Sayulita Life’s Featured Business: Marea Surf School
1. Can you tell us about your surf school and how it all started?
Marea Surf School started approximately nine years ago with the goal of doing something that I (Miguel) really enjoy doing. Surfing! I started with an umbrella and only 2 boards on the beach, and although it hasn’t been easy, over the years, we’ve grown into a surf school where people return to and feel at home. We always try to make our customers feel comfortable and as friends. I think Marea Surf School is something different. We want to give our surfers the full experience. That is also why we have converted our cars into open-air, adventure rides so people can enjoy the amazing jungle views on the way to La Lancha. We enjoy spending time with our clients and will always do our best to give them the best experience possible.
2. What makes Sayulita and its surrounding areas such a great place to learn how to surf?
Well, the waves are incredible, the people are friendly, and Sayulita is a town where, once you arrive, you never want to leave. Sayulita gives you the opportunity to discover something new, it fills you with energy. Thanks to the different breaks in the area, there is a wave for every level, from absolute beginners to advanced surfers. 1.
3. What kind of experience do your instructors have?
All of our instructors have at least 3+ years of experience and possess a deep love for the sport. They are well-trained, certified, and always looking to help you improve your surfing. Thanks to all their support and dedication, Marea Surf School is where it is today!
4. What types of lessons do you offer? (Private, group, kids, beginners, advanced, etc.)
We offer lessons from the age of 5 and up. Of course, the surfer must know how to swim in order to take a lesson. We offer beginner, group and private lessons, and for advanced surfers who want to improve their skills, we offer private coaching. Our lessons are always tailored to the people’s level.
5. Walk us through what a first-time surf lesson looks like—what can someone expect?
The first lesson will start with a 20-minute instruction on the sand, where we will go over the basics. From the positioning on the board to the pop-up, but also safety in the water, how to read the sea, how to fall, how to react in a complicated situation and how to respect the rules in the water. After we practice this a few times, we’ll go into the water together, where you will practice with the instructor for another 1.5 hours.
6. Do you provide all the equipment, or should students bring anything?
We provide all the equipment, surf board, leash and rash guard. Students should bring their swimsuit, reef proof sunscreen, a towel and water and maybe a snack for after the lesson.
7. What are the most common mistakes beginners make, and how do you help them overcome them?
The most common mistake is that beginners forget to bend their knees when standing up and fall off the board almost immediately. It is important to bend your knees and find your balance on the board. We will practice this on the sand and will also give instructions in the water. Another mistake people make is to paddle way too fast to catch the wave. If you start paddling too soon and too hard, you’ll be exhausted by the time the wave arrives, and you won’t catch it, or you’ll nosedive. It is important to look at the wave and follow its lead. This is also the reason why we teach you how to read the waves and will guide you step by step in the water.
8. What’s the best time of year to learn to surf in Sayulita?
Generally, Sayulita has good waves all year round, so the best time of the year is anytime you visit Sayulita!
9. Are the waves here suitable for all levels?
Yes! Of course, there are days when the swell is bigger or smaller, but we will always try to find the best waves for the level of our students. When we think the waves are not good or not safe, we will always communicate with you and, if necessary, reschedule your lesson, and if that’s not possible, we will refund your deposit.
10. What would you say to someone who is nervous about trying surfing for the first time?
We always make sure the students feel confident in the water. That is why we also practice on the sand so that the student(s) get familiar with the technique and safety. The place in the water where we practice has a sandbar, and the water reaches up to shoulder level, so the area is very safe and perfect for beginner surfers. We will guide the students through every wave so they know exactly what to do.
11. Besides the fun, what are some benefits of surfing (physical, mental, or lifestyle)?
It is addictive, it helps you physically and mentally. I would say surfing is a very beneficial sport in many ways. I think it is the perfect way to relieve the feelings of stress and depression. I think that’s why it has become such a popular sport for many.
12. How long does it typically take for someone to stand up on a board and ride a wave?
Some people are very quick learners and stand up after the second try, some people need a few more waves to get the feeling. But we have never had a student who didn’t stand up!
13. Do you have any special promotions or packages available?
We have a 5-day surf trip with board rental and transportation (no lesson) promotion for a discounted price of $2500 pesos (instead of 3000), and we also have 3, 5, and 7-day surf lesson packages at a discounted price. The total price of these packages depends on where the lesson is and the number of people.
14. How can people book a lesson with you?
You can book a lesson directly on our page here via the contact form or WhatsApp.
15. Where can people find you on social media?
Check out our Instagram page! @mareasurfschool
