Live Your Best Surf Adventure In Costa Rica
Testimonials
Words from Previous Clients
Johan has been my surf guide during my last three trips to Costa Rica, most recently in February of 2022. Johan is experienced, knowledgeable about the best surf breaks, and a great surf coach! While this last trip included only experienced surfers, Johan was great at coaching my 4 beginner kids during the two previous trips.
Johan is patient, kind, and a genuinely nice guy. I look forward to many more Costs Rica surf trips with Johan as my guide. I highly recommend him!
-Luke J.
I have surfed in the Caribbean, East Coast, Europe & Central America. I always hire a guide/instructor. Johan is by far the best instructor we have ever had. When we come to Costa Rica we only use Johan. He’s friendly, knowledgeable and patient. I can’t say enough good things about him. He is our Costa Rican brother.
So if you want a great instructor & new best friend, hire Johan. He’s the best.
-Sean F Gallagher
We have known Johan for about 15-16 years and we picked him because he was able to surf upside down on his head. All my 4 kids plus many friends learned to surf from him in all these years.
He is the best of the best and our great friend from Costa Rica. We always look forward in seeing him every year and improve our surfing skills.
-Gianluca Fausti
The first time I met johan was about 10 years ago while out surfing. We immediately became friends and he’s been my surf guide ever since. He knows all the best spots to surf. His knowledge of all these spots amazes me, from the best spot to paddle out to where the best section of the wave will be. I never plan my trips to Costa Rica based on the swell, but I’ve never had a problem finding waves with Johan as my guide, he always knows where to find them. I can’t wait for my next adventure with Johan! Pura vida!
-Bryan Simpson
Surfing with Johan is the best! Being from California, I wanted someone who could help take my Surfing to the next level and show me all the best spots around Tamarindo. Johan gives the local experience and then some. He shows the best spots to go, exactly where to line up and critiques the waves I catch. He always brings pineapples and the Orion experience is just the absolute best. If you want an amazing surf trip in Costa Rica hit up Johan for sure!
-Avi Becker
Santa Barbara
Pura Adventure Surf Dreams…the absolute best way to explore Costa Rica! I feel so blessed to have met the owner, Johan. He works very hard to make sure everyone the most memorable experience…every time. His local knowledge and excellent surf instruction keeps you safe and on the fun track. Let Pura Adventure Surf Dreams take care of your next Costa Rican journey…you’ll be in good hands…5 stars all the way!!….Sincerely,
-Jay Crook co-founder Old Dudes Surf Club
Johan fue mi primer instructor de surf hace 4 años y desde entonces! Tuve una experiencia increíble, bajando la línea el día 5. ¡Desde entonces me he entusiasmado con el surf! Nos hemos conectado y surfeado 5 veces desde entonces, viajando a Avellanas, Marbella y Tamarindo dependiendo de las condiciones. ¡Su conocimiento de los rompientes locales, las mareas y el posicionamiento de sus estudiantes para tener la mejor oportunidad de éxito es increíble! Recomiendo encarecidamente contratar a Johan si está considerando un instructor de surf para usted y su familia.
-Pat Harper
Boulder CO.
Even though we have been to CR numerous times to surf, we still choose Johan from Pure Adventure Surf to organize the days. Our kids absolutely love to have him with them in the water as they improve their surfing skills. There is no one better in Tamarindo/Avellana to hang with for a day of surfing. Pura Vida!
When I was 9 years old, I visited Costa Rica for the first time with my family and learned how to surf from Johan. He was kind, attentive, and above all, taught me how to successfully ride a wave. Now, over 16 years later, I got to surf with Johan again — this time, with my boyfriend! Reconnecting with Johan all these years later was magical, and he was just as fantastic as I remembered. Plus, both my boyfriend and I rode multiple waves (even some together) by the end of our lesson thanks to Johan’s great teaching skills. I cannot recommend Johan enough for any of your Costa Rican adventures, it won’t be another 16 years until I surf with him again!
I was lucky enough to have Johan as a surf instructor for my trip to Tamarindo the past week. I was beyond impressed with the quality of instruction he provided, and not to mention all the fun times we had in the process! Johan is a joy to be around and truly embodies the Pura Vida lifestyle. If you’re looking for a surf instructor or guide, look no further. I know I’ll be coming back to Costa Rica again someday and reaching out to Johan once again! I definitely recommend!
-John Wolcott
-Gracie Amiss
Johan is the absolute best!! He had both my kids surfing in no time. My son who has surfed before learned a lot from Johan in just a couple of hours. He is super knowledgeable and funny!! We can’t recommend him enough!! Awesome experience!! I highly recommend.
-Danielle Taylor
Johan gave us such an awesome surf experience! We scored epic witches rock waves. He was able to teach my two sons with boards he brought after he sized them up a day before. He spent time with them on the beach practicing technique while I was in the line up. He had them dropping in on 4ft waves in no time. I definitely recommend.
-Brannon Terrell
Rate Us On Trip Advisor!
Johan has a deep understanding of the ocean, waves and techniques to surf safely and effectively. It is amazing that he’s been able to share this knowledge with me over the years and I’ve always felt comfortable and confident under his guidance. He’s always been a reliable and enjoyable tour guide. Tamarindo is a beautiful place with plenty to explore, and having a local friend who knows the ins and outs of the region is a valuable asset. It’s a lot of fun being with Johan and I love that I can always rely on him whenever I need an impromptu tour and then share a gelato later in the evening.
-Sen Gatillo
Boston
Johan made our 1st trip to Costa Rica a memorable experience. My husband (James) is blind and wanted to surf. Johan accepted the challenge without hesitation. James had the time of his life and Johan was amazing teaching him the basic skills while making me feel comfortable and confident with his skill set and keeping my precious cargo safe. Johan also took us trekking through the rainforest in search of Sloths and coffee, while providing a once in a lifetime experience of true Costa Rican and indigenous culture. Something you will never find with “tour groups”. We may have met Johan by chance but left Costa Rica with the most amazing and sincere “friend”. Seriously, he’s the kind of guy that even sees you waiting for a taxi and offers you a ride. I absolutely recommend.
-Julie Pannett-Hull
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