YOGA
Believe Surf and Yoga partners with two local yoga studios to provide you with flexibility to practice at many times through the day so you can have the perfect yoga experience. Yoga classes are held in open area jungle decks surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature and classes are provided at various times throughout the day so you don’t have to sacrifice your sunset or surf session. Santa Teresais lucky to be home to teachers from all over the world sharing a range of yoga styles. Whether you are looking for Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin or even Kundalini, Believe Surf and Yoga have you covered. Nourish your body, mind and soul daily to go home feeling connected and rested.
The proposal is to discover the many benefits a mind-and-body balance has on the daily life. Yoga is a one-of-a-kind discipline that awakens a new lifestyle, far beyond your surf and yoga vacations in Costa Rica. The aim is to explore different types of yoga practices; which on one hand will enhance your strength and flexibility, and benefit your surfing. On the other hand, it will give you space to improve your breathing and the connection with your inner self, through meditation techniques. Believe Surf and Yoga provides you with daily group yoga lessons, and more personalized guidance, tips and suggestions - so you'll feel more confident when it comes to independent practice at the beautiful beach during sunset, or just after your last daily surf session. Experience the peace and beauty that Santa Teresa, Costa Rica offers on a yoga retreat with a difference.
THE BELIEVE DIFFERENCE
Believe Surf and Yoga believe that what sets them apart from the rest is the personalized attention that you will receive during your stay. Before you even arrive, the Believe crew will set up a Whatsapp chat for you to have advice and information at your fingertips. In this Whatsapp group you will be given your daily information regarding what’s on in Santa Teresa such as special party nights, adventures nearby, themed food nights or live music at nearby restaurants as well as invites to group dinners and activities. You will always feel the Believe crew close by to assist you with anything that you might need. Consider them your first friend in Santa Teresa, willing to share all of the information that only the locals know.
You only have to read the reviews for Believe Surf and Yoga on TripAdvisor to see how much of a difference having a local host changes the retreat experience.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
- 07:00 Surf lesson
- 08:30 Breakfast
- 10:00 Free time
- 18:00 Evening yoga class
- 20:00 Dinner
- Note that your schedule may change every day to ensure you take advantage of the best waves and activities around Santa Teresa.
