15 Years at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp
Talk Story • December 26, 2017
I have slowly gained many “big brothers” since 2003. I have watched the board cage move to 3 different locations, the hotel grow, another restaurant added, but most importantly, I still feel at home when I walk into Witch’s Rock. I think I have stayed in every room, multiple times with the people I care about most, and to think it started with my mom picking up a travel magazine in search of the next vacation for her and her two girls.
In 2003 we weren’t a family who surfed. To this day we still aren’t surfers but the happiness and memories we created here sometimes convince me that we are. This wouldn’t be possible without all my Costa Rican “big brothers.”
The last fifteen years have been full of vacations to Witch’s Rock where all of my friends and family joined one trip or another. Costa Rica has always been such a special place to me and I enjoy sharing it with the people I love. I have had trips where I surfed until I couldn’t physically move from surfing all day, trips where I had too many beers to go out surfing the following day, even a trip where I insisted we do a different canopy tour each day after surfing. Maxi has watched me grow up and takes such good care of me I’m not quite sure what to do when someone instructs me to put wax on my board.
Growing up in Michigan you would think Christmas was full of snow but in reality, for our family it was filled with baby turtles, ATVs, my first granizado and the best waves of our lives. I specifically remember last Christmas when Johan and I convinced the family to rent ATVs. I had been living in Costa Rica for 6 months at the time and knew of a few more secret beaches my mom and sister should see. The combination between not having driven in six months and Johan insisting we go full throttle was thrilling and hilarious all at the same time.
In 2016, I graduated after 4 years of college escaping every chance I could to Witch’s Rock. After being offered my dream job in my hometown where life was comfortable and cold… I worried that I might be there forever and secretly applied for a job in Costa Rica.
Here I am, two years later still teaching first grade in Costa Rica making as many trips to the beach as possible. I continue to still be more of a floater and a chatter than a surfer however, I am not ready to turn in the surfboard or beautiful sunset for a white Christmas, as I spend my 10th Holiday season in Tamarindo.
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Yes — Tamarindo is considered one of the safest beach towns in Costa Rica for tourists. Most incidents involve petty theft, while violent crime affecting visitors is rare. With basic precautions, it’s a very safe destination for surfers, families, and solo travelers. Costa Rica has long been known as one of the most stable, welcoming countries in Latin America. Yet online discussions, headlines, and occasional embassy alerts often raise the same question for travelers: Is Costa Rica safe — and is Tamarindo safe to visit? This guide separates facts from perception , explains why safety concerns are often misunderstood , and looks specifically at Tamarindo through the lens that actually matters: the real experience of travelers on the ground . At Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, we’ve hosted thousands of travelers, families, and solo surfers in Tamarindo since 2001 — giving us a real, on-the-ground perspective of what safety actually looks like here. Understanding Safety the Right Way: Tourist Reality vs Headlines When people search “Is Costa Rica safe?”, they are often shown national crime statistics without context. This creates confusion. Here’s the key point: 👉 Tourist safety is not measured by national crime averages — it’s measured by what happens in tourist areas. National crime data includes: Drug-trafficking activity Gang-related violence Urban neighborhoods far from tourism Domestic and local disputes unrelated to visitors These factors do not reflect the reality of beach towns, surf destinations, or established tourist communities like Tamarindo. The same logic applies everywhere: Crime in parts of Los Angeles does not define safety in Malibu Crime in New York City does not define safety in the Hamptons Crime in Mexico City does not define safety in Cozumel Tamarindo must be evaluated as a tourist destination — not as a national statistic. Is Tamarindo Safe Compared to Other Popular Destinations? When Tamarindo is compared properly — city to city, destination to destination — the picture becomes clear.
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Most kids can start learning to surf between ages 4 and 7, depending on their comfort in the water, balance, confidence, and excitement about trying something new. At Witch’s Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, we’ve taught surfing to children as young as 5 years old using beginner-friendly waves, personalized instruction, and a safe […]
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If you’ve ever traveled to Costa Rica — or even researched it — you’ve probably heard the phrase “Pura Vida.” But what does it actually mean? More than just a saying, “Pura Vida” is the heartbeat of Costa Rican culture. It reflects a way of life centered around positivity, simplicity, and appreciation. The Literal Meaning […]
Planning a surf trip to Costa Rica is exciting — but the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one comes down to preparation. From fitness and mindset to packing and expectations, arriving ready to surf will help you make the most of every session. 1. Understand What Surfing in Costa Rica Is Really […]
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