Question 1

DO I NEED TO BRING A BOARD?

Accepted Answer

Only if you want to!
 
You're welcome to use our boards when you book a session with us.
 
We have quality boards of all shapes and sizes ranging from a 5’6 fish to an 11’0 single fin.

Question 2

DO I NEED A WETSUIT/BOOTS?

Accepted Answer

Not for our warm-water beach breaks at Playa Guiones!
 
But if you tend to really feel the cold, then it's possible you'll want a 2mm spring suit around December and January.
 
And if you're going on a Day Trip to another beach, Reef Boots could be applicable.

Question 3

DO I NEED A RENTAL CAR?

Accepted Answer

Not if you book a Retreat or a Surf+Stay package with us! We'll take care of airport transfer plus transfer to any activities included in your package.
 
If airport transfer isn't included in the package you book with us, you can rent a car to drive into town, book an airport shuttle, or book a flight into our regional Nosara airport. We’re happy to book these for you (or we’ll point you in the right direction if you prefer to book yourself).
 
Once you get into town, there are plenty of options to rent different vehicles (cars, ATVs, golf carts, bikes, e-bikes, etc.) for moving around on your own. You can also hire the local tuk-tuks that serve as taxis most times of the day.

Question 4

DO I NEED TO ARRANGE FOR MY SURF SESSIONS TO BE RECORDED?

Accepted Answer

We know how much faster you can master surfing when you measure your progress and celebrate your wins.
 
That's why most of our training sessions already include professional high-definition videography of your surfing…
 
So you can correct bad habits before they stick, and focus on doing more of what's working.
 
Check out our services pages to see exactly what's included in each session.
Water Coaching
Theory Sessions
Surf Retreats
Surf & Stay

Question 5

HOW CAN I PAY?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash or ACH/wire transfer.
 
We also take credit card payments via an online payment link we can provide for you OR you can pay with a card on-site in Costa Rica (subject to a 3% processing fee).

Question 6

WHEN DO I PAY?

Accepted Answer

A 50% deposit is due at the time booking is confirmed.

The remaining balance is due 1 month prior to your first surf session.

Question 7

DO I NEED INSURANCE?

Accepted Answer

It's up to you…
 
But we strongly recommend you book travel insurance that covers you for (1) injuries and (2) costs of forced cancellation for unforeseen circumstances like COVID-19 and other natural disasters.

Question 8

DO I HAVE TO STAY WITH YOU TO SURF WITH YOU?

Accepted Answer

Nope!
 
We love hosting surfers at our Retreats and Surf+Stays.
 
But there are plenty of other options to surf with us if you're staying elsewhere. Check out our Water Coaching and Theory Sessions.

Question 9

DO YOU WORK WITH KIDS?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We love to surf with little ones. 
 
And our simple, step-by-step teaching method provides just enough structure for kids to make tons of progress while having the time of their lives.

We typically recommend a minimum age of 6 years old, though each child is unique.

Question 10

WHAT LANGUAGES DOES YOUR TEAM SPEAK?

Accepted Answer

We offer lessons in Spanish and English.

Question 11

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VIDEO ANALYSIS AND THEORY SESSIONS?

Accepted Answer

Video Analysis is a type of Theory Session.
 
Theory Sessions are any type of strategic training your coach recommends to supplement your practice sessions in the ocean.
 
The goal is to supercharge your surfing from the core, in ways that will stick.
 
Theory Sessions can include:

technique adjustment through land drills and exercises
practical adjustments in the controlled environment of the pool
board design workshop
apnea training
video analysis

Question 12

WILL I BE SURFING WITH PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT LEVELS?

Accepted Answer

That's not something you need to worry about at Ten Toes. Because EVERY Ten Toes session is customised and maximised for YOU.
 
If at any point you're progressing faster than a surfer you're paired with, we'll adjust the groupings and staff for the next session to ensure you're not being held back…
 
So you're always set up to max out your progress.

Question 13

CAN YOU TEACH ME TO NOSE RIDE AKA TRADITIONAL LONG BOARDING?

Accepted Answer

You bet!
 
We get your foundational surf technique in tip-top shape so you can finally unlock those long smooth nose rides 🤙

Traditional longboarding is one of our specialties, but we also teach performance longboarding and surfers on midlengths and shortboards too.

Question 14

REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY?

Accepted Answer

TEN TOES CANCELLATION POLICY

At Ten Toes, we put a lot of love and energy into creating unforgettable experiences. Each
booking secures a limited spot on our calendar, and during peak times, demand is especially
high. Because of this, we’ve created a cancellation policy that aims to be fair to both you and
us, offering flexibility when possible, while helping us ensure that all spots are filled and
everything runs smoothly.

Cancellations made 90 days or more in advance are eligible for a full refund minus admin
fee.

Green Season Cancellation Policy (May 1st – November 20th)
Cancellations made more than 15 days before arrival:
		You’ll receive a full refund if we’re able to resell your spot.
We’ll retain a 20% admin fee per booking.
If we’re able to resell your spot, we’ll be happy to reschedule you at a time that works with our calendar.
If we can’t resell your spot:
		No refund will be issued.
Cancellations made within 10 days of the session:
		Unfortunately, no refund can be given.
Name Changes / Transfers:
		If you can’t make it, you may transfer your spot to someone else up to 7 days before
		arrival, subject to our approval.
This is a great way to avoid losing your payment if plans change last-minute.
Coaches: Please bear in mind that we have selected the best coach for you
		personally, and we will make adjustments if needed.

If we have to cancel the surf due to reasons beyond our control (natural disasters, pandemics, etc.):
			We cannot be held responsible for refunds or any travel-related costs.
			For this reason, we strongly recommend that all participants obtain travel insurance.

High Season Cancellation Policy (November 21st – April 30th)
Due to extremely limited availability and high demand during our peak season, our cancellation terms are stricter to ensure fairness to all guests and to help us avoid critical losses.
Cancellations made more than 30 days before the session.
		You’ll receive a full refund if we can resell your spot.
A 20% admin fee per booking will be retained.
If we’re able to resell your spot, we’ll be happy to reschedule you at a time that works with our
		calendar.

Cancellations made 30 days or less before arrival:
		No refund or credit will be available.
Name Changes / Transfers:
		If you can’t make it, you may transfer your spot to someone else up to 30 days before 
		arrival, subject to our approval.

This is a great way to avoid losing your payment if plans change last-minute.
Coaches: Please bear in mind that we have selected the best coach for you, and we will make
			adjustments if needed.

TRAVEL INSURANCE – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Plans change, things happen — and while we’d love to be flexible in every situation, sometimes we just can’t be.

That’s why we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers:
Injury or illness (including COVID),
Trip cancellations or delays,
Weather and natural disasters.

You’re not required to have it — but we highly encourage it. It's peace of mind, and it protects your investment.

Question 15

HOW DO I KNOW I'M SAFE OUT THERE?

Accepted Answer

All of our coaches are trained beach lifeguards, and the majority of them also have certifications from the International Surfing Association.

In addition to outside qualifications, Ten Toes instructors are all required to pass our in-house orientation and training program, which is even more thorough.

Plus, water coaching sessions at Ten Toes will always include appropriate water safety training and self-rescue techniques. By learning how to prevent dangerous situations, you can feel more secure in the water.

Question 16

WHAT IF I'M SCARED OF THE WATER/WAVES/OCEAN?

Accepted Answer

You should be! Mother Nature is powerful and all good surfers have a healthy respect for the ocean.
 
But as long as you know how to swim, you're safe surfing with us!
 
Overcoming our unique fears is simply part of learning to surf. Because surfing is a mental game.
 
So whatever your fears are, don't let them hold you back!

Question 17

WHAT IF THE CONDITIONS AREN'T GOOD FOR SURFING?

Accepted Answer

Year-round surfability is one of the main reasons we're located here in Playa Guiones.
 
Plus our skilled coaches take into account the conditions in setting the goals and focus of the day's session…
 
So there's always a way to practice a tweak that will take you to your next level.

Question 18

WILL I FEEL COMFORTABLE AS A SOLO TRAVELER?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Some of our most dedicated students come by themselves in order to really focus on their surfing, while also maximising the healing benefits of spending time in our magical little paradise.
 
Whether you choose to fly solo or bring your tribe along, you'll find yourself feeling safe and supported by our awesome instructors and fellow students just like you…
 
Adventurous at heart, and inspired by the opportunity to expand their potential while learning a fun new skill…no matter their age, experience level, or other attributes.

Question 19

WHEN ARE YOU OPEN?

Accepted Answer

Our administrators work Mon-Fri (9am - 5pm) and rest on the weekends unless by an extra special request (though you’ll often hear back from us after hours).
 
Surf sessions are available every day of the week, if booked in advance.

FAQs