Testimonials
Leslie, Alina and Izzy Rohan, January 2012
Dear Cesar and Kaitlin,
We had such a fun and relaxing time at your camp. Besides being a great place to learn to surf, Playa Dominical was a wonderful place for our laid back warm-weather vacation.
Thank you, Kaitlin for all your help putting together a trip that was just right for our family and working us in during a busy New Years season.
Thank you Cesar, Caleb and Jordy. It was really nice to see your friendly, smiley faces each lesson! Myself, Izzy and Alina were real beginners and it was great to have the small number of student to instructor ratio. You guys made it possible to learn at our own levels and in our own comfort zones. So much Fun!
Thank you Edwin, for your friendly conversation about all things Costa Rican on the ride to and from the airport!
It was a great way to start 2012 and I will be dreaming of coming back always.
Leslie
Joshua Groves, November 2011
I had an incredible time during my week stay at Surf Camp. I wished I would of planned for 2 weeks! The staff did an excellent time of showing us around Dominical and scheduling activities. By the end of the week I was catching my own waves! Thanksgiving Dinner was impressive and delicious!
Matt Thurburn, November 2011
I've been a little remiss in sending this because I've been so busy .... busy planning my next surfing trip.
I had such a wonderful time at the surf camp. Ezequiel was not only an excellent teacher and coach but I really had fun bantering and joking around with him. He's a great guy and made the entire experience extremely fun and entertaining.
The first two days the surf at Dominical was HUGE, 10 to 12 feet, which was intimidating to say the least. So, for the first two day we just rode white water at Domincal. I was up and riding in no time and I spent some time in the afternoons to practice by myself.
On the 3rd day we went to Domincalito where the waves were still pretty big (for me anyway). Ezequiel was able to put me at ease and teach me different techniques if I happened to get caught inside or in the impact zone. We paddled right out and I think I was up and riding on the first wave. I was immediatedly hooked.
For the next 4 days we surfed at Domincalito, Ezequiel never far from my side, yelling coaching points ... "paddle faster", "go, go go", "stand up", etc, and gving the occasional push on my board when I wasn't paddling quite hard enough. On day 5 I caught a wave that I rode for what felt like was an eternity .... at least 10 to 15 seconds ... and at that point I knew I was addicted.
So now I sit here at the computer planning my next trip to Bali... having a hard time thinking about anything other than surfing. I just can't say enough about the positive experience I had with Ezequiel and the surf camp in general. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone and looking forward to my next trip back next summer.
Thank you so much for everything,
Matt
Jeff Black, July 2011
Dear Kaitlin and Cesar,
This thank you is long overdue. Seth and I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we are for the time we had in Dominical. The lessons were great, the atmosphere was relaxed and the two of you along with Ezekial and George, made it all the more fun and exciting. We felt the love that you have for Costa Rica and for surfing. Costa Rica Surf Camp provides a complete experience. I have told all my friends and co workers about you and invited them to look you up.
Thanks again for a beautiful and relaxing trip. We plan to return and bring Robyn and Morgan.
Andrea Ayers, June 2011
My brother and I spent a week in Playa Dominical to celebrate my 35th birthday and it was by far the best one yet. The people at Costa Rica Surf Camp were the ones that made this happen. Not only do you get to learn how to surf on a varitey of beaches but you also get to explore and partake in the "local vibe" of the Dominical from the minute you arrive. We were instantly welcomed and shown around. We were also given a multitude of things to choose from to entertain us in our upcoming weeks stay. You will run out of time before you run out of things to do here.
Lessons are taught in small groups( it was just the two of
us) with expert instructors who take the time to make sure you get the
most out of your lesson. Being in such small groups was a great way to
get the one on one attention you need when you are just a beginner.
Thank you to Cesar and Ezequiel!!!
Kaitilin was a huge help to us
from the very beginning by honestly answering any and all questions that
were thrown her way. She was very helpful in helping us select
everything from airlines to hotels to what and where to eat around town.
Kaitlin and Cesar were the best "tour guides" we could have asked
for(although I hate to call them this because truly they became our
friends) There's no better way to explore the Dominical than through the
locals themselves. They were both very accomodating, informative and
very fun to be around. We went on all kinds of adventures including
hikes , waterfall tours, rope swings, scenic lookouts, national parks
and gorgeous Costa Rican beaches. I highly recomend taking a trip to
Manuel Antonio its totally worth it.
Playa Dominical is an awesome
local surf town with some amazing eateries and fun nightlife. The people
are wonderful and the food is DELICIOUS. They have everything from Thai
to Sushi to local Costa Rican cuisine. We also really enjoyed being
here in the low season. Its nice to be able to relax in a chill
environment that is not over run with toursits. We were a little
concerned about the "rainy season" but the weather turned out perfect
the entire time we were there. Even though it may rain at some point
there are still tons of fun things to keep you busy in the rainforest.
So
if you are looking for an affordable, adventurous, beautiful, friendly
and "local vibe" type of place for your surfing adventure Playa
Dominical is where to be and Costa Rica surf camp is where its at. Even
though I never saw that freaking toucan I was looking for all week I'd
still go back and do it all over again. THANK YOU Costa Rica Surf Camp
for a birthday I will never forget. Pura Vida.
Bethany Lizardi, June 2011
I cannot say enough about Costa Rica Surf Camp! My roommate, Jenna, and I decided it was time for us to go on a vacation together. Costa Rica? Why not! We decided to do a surf camp, and we started to do our research.
We loved every second of our stay with Costa Rica Surf Camp, and we did not want to leave. We felt at home from the second Cesar and Kaitlin met us at the airport. They showed us all around town, where to go on particular nights for food and entertainment, and all the ins and outs you should know as a tourist while visiting Dominical.
All of the instructors were incredible. They really helped us, and made us feel safe for the duration of our lessons. Neither of us had ever surfed before, and we were standing on our boards our first day and riding real waves by day 3. Now we can't get enough of it!
We feel that we have truly become friends with Cesar, Kaitlin, and the rest of the crew at Costa Rica Surf Camp. We spent a lot of time with them outside of surfing. We had lunch together after lessons, had dinner, and went out drinking and dancing. They are a very fun and friendly crew! We can't wait to get back and visit them again!
I would highly recommend Costa Rica Surf Camp to anyone thinking about going. Dominical is absolutely incredible. The food is amazing, the people are friendly, and the waves were perfect, even for beginner surfers. We had researched other surf camps before deciding on Costa Rica Surf Camp, and we can both honestly say that we would have made the same decision in a heartbeat! Thank you Costa Rica Surf Camp for making our vacation so memorable! You guys are fantastic!
Erin Carson, March 2011
I took a 9 day trip to Costa Rica with one friend, and I can honestly say I hope to make it back once a year!
CR Surf School was absolutely amazing. Kaitlin and Cesar made my first trip to Costa Rica the best trip I have ever taken. Not only was Kaitlin easy to work with prior to getting to Costa Rica, she (and Cesar) made sure we were taken care of while in Dominical. Whether we were walking around town, hiking to waterfalls, checking out Manuel Antonio, or surfing they both made sure to make this an adventure I will never forget.
Surfing was such a blast - Cesar was a great teacher, not only making sure we were giving the proper instruction, but he also helped us catch our own waves. I never felt uncomfortable in the water.
Thank you CR Surf School - can't wait to be back next year!
Mike Zai, December 2010
Had such an amazing time hitting up the waves at Costa Rica Surf Camp. Coming from NYC, Dominical was exactly what I needed to get away from the hustle and bustle from the city. This little town definitely encompasses everything the "Pura Vida" culture stands for. One of my friends came down from San Jose and they let me give her a few of my lessons. The sunsets at this place are unbelievable too.. I brought my waterproof camera and DSLR and took some amazing photos. My only complaint was the rain.. but I guess thats what happens when you go to CR in December. Thanks again!.
Johanna Hatzenbuehler, December 2010
I did a two week session at the Costa Rica Surf Camp Dominical. I had an
amazing time. I am in my mid 20's, female, and took the trip by myself.
Over the two weeks I learned to surf, made friends, and had a ton of
fun.
The surf lessons were great-they like to keep the student to
teacher ratio very small.(I saw some of the other schools with 5-10
students with one teacher)The personal attention was great and very
helpful.
In the past I have been apprehensive about being in the
water with large waves, but the teachers were very knowledgeable and
helpful I felt completely comfortable in the water.
We started out in
the whitewater then moved to some beaches with smaller breaks down
south of Dominical. My last lesson was in front of the hotel at
Dominical and I feel comfortable going out catching waves by myself now.
Another perk is that they took some pretty impressive photos taken of the waves I caught.
The trip to the waterfall was really nice-Dominical is such a beautiful place.
I can't wait to go back!
St. Hilaire Family, November 2010
Cesar, Kaitlin, Ezequiel, Nacho --Thanks so much for a wonderful time! We had alot of fun learning how to surf and really appreciated all the patience and encouragement. The kids had a blast and keep asking to go back. Alix wants to play in the sand with Ezequiel & Nacho again!! You made it fun for all of us, it was truly a great vacation. Dominical is beautiful and all the people were so friendly. Thanks for taking us to the waterfall too, the kids had fun skipping stones with Cesar :)
Villas Rio Mar was a good fit for our family, toucans and iguanas to watch surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Jim Gillman, August 2010
It was a fantastic experience, beyond what I expected. The waves were great, the instructions were great, and everyone was completely friendly, open and accommodating. Dominical is a great small town where it's easy to fit in without worries. I think it was definitely the right choice for me compared to what I hear of the surf camps in the larger cities. I have surfed a lot, but knew that there was a lot I need to learn to step it up. I feel like I got excellent one-on-one tips from Cesar and his group of instructors. I'm anxious to take what I've learned back to the breaks in California.
Greg, Katy and Maya Govan, July 2010
Costa Rica Surf Camp goes beyond surf instruction on a phenomenal beach.
Cesar, Nacho, and Kaitlyn made this vacation the BEST our family has ever experienced.
Cesar and his crew made this surf vacation a dream come true.
We are returning to Cesars fantastic team.
Cesar and Nacho, the instructors, worked well with all three of us beginners. We practiced on the sand and rehearsed ocean safety before beginning with surfing the white water. Although we all popped up on the first session in the white water, Cesar and Nacho continued to support us with gradually more challenging waves. As our confidence and skills increased, we explored different breaks at various beaches. Cesar adjusted the schedule of the sessions to the best time of the day for our level of surfing. Cesar demonstrates a talent for teaching. Maya continues to talk of Nacho. His humor and gentleness inspired Maya to surf every day (even when she was already tired). We are so grateful for the wonderful care from Cesar, Nacho, and Kaitlyn.
Cesar and Kaitlyn customized our activities based on our needs and preferences.
Dominical is a hub for great activities. We used the local bus and taxis for excursions (and did not need a car). We are great food at local restaurants. Our daughter preferred Tortilla Flats because of the food, the friendly servers, and the craft tables presenting artisan work across the street. We liked the social scene and the beach panoramas. We visited the reserve Hacienda Baru, kayaked in the mangrove reserve, rode horses to waterfalls, and flew on the mild zip line at the flight of the toucans. On mellow days, we read books by the pool. Muchas gracias por todo. Esperamos que nos encontremos en 2011. Pura Vida y mas alla.
Doug, Kaisa, Alex, Elsa Levine, April 2010
What a memorable vacation! Alejandro and his guys were incredible, they took great care of us in every way. Surfing was awesome... Dominical is a great spot to visit for all ages, and Costa Rica Surf Camp is the best! Thanks so much, we will come back soon. Doug, Kaisa,Alex and Elsa
Jamie, Elena, Garrison, Victor Verner, April 2010
Alejandro,
I want to tell you that we had a delightful experience, and that you possess that rare combination of skill, knowledge, personality and ability (and desire) to teach, which makes for a World Class instructor. The kids and I had a great time, and they learned more than I had hoped for.
Thanks for sending the surf board recommendations, and web links. I honestly have been too swamped to look into it just yet, but I did receive your emails this time, and I will endeavor to get boards for the kids as soon as I can. I'm having my mother mail their wet suits up to Connecticut from Florida (where we bought them for swimming last winter), so that we can do some surfing in New York now and then. Thanks again for a real awesome time.
Cheers, Jamie
Mike, Cheyenne, Dillon and Ronan McGlue, Carlos, Carith, April 2010
Thank you for the best family vacation yet. Every instructor with the Costa Rica Surf Camp was excellent. They were knowledgeable about ocean safety and surfing skills and were able to use their backgrounds to help inform all of us, were attentive to our individual needs while surfing and also made it a fun experience. They were also excellent with the kids. Alejandro and Kelsey were so kind and really welcomed us into their family and community. They both went beyond anything that we could have expected to insure that all of us were enjoying ourselves and getting everything and more out of our trip. You have done a great job with the surf camp. Dominical is a very beautiful place that we hope remains as small as it is. Honestly there was not anything we could have done for a better vacation. We highly recommend the Costa Rica Surf Camp for everybody, families, couples, beginners, intermediates, they can meet your needs regardless. Thanks so much to all of you (Nac! ho - Dillon and Ronan still talk about you) for a memorable surf vacation. We cannot wait to return. Miss you guys, and many, many thanks for everything. The McGlue/Kamermans Family
Lora Roberts and Family, March 2010
Our family had an awesome experience surfing. Alejandro did a great job of explaining the rules of surfing and the dangers of the ocean in a way that our kids really heard him. The staff was terrific and we had so much fun. We will definitely recommend you all to anyone wanting to have some fun in the water. Dominical is so beautiful with wonderful beaches but the community make it worth staying. Thanks for making our stay so enjoyable. We will be back for more! Blessings to you -Alejandro, your beautiful wife, Cesar, JuanCarlos, and last but not least Nacho
Geoff Walsh, March 2010 Alejandro, we can't thank you enough for all the help and instruction. You and Jorge have an amazing amount of patience!!! We not only enjoyed the surfing but getting to know you and Jorge as well. It was a very special day for us and we have you guys thank. My daughter has been bitten by the surfing bug, my wife had a blast, and this old has been now remembers why he loved it so much growing up. Rest assured we will recommend you highly to anyone needing your help.
Jana & Delvin Neugebauer, February 2010 We cannot say enough about our experience. And to be honest, as much fun as we had learning to surf, Kelsey, Alejandro and Cesar and everyone else were the real treat for us. The people of Costa Rica are the most generous, open-hearted people we've ever encountered. We will never forget the birthday party and New Year's Eve and so much more.
I hope you all are doing well. We're cold and gray again and wish we were there!
Kathleen Stonaker, July 2009 The trip was AMAZING! We had the BEST time! Cesar was great - so helpful and patient! We really had a good time. Cesar helped us every step of the way and Roca Verde was beautiful. Everyone was so nice and helpful! I think Cesar had a good time with us too - LOL! We can't wait to have him visit us in NJ. Evelyn wants to introduce him to her daughter Francesca. Cesar saw her picture and he can't wait to meet her! We heard you are getting married - Congrats! I would LOVE to come back - I was just getting the hang of surfin in Dominical! Thank you so much for everything! Pura Vida,
Laila & Erik Hardy, April 2009 Alejandro, Jose was awesome, Nego was very sweet, the town was great and we really had a blast! We had the time of our life there. We left for Arenal and wished that we never left Dominical. Thank you for setting everything up and introducing us to all the good people there. We definitely have memories that will last for ever :0) I hope you are having a good semester! All my best, Laila & Erik Hardy
Aesha Bourouba, December 2008 Dear Alejandro and Gino, I hope this email finds you both doing well. I got home last night refreshed from a week in Paradise (also known as Dominical!) There were a few challenges to be sure but overall I had a wonderful time, met remarkable people (Gino and Alejandro's brother Fabian included) and made friends for life. I had a wonderful time overall and that will not change. So good a time in fact that I am planning to return in a few weeks :) Alejandro, I truly wish you the very best and much success with the surfing camp and with your nursing career. Thank you again for handling things the way you did and for allowing me this opportunity. I will be back and hope to meet you some day. Cheers and my warmest regards to you both and your families on this holiday season. Kindest regards, Aesha Bourouba
Kristin Stepp, Oct 08 Alejandro, I just wanted to thank u for helping to set up an unbelievable vacation for me! Dominical was so wonderful and I couldn't say enough amazing things about Gino! I felt so at home by everyone and am sooo stoked to improve my surfing before my next trip!! Thanks again!! Blessed, Kristin Stepp
Marcus Yoo, July 08 Hey Alejandro, It's Marcus. Came back from the trip. Had a great time over there in Dominical. Met up with Nelson, Jose, and Sarah. I did however got my meal tickets/coupons late so I didn't use them all but that was a trip well worth it. You never get waves like that in California. Anyway, just to let you know I'm back home safe and sound. Thanks, Marcus Yoo
Kirsten Chilstrom, June 08 Hey there, Thank you so much for everything! The trip was amazing and even more than I could have wanted in a 3 day trip to Costa Rica - truly couldn't have done it without your help! If you give me your mailing address I would love to send a proper thanks for the help and guidance :) The surfing lessons were great, I am sure Juan Carlos was sick of dealing with me and Aubrey by the end of the session, but he was so patient and helpful - good teacher! Also, Sarah at Tortilla Flats was lovely and super sweet to interact with on the trip. You will have to let me know when you are back down there - I am definitely planning another trip to the area and would love to get a chance to meet you! You come from a lovely town, Dominical is a mini paradise :) Best regards, Kirsten Chilstrom
Carissa & Gayle, May 08 Alejandro! How are you? How's school coming along? Gayle and I had a wonderful time in Dominical, and we can't thank you enough. Your hospitality was exceptional and the lessons you set us up with were beyond any expectations. Alvaro was fabulous. We loved the house too - it was just what we needed. If you are looking for another testimonial for your website, just let us know and we will be happy to send you something. Thanks again! Carissa & Gayle
Tom Falk, Arizona Costa Rica Surf Camp rules! I had so much fun in 2005 that I booked a return trip in 2006. CRSC took care of everything for me. Transportation from San Jose, lodging, tours, surfing at different beaches, nightlife activities.... all at the lowest prices available. Looking forward to coming back to Dominical again in 2007. Thanks CRSC
Rob, Arkansas I want you to know how much I enjoyed my trip to Dominical. It was unfortunate that my shoulder didn't hold up but it didn't prevent me from getting to know the wonderful local people and expats. Mention to Jose that I appreciated his instruction and enjoyed his company throughout the week.
Nego was also real nice and accommodating. My shoulder requires surgery in two weeks but I will rehab quickly and be back.
Thanks
PURA VIDA
Joseph Novak, New York Ale, muchas gracias para una semana santa en Dominical, tuve dias muy feliz y hermosa. (1.14-1.21)
Yo regresare. Quien sabe, puedo tenir exito surfendo! no lo menos con grande placer. Estoy listo, y la proxima vez vengo com mi sposa tambien.
pura vida
Haruko Tanaka, Los Angeles, CA As a woman travelling alone to Costa Rica for the first time, it was such a relief and reassurance for me to know that someone was awaiting me on the other end. I found the CR Surf School's website online and after emailing the school, everything snowballed from there. Ale arranged a ride for me from the San Jose airport to Dominical and a place to stay. He even called to confirm everything before I left Los Angeles. My surf lessons were a blast! Having really awesome instructors around made me feel safe and helped me go for waves I never would have before.
As a beginning surfer it seemed like an audacious dream to do a one woman surf trip to Costa Rica, but Ale and the CR Surf Camp totally helped make it come true.
Isabel Jolly, Oslo, Norway To Costa Rica Surf Camp, and all prospective students..
I don´t often write corny testimonials, but these people and this school deserve the highest recomendation. Here, if you wish, they give you a full comprehension of the different aspects of surfing. The basics; quickly explaining and persistantly guiding you through the paddling, the balance, getting up, turning. And they don´t just sit on their board next to you telling you what to do, or take off on all the good waves, the lesson is entirely devoted to you.
Then on to how to read waves, the safety issue, the different available boards and styles, and so on - depending on the extension of the lessons of course.
And, you can learn all this in spanish!
The great location does no harm either. It´s the nicest, smallest gathering of houses and people right on the beach, where you´r guaranteed to meet one or several of the instructors and strike up a chat, either it´s sipping a cafe con leche on a wood log on the beach or drinking a well deserved pilsen at days end.
Many thanks to Ale, Paisa, Cesar and Robert.
Jen Blair, Florida "Dominical is a place of wonder- the warmth of its locals, its
pristine beaches, and breathtaking sunsets are just the beginning. I
hope you fall in love, as I did."
Hannah Polak, Netherlands I really had a great time in Dominical!! I enjoyed everything so much..the weather, the people, the nature..So beautiful! Thanks for everything, and it was very nice meeting you!
Lots of greetings and take care!
Simon Dismore, Australia Pura Vida Alejandro!! Loved Costa Rica!!!!!! We got some ok waves - but above all what impressed me was the country, the people, the vibe! Can't thank-you enough!Alvaro was awesome, i also met with his family which was really nice.I'll be back soon and will be in contact, also will reccommend you guys to anyone travelling that way.
Cheers, Simon