Our Story
Surfing made seamless! Tailored experiences for every level, with pura vida passion, family vibes, and stoke!
Welcome to Living Pura Vida Surf School and Experiences! Owned and operated by locals who have enthusiastically shared their love and passion for surfing since 2005, we believe that surfing is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life—and we’re excited to introduce you to it!
I’m Andrea Diaz, a proud mom of three, former national surf champion, and part of Costa Rican surfing royalty. At Living Pura Vida, we celebrate life to the fullest, Costa Rican style! With over 20 years in the surf world, I’m here to share the pure joy and excitement that surfing brings, along with some incredible stories.
Our family embodies the pura vida lifestyle, where every wave is an adventure and each day offers a chance to connect with nature, our community, and the refreshing ocean breeze. For us, surfing is a life manual that teaches resilience, teamwork, and how to laugh after a wipeout or two.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned surfer ready to elevate your skills, our personalized and technical approach will cater to your needs and exceed your expectations. With my daughter Lia holding the national champion title, we’re thrilled to empower the next generation of surfers.
At Living Pura Vida, we inspire women, men, and kids of all ages to feel confident and connected through the art of surfing. So, what are you waiting for? Come join us, catch some waves, and live the pura vida dream. Together, we’ll create unforgettable memories you’ll treasure for years to come!
Surf Retreats
For our all-inclusive surf trips, we craft your week to perfection, so all you need to focus on is catching waves, soaking in the sun, and embracing the adventure. Relax, ride, and roam—leave the rest to us.
This package is crafted for those who crave the off-the-beaten-path experience. From the moment we pick you up at the airport, we’ve got every detail covered. We’ll whisk you away to a magical town, home to some of the longest waves in the world, all timed perfectly to catch the best swell of the year. You’ll stay in a dreamy beach house just steps from the sand, with daily surf lessons and a ton of extras to make your stay absolutely spectacular. Get ready for an epic adventure!
Luxury Surf & Wellness Retreat at Casa Prana: Where Guanacaste’s Waves Meet Pure Relaxation!
We're stoked to add this epic venue to our lineup of surf packages! It's all included: in-house chef, daily surf sessions, yoga, and a stunning beachside house designed for pure luxury and leisure. All we can think about is surf—just steps from the white sand, at one of Costa Rica's most consistent breaks. Get ready to ride waves and unwind like never before!
Tailor-Made Surf Trips
NO SUITABLE RETREAT DATE FOR YOU ?​
Gather your friends and embark on the ultimate surf retreat designed exclusively for you and your friends. Let us curate a personalized and unforgettable experience that caters to your group's unique preferences.
Personalized Surf Coaching & Private Lessons: Elevate Your Surfing Experience
Ride the Tide
Surf Session
Our "Ride the Tide" surf sessions are all about private surf coaching tailored just for you. Each 90-minute lesson is designed to maximize your time in the water, with all the gear you need included. We schedule sessions around high tide for the best wave conditions, ensuring you get the most out of every ride. Whether you're in Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Avellanas, or Nosara, we'll help you catch your first wave—or your best one yet.
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Price: $90 per person
Wave Mastery
Surf Coaching
Designed for advanced beginners to intermediate surfers looking to level up, our "Wave Mastery" sessions take private coaching to the next level. You'll get a 90-minute surf lesson, scheduled around high tide for the best waves, with all equipment provided. But that's not all—we'll also capture your surf session on video and break down the footage afterward to fine-tune your technique. Available in Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Avellanas, and Nosara, we'll help you progress faster and ride with more style and confidence.
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Price: $150 per person
Ultimate Surf Trips – Featuring Witch's Rock Boat Tour
Designed for advanced beginners to seasoned surfers, our Ultimate Surf Trips offer a chance to explore different breaks and level up your skills. We’ll customize your surf adventure, hitting a mix of local beaches to challenge and inspire you. And yes, we can arrange an epic boat tour to Witch's Rock—one of Costa Rica's iconic surf spots—for a truly unforgettable session. Surf alongside well-loved local guides who know all the best waves and secret spots. Pricing is tailored to your needs, so shoot us an email to start planning your perfect surf trip!
@saltshots-dkoko-24
Testimonials
"Question of the day: Is there something out there that you really want to do but you’re just scared to try?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always showed an interest in surfing I love the ocean, I love the waves, and balancing always came easy to me because of snowboarding/yoga! But I was always scared to just get on a board and try it...
Back in 2017, we went surfing in Oahu, Hawaii for the first time at the famous Waikiki beach but we never took official lessons and I couldn’t get up on the board. Then in 2018 we went to Bingin Beach in Bali, Indonesia and I was too scared to surf because of the rocks.
But this time in Costa Rica, we had an incredible instructor @andreadiazsurfer who taught me soooo much in just 3 hours and gave me the confidence to pursue finally surfing! This really felt like my first time really surfing. I got up on the board on my very first wave and I just didn’t want to stop, it was the most freeing happy feeling!
I guess what I’m saying is it’s never too late to do the things you’ve been wanting to do. Follow those passions and do what makes your soul happy"
Julianne Deschenes
"I've taken multiple groups to Andrea and she was able to adapt lessons for any surfing level so perfectly. Some had never been on a surf board while others were intermediate surfers looking to improve their surfing. I've had her and Lia as my coach and I totally recommend. Her passion, expertise and authenticity takes surf lessons to the next level!"
"If you need a life reset, the women's retreat is everything you could ask for and more.
Andrea is an awesome woman and surf instructor. She spent hours and hours with us each day and then so many awesome out of the water experiences as well.
It was full immersion into surf instruction, a little history of Costa Rica, and an intimate portrayal of the surrounding areas including a farm-to-table evening excursion.
Learning to surf is a challenge I've always wanted. I could never have done it without the support of Andrea (and Lia) and the other women on the retreat. On my 63rd birthday, I surfed my first waves! Calling women of any age! Do this!"
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Sherrie Noonan
"The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun."
Duke Kahanamoku