Surf Rescue Course – March 21–22

Essential Skills for Every Surfer

Surfing connects us. It’s a community built on shared waves, respect for the ocean, and looking out for one another. But when something goes wrong in the water, the closest help is often another surfer already in the lineup.

On March 21–22, Santa Teresa Lifeguards will host a Surf Rescue Course in collaboration with Underwave Training.

This two-day course is designed to give surfers the knowledge, awareness, and confidence to respond when someone needs help in the water.

Spots are limited.

Why This Training Matters

Surfing carries risks. Leashes break, wipeouts happen, and sometimes situations escalate quickly. In those moments, knowing what to do can make all the difference.

As Rebel, a competitive junior surfer from Santa Teresa, explains:

“The people in the lineup are friends and we look out for each other. If someone is struggling, usually other surfers are the closest people who can help. Wipeouts happen, leashes snap, people panic, and sometimes someone is really in trouble. Knowing what to do means you can help without making it worse or becoming the next person who needs saving. Having a surfer who has learned surf rescue techniques in the lineup can make the difference between a good outcome and a tragedy.”

When surfers understand how to react safely, the entire lineup becomes stronger and safer.

What the Course Includes

The training combines Underwave’s performance-based ocean training with lifesaving instruction from Santa Teresa Lifeguards, creating a practical program focused on real situations surfers may face.

Underwave Performance Training

Participants will learn techniques designed to help surfers:

• Master their breathing
• Control their mind under pressure
• Stay calm and focused in stressful ocean situations
• Build confidence when facing challenging conditions

These skills are essential for managing wipeouts, hold-downs, and high-stress moments in the ocean.

Surf Rescue & Ocean Safety

Santa Teresa Lifeguards will guide participants through practical rescue knowledge including:

• Ocean awareness and hazard recognition
• Safe ways to assist a struggling surfer
• Rescue techniques using surfboards
• Understanding when and how to intervene safely

First Aid & Emergency Response

Participants will also learn:

• Basic First Aid principles
• CPR fundamentals
• Immediate actions to take until professional help arrives

The course combines theory, beach training, and hands-on ocean practice, ensuring participants leave with skills they can actually use.

Building a Safer Lineup

Earlier this year, in January, Santa Teresa Lifeguards hosted two Surf Rescue Courses:

• One open to the public, bringing together surfers from across the community.
• A second special training for the Santa Teresa Junior Surf Team, helping the next generation develop strong ocean safety awareness.

The response showed how much the local surf community values knowledge, preparation, and looking out for one another.

Course Details

Dates: March 21–22
Location: Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Duration: 2 days
Price: $150 USD per participant
Spots: Limited

Register Now

If you spend time in the ocean, these are skills every surfer should have.

Learning how to stay calm, respond safely, and help others in the water builds confidence—not just for yourself, but for the entire surf community.

To reserve your spot, contact:

info@santateresalifeguards.org

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