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Spanish Language and Culture Programme
Our language school in San Jose provides a unique Spanish language experience, as emphasis is made on participants understanding the culture, as well as learning the language. Fun cultural activities will be included in your programme such as free cooking lessons, Latin dance lessons and Latin American song classes.
As you have 4 days of Spanish lessons, you will mainly be covering the basics, depending on your previous experience. You will have 5 hours of lessons each day in San Jose, with the opportunity to apply what you have learnt in the afternoons and evenings.
The course is designed to enable students to actively participate in classes. As quickly as possible, you will learn how to communicate, comprehend and use accurate pronunciation in Spanish. The small classes and active participation training provides the flexibility to meet your individual needs and offer you a comprehensive course.
Language classes will generally consist of 3 to 4 students but you will never be with a group of more than 6. With smaller, more intimate classes it allows the school to tailor the programme to your specific needs. In order for you to be placed in the correct class according to your Spanish proficiency level you will have a written test, which is sent to you by email, and an oral evaluation exam during your first day of class.
Canopy Tour
This eco-adventure tour takes place in the lush green mountains that surround the Central Valley. With spectacular scenery, you’ll not only enjoy the journey through typical Costa Rican towns, but will also view how the eco systems change as you approach the higher region.
Sliding from platform to platform via aerial zip-wires, you quickly traverse the green canopy of the forest.
Canopy San Lorenzo is located in the middle of the tropical forest reserve in a beautiful area full of orchids, bromeliads and other ornamental plants.
The sliding cable is divided into two parts:
- The forest section, starts with small cables so you will acquire confidence while admiring the forest's canopy.
- The adventure section will have longer cables suspended from high platforms that require large doses of adrenaline.
White Water Rafting
This one-day trip takes place on the Reventazon River, one of the hardest commercial rafting runs in Costa Rica. With over 65kms (40miles) of rapids, it has two different sections to choose from: Pascua and Florida – you will raft Pascua. You take on 15 Class 4 rapids, including “The Abyss”, “Indigestion” and “Dirty Mind.” Each offers you a different challenge, where you will do your best to stop the rift from flipping!
On your way down the river you will experience the breathtaking beauty of this beautiful diverse country, with panoramic views of the Turrialba Volcano. Lunch is included.
Surfing
Our programme covers the basics of what you need to know about surfing, from standing on your board to how to read the ocean. As you advance your skills and your balance improves, you will be taught how to turn and ride bigger waves! If you already have some surf experience or are already an accomplished surfer, you will be able to take on better waves at more exclusive surf spots, with our instructors there to push you to your surfing limits.
For new surfers, the programme is a 3-day beginners’ course. If you have previous surf experience, then you may be asked to join the start of the course as a refresher and then you will join a more advanced group. As you advance, you may travel to other beaches with breaks suitable to a higher standard.
The timing of lessons each day can vary according to the local conditions. The surf school will always aim to take you out during peak surfing conditions, so that you can get the real surfing experience. This may mean early starts, so this programme may not be suitable for those wanting a long lie-in each day!
Please Note: Surf lessons last for up to 2 hours. Weather conditions can affect the lesson length. The average group size is 4 people per instructor. If group sizes are smaller, lessons will be more intense.
3-day Beginner's Course
- Lesson 1/Day 1 – The first part of the lesson is held on the beach, where you will mainly cover the safety aspects of surfing. You will learn how to identify and avoid hazards in the water (i.e. rip currents, reefs and rocks) and how to respect other water users, such as other surfers and swimmers etc. Surfing etiquette is an important aspect of learning to surf. The second part of the lesson focuses on learning to stand on your board, how to paddle correctly and how to ride small waves.
- Lesson 2/Day 2 – This day is about attempting larger waves and surfing at less-sheltered beaches. You will travel to beaches further away to find the correct waves for your standard.
- Lesson 3/Day 3 – This lesson is focussed on teaching you wave judgement and timing, so that you can ride the face of the waves properly. You will learn further tricks to improve your speed at standing up and will also learn how to make basic turns. By teaching you how to identify signs quickly, your instructor will help you to use your skills automatically and hopefully start to develop your own surfing style.
Please Note: Different people pick up surfing at varying speeds. Do not undertake individual surfing practise without the approval of your instructor. You must always pay attention to the local conditions and follow the guidelines set by the lifeguards.
Surfboard Use
During your programme, you will have unlimited access to the surf school’s boards. This will allow you to practise and perfect your skills and to make the most of the swells and waves in the area. Due to the warm waters, consistently between 70 and 80 degrees all year round, you will not need a wetsuit!
Kite Surfing Programme
Designed mainly for novice kite surfers, the programme starts with a 3-day beginner course, where you are taught the required skills to kite surf independently and skilfully, with safety for yourself and others as your priority. You will learn how to set-up, control and steer the kite, adhering to the strict standards set by the Kite surfing school.
Please Note: Kitesurfing is an adventure sport and with it carries an element of risk. It is vital that all students attend the course in full and pay close attention to their instructors before attempting independent kitesurfing.
- Day 1 Lesson 1 (2 hours, with max of 4 students) – Kite flying and safety knowledge
Using a learner kite, this lesson focuses on teaching the basics for flying. You will learn important skills related to the set-up/break down of the kite, basic steering, launching and more. The lesson will cover the following things:
Knowledge learnt Skills learnt:
Wind theory – strength, wind selection, direction and “window” theory Basic “piloting” skills and how to launch and land a kite with assistance, how to fly in neutral position etc
The beach – awareness of other beach users, other water users, location selection Safety procedures and safeguards such as unhook and release bar, how to untwist lines
The kites – differences between kites, terminology, how the kite works, line lengths How to set-up and pack up a kite
The bar - steering Simulation of water starts
Your first lesson is completely land-based and will not involve the board or going into the water. The focus is the piloting of the kite and how to achieve differing levels of power from it.
- Day 2 Lesson 2 (2 hours, with max of 2 students) – Body dragging
Using 4 and 5 line Leading Edge Inflatable (LEI) Kites, you will:
- Learn flight techniques in the water such as launching and landing a kite
- Body drag with the instructor
- Body drag independently (using waterproof walkie talkies for contact)
- Learn control of the kite with one hand
- Learn one-hand control
- Be taught safety and self-rescue skills
- Day 3 Lesson 3 (2 hours, with max of 2 students) – Water Start
The third lesson is the first step towards full kitesurfing. Learning about the different board types, you will:
- Receive demonstrations how to start from the water by the instructor – this covers learning the water start position, using the power of the kite to stand up, how to tie the leash alone etc.
- Do your first water starts using the above learnt principles
- Discuss the principles behind sailing - start and return with the board in linear sailing, discussion about wave sailing, jibing (changing direction by turning downwind until you are facing the other way) and jumping techniques
Each morning you will be collected by your instructor and taken to the beach that offers you the best conditions. The beaches include Playa Grande, Conchal, Brazilito and Bahia Salinas. The beach may be up to a 40 minute journey from your hotel. If conditions prove suitable on a particular day, your instructor may offer you the opportunity to take your next lesson immediately after.
- On Day 15 you will be transferred back to San Jose.
Sunset Cruise (snorkelling and kayaking trip)
During your stay in Tamarindo you have an Ocean Cruise, which you can redeem on any of the afternoons. Starting at about 1.30pm, you depart the shores to explore the beautiful ocean in search of different marine life, including turtles, dolphins and many species of fish. On the cruise, you have the opportunity to snorkel and kayak, (with all of the necessary equipment provided), allowing you to see all of the marine life up-close. However, if you prefer to relax and sunbathe, you can chill-out on deck, enjoying the last rays of sun before it sets.
Light snacks and drinks (including alcoholic drinks) are included in the cruise.
Programme Age Limit
Minimum age 18, maximum decided on potential participant’s health
Programme Requirement
Participants must be fit and able to join a programme of this nature. As a minimum, you’ll need to be able to swim in the sea and to tread water for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Programme Support
During your programme, you will have the support and guidance of our local coordinators. They will provide you with competent field support and assistance, and help you with any questions or support you may need during your stay.
In addition, we will provide you with a 24 hour emergency contact number before you depart, so that you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Local Orientation
Once you have been met and picked up from the airport, you will be taken to your accommodation to settle in. On your first full day, your coordinators will guide you through the language school and help to answer any questions you may have in your orientation. Your orientation will cover:
- Local culture – social norms, traditions and culture
- Expected behaviour – safety whilst on the programme (more details will be given upon arrival at the surfing camp)
- Safety – areas and places to avoid, what to do in an emergency
- Locations of important amenities – banks, hospitals, embassies
Accommodation and Meals
During your stay in San Jose, you will be accommodated with a local host family. At the home-stay, you will have a private room, with access to the shared bathroom and kitchen etc. Although the houses are relatively comfortable and the families are from the local middle-class, please be aware that living conditions can be lower than the UK and Costa Rica is a developing country.
Meals each day are included (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and are provided by the host family. They will be made in the local style, with local ingredients. If you have any special dietary needs, these can be catered for.
During your stay in Playa Tamarindo (days 8 to 15), you will stay in hotel accommodation, about 2 minutes from the surf school. Your room will be private, with air conditioning and an adjoining shower room/bathroom. You have access to a number of other facilities at the accommodation, including wireless internet and a swimming pool. Breakfast is included, but lunch and an evening meal are not included during this part of the programme. Food can be purchased at nearby restaurants or bought in the local supermarket. You should budget about £10 a day for basic meals.
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