Pura vida, on a surfboard
Catch your first wave
Surf lessons and coaching at one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful point breaks. First-timers, kids and seasoned surfers — we’ll have you up and riding.
What we offer
Lessons for every level
Whether it’s your very first time standing up or you’re chasing cleaner lines, there’s a session here with your name on it.
Most popularBeginner Lesson
Never surfed? Perfect. We start on the sand, then get you riding whitewater and standing up — usually on day one.
- Board & rashguard included
- Beach safety & technique
- Small groups, lots of attention
FamilyKids & Family
Patient, playful and safe. The little groms get their own pace and the whole family ends up in the water laughing.
- Kid-sized soft boards
- Tandem assists into waves
- Parents can join in
Level upPrivate Coaching
One-on-one in the water. Pop-up, paddling, wave selection and reading the point — dialed to exactly where you are.
- 1-on-1 with an instructor
- Wave-reading & positioning
- Honest, specific feedback
Make a trip of itMulti-Day Camp
String sessions together over several days and watch the progress stack up. The fastest way to really learn to surf.
- Daily sessions, real progression
- All gear sorted
- Local tips on the Osa
Not sure which fits? Send a message — Pollo will sort you out.
The spot
Playa Pan Dulce, Cabo Matapalo
At the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula, where the jungle meets a long, peeling point break.
Pan Dulce is the kind of wave you dream about learning on — warm water, a gentle, forgiving point and a setting straight out of a postcard. Scarlet macaws overhead, monkeys in the trees, and almost no crowd.
This is wild, real Costa Rica. We keep groups small, the vibe relaxed, and the focus on you actually catching waves and having the time of your life.
A forgiving point break
Long, gentle rides — ideal for learning and for clean longboard lines.
Warm water, year-round
Boardshorts and a rashguard. No wetsuit needed, ever.
Pure Osa wilderness
Rainforest, macaws and monkeys frame every single session.
Gear sorted
Soft-top boards, rashguards and all the basics included.
The crew
Meet your instructors
Local, patient and genuinely stoked to get you surfing. The rooster on the logo? That’s Pollo — and yes, this is his school.
Pollo
Founder & head coach
“Pollo” is the school, the spirit and the rooster on the board. Years of teaching on the Osa and an endless well of patience — students say he gives great feedback after practically every wave.
Jack
Surf instructor
Calm in the water and great with first-timers and kids. Jack makes sure everyone feels safe, relaxed and ready before the set rolls in.
Lance
Surf instructor
Reads the point like a local because he is one. Lance is the one to push your level — sharper pop-ups, better positioning, cleaner waves.
In the water
Real days at Pan Dulce
No stock photos. This is what a session with Pollo Surf School actually looks like.
Stoke, verified
Loved by surfers from everywhere
A perfect 5.0 across 35 reviews on Google — here’s what people say after their sessions.
“Pollo was the best! Patient and gave great feedback after practically every wave. After three days I was catching every wave.”
“I’ve been surfing for 40 years and they still had great pointers for me. My 3 kids also had a blast — the whole family loved it.”
“Beautiful, uncrowded wave and the most welcoming crew on the Osa. Pollo, Jack and Lance make you feel like part of the family.”
Let’s get you surfing
Ready to ride?
Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll find a session that fits your trip. No experience needed — just show up stoked.