Frequently Asked Questions & Useful Answers
Booking a surf vacation can be a bit intimidating so we have put together some useful info for you. Have a look through our most commonly asked questions below and our pages on training for surfing. Just click on the question below to find your answer. If you can’t find what you looking for, then fill in the ‘ask a new question’ box underneath all the Qs and we’ll get back to you asap.
How to Book & Payment Proceedure
What days and dates is the Surf Simply Resort open?
What are your prices?
How do I secure a booking?
What’s the best way to pay?
What’s the cancellation policy?
Surfing, Lifeguard Courses & Surf Instructor Courses
What should I pack?
What can I do to get in shape for my upcoming surf trip?
Will we have the chance to do stand up paddle boarding too?
Do you offer lifeguard training and surf instructor courses as well?
In which countries are the lifeguard and surf instructor qualifications valid?
What selection of board do you have available?
Are there any other surf spots nearby?
Wildlife
Are there sharks?
What about bugs?
Is there any wildlife, I need to watch out for?
Is it easy to spot Monkeys in the trees?
What about Turtles?
Tours, Yoga & Massage
Which tours are included when I’m staying at the resort?
What’s the deal with yoga classes and massage?
Laptops, iPods and Cash
What do people do in Nosara? Do I need to bring entertainment?
Where can you get cell phone signal?
Do you have WiFi at the Resort?
Do the rooms have a safe big enough for my laptop?
Do I need to bring any type of electrical adapter for the plug outlets in Costa Rica?
Is there an ATM locally?
Should I bring a credit card or traveler’s checks?
Health & Safety
Do I need any vaccinations?
Is traveling in Costa Rica save as a single woman or with children?
What about crime in Costa Rica?
Is there a place to buy toiletries and other goods?
Costa Rican Culture & Travel
What is the culture like in Costa Rica?
Do people speak English or only Spanish?
What is the better season for visiting Costa Rica: summer or winter?
What is ‘Pura Vida!’ & what does it mean?
What is the night life like in Nosara?
How long is the drive from San Jose or Liberia to Nosara?
Can I contribute to local schools or the local community?
The Small Print
What happens if we can’t go surfing for some reason?
What if I miss my lesson?
How many people can sleep in a chalet?
What about pets and smokers?
What’s the breakages & damages policy?
Do you provide linen & towels?
Can we stay on in your surf chalets?
Can’t find the answer to your question? Drop us a line.
How to Book & Payment Procedure
What days and dates is Surf Simply Resort open?
Surf coaching courses run from Saturday to Saturday. Check out our contact us form and you’ll see a drop down menu with those exact dates. We will be closed for regular surf coaching from 11th September 2010 until 20th November 2010 because of the rainy season.
What are your prices?
Our prices vary depending on whether you would like to have a private chalet, a shared chalet or a shared room. Please click here for more info.
How do I secure a booking?
To make a booking we ask for a 50% deposit. The other 50% is payable 30 days prior to arrival. The booking will not be considered confirmed until an email receipt has been issued for the necessary deposit of 50% of total payment due. If a booking is made less than one month before arrival, the full rent is due at the time of booking. You can contact us to make a reservation.
What’s the best way to pay?
We accept all major credit & debit cards except American Express. If you’d like to pay by credit card, can call us by phone or by Skype, and give us your card details that way. Alternatively, you can send your details over email, in which case it is advisable to send them over two emails. To pay by credit card, we will require the 16 digit number from the front, the expiry date, and the 3 digit security code from the back.
NB: (You will see the amount on your statement in GBP (Great British Pounds), but it will be a straight conversion based on that day’s conversion rates from xe.com).
What’s the cancellation policy?
Both the deposit and the final payment are non-refundable so we strongly advise that you have adequate travel insurance. This will cover these costs in the event of unforeseen problems. If you feel it necessary to cancel your vacation at either of the following times we will retain:
More than 30 days before 50% deposit
Less than 30 days before 100% payment*
(*We shall endeavour to secure another participant(s) of the resort for the same term and the same charges in which case 50% of your payment will be returned, less an administration fee of $50 plus the cost of necessary advertising used in the attempt to re-let your space).
We strongly advise you to get holiday/vacation insurance to cover your costs in the event of cancellation as we are unable to offer refunds unless we can resell your reservation.
Surfing, Lifeguard Courses & Surf Instructor Courses
What should I pack?
The great thing about surfing in the warm tropical waters of Playa Guiones is that all you need is your surfboard and either your Boardshorts or a Bikini. However, you may find that you get a little sore from the friction caused by various body parts making contact with the board when you are lying down and paddling, namely your ribs, hips and knees. For this reason, a lot of surfers like to buy shorts that cover up your knees (make sure they are not too tight though, you will need good range of movement in your hips). Don’t forget that we’ll provide you with zinc and a lycra rashguard to protect you from the sun while you’re in the surf so you can stay young and beautiful. We recommend that you pop along to your local pharmacy and buy a bottle of rubbing alcohol. If you rub it on your knees, ribs and hips for a couple of days before you come, it stops you getting too sore (walkers do this to stop them getting blisters on their feet). It’s also great to bring along with you on your vacation – put a few drops in your ears after surfing and it will it dry them out. Nosara is a very laid back jungle beach village. It’s hot so you won’t need any warm clothes, however it is worth bringing some long clothing to wear in the evenings to keep off the mosquitoes. During the day, the uniform in Nosara is usually boardshorts, a T-Shirt and flip fops for guys and a bikini and beach dress/cover up for girls. We would not recommend bringing any whites or delicate clothing, the roads are unpaved so you will find that in the dry season you’ll get quite dusty and in the green and wet seasons you will get a little muddy. It’s not a bad idea to bring a good flashlight, as there are no street lights in the jungle. Between April-Nov it’s a good idea to bring a lightweight waterproof too. We have WiFi at the resort both in the pool side lounge and in all the bedroom, so if you have your laptop you can stay connected.
What can I do to get in shape for my upcoming surf trip?
Check out our page on training for surfing for some tips on how to get started.
Will we have the chance to do stand up paddle boarding too?
Mid week you will have (and need) a day off from surfing. You have the choice of several tours, one of which is to go stand up paddle boarding with Hawaiian waterman and good friend of Surf Simply, Spencer Klein. If you’re a beginner he’ll take you out on flat water for a mellow scenic tour of the near by coast line. If you’re a level 3 or 4 surfer he’ll teach you how to paddling into waves standing up and ride them using your paddle on the massive 12ft boards.
Do you offer lifeguard training courses as well?
Yes we do. Although the moment, we only offer one course each year in early November. For more info on both courses, dates and prices click here.
In which countries are the lifeguard and surf instructor qualifications valid?
The certification you receive after passing our lifeguard course is with the Royal Lifesaving Society and International Lifesaving Society. It is valid Worldwide including; Europe, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Hawaii and mainland USA. The surf instructor certification is awarded through the British Surfing Association, in conjunction with the International Surfing Association, and is also valid Worldwide. For more infoclick here.
What selection of board do you have available?
We have 50 light weight, epoxy boards ranging form 5’6” to 9’6”. We generally use Global Surf Industries boards, however, we also use Surf Tech and Channel Island boards for higher level surfers. We have something for everyone with thrusters, fishes, mals & longboards.
Are there any other surf spots nearby?
Playa Guiones is a few hundred yards from our front door and one of the most consistent surf spots on the planet. We tend to surf there 99% of the time but there are other spots near by if you are a more experienced (level 4) surfer. Playa Ostional 20 minutes drive north is a heavier barreling beach break and Garza Reef offers fun mechanical rights and lefts. Let us know if you interested in surfing some more inaccessible and challenging waves when you book.
Wildlife
Are there sharks?
We have never had seen any sharks at Playa Guiones and there has never been a reported shark attack here. There is some pretty cool sea life about though. Breaching whales, stingrays, sword fish and turtles are common (and all friendly).
What about bugs?
This area of Costa Rica is not too bad with bugs. We see an increase in bugs in the transitions of seasons: from the wet to the dry season (November) or the dry to the wet season (April/May). There will be insect repellent available which you may like to use at dinner time. It’s not a bad idea to bring a long sleeved tops and long pants to wear in the evenings, if you are especially prone to getting bitten.
Is there any wildlife, I need to watch out for?
In the jungle, we quite regularly see howler monkeys, pizotes, racoons and armadillos. You may even see a jaguar. None of these animals are dangerous. They will be more scared of you than you are of them. The only thing in Costa Rica you have to be careful of are snakes but don’t panic! They’re very scarce, timid and easy to avoid. The rule with snakes is to bash the grass in front of you with a stick if you have occasion to be walking through the jungle (you won’t find them on the paths which we walk along on a daily basis). The scorpions here only give a small sting like a bee and are not a problem (just check your shoes).
Is it easy to spot Monkeys in the trees?
Yes, pretty much year round. We have a family of howler monkeys that lives in the trees between the surf coaching resort and the beach. They move from tree to tree eating the fruit and hanging out in the shade. The males are loud… you’ll probably hear them before you see them. They sound like lions.
What about Turtles?
Olive Ridley Turtle are regular visitors to Nosara and we sometimes have mothers laying eggs or baby hatching during a surf lesson. 10 days past a full moon is the ‘Arrivadas.’ Thousands of turtles gather at Playa Ostional (20 minutes away) to lay their eggs. Then approximately 50 days later, if you can get to the beach at about 3am you will see 1000’s of baby turtles hatching & making a run for the sea. If you’re interested in seeing this and your trip coincides with it, let us know and we can arrange it for you.
Tours, Yoga & Massage
Which tours are included when I’m staying at the resort?
On Wednesday you will have a well earned break from surfing. Most people like to take the opportunity to do the zip line jungle canopy tour, which is a lot of fun. If you’d like to do something a little more nature oriented then you can do a boat tour up the river bird watching, go to Ostional to see the turtles hatching (if the moon is right), go horse riding through the jungle and along the beach. If you want to get back in the ocean you can go stand up paddle boarding. You can also go sport fishing and although this costs extra depending on the time of year and how many in the group wish to go. You are almost certain to catch something almost as big as you and get to eat it for dinner.
What’s the deal with yoga classes and massage?
Included in your package when you stay with Innocent Surf School is the choice of either 5 yoga classes or a 1 hour full body massage. Each yoga class is an hour and you have the choice of either doing it on your private terrace, in the shade of the trees by our pool or down on the beach. Jesse, our very own Kiwi yoga teacher was trained and certified as in India. If this does not appeal, you can opt for a full body massage with Crystal who is a fully qualified massage therapist.
Laptops, iPods and Cash
What do people do in Nosara, do I need to bring entertainment?
Although La Banana, Nosara’s liveliest bar, is only a 15 minutes walk away through the trees. Nosara is definitely and early to bed early to rise kind of town and you’ll see why after you’ve been surfing all day. We have WiFi in all parts of the resort as well as cards, books and board games. Most people surf, swim, lounge, read, chat, and enjoy the outdoors and activities available here. You will have at your fingertips over 100 surf movies to watch in our poolside lounge. There are also a few restaurants in town which have live music, karaoke, pool tables and ping pong. In Nosara town (20 minutes taxi ride away) there is a disco / salsa club that get’s hopping on the weekends called the Tropicana and La Banana has a reggae night every Thursday night.
Where can you get cell phone signal?
Because of the thick jungle canopy, the only place you can consistently get cell phone signal is at the beach.
Do you have WiFi at the Resort?
We have Wifi in all the bedrooms as well as in the pool side lounge. We have the fastest connection speed available in Costa Rica which is 1.5mps. That’s fast enough to use regular websites fine, as well as, chat on Skype and even stream music. You’ll find you can stream movies too (as long as everyone isn’t doing it at the same time). (Note: We have a very strict policy on not downloading any torrents, or otherwise illegal files, not because we’re copywriter nazis but simply because I.C.E (the only Costa Rican internet provider) will cut off a connection if they see illegal files being downloaded!!!)
Do the rooms have a safe big enough for my laptop?
Yes. The combination safe in each villa easily fits a 17″ Macbook Pro in it.
Do I need to bring any type of electrical adapter for the plug outlets in Costa Rica?
The outlets in Costa Rica are the same as the US and do not require an adapter. From other places in the World, an American adapter will do. Travelling with a surge protector is always a good idea if you have anything with a microprocessor in it (i.e. a laptop or ipod touch) as power surges from electrical storms or an unstable AC supply can quickly ruin your brand new toy. (Handy hint: if your traveling from Europe or the UK with several electrical items, why not save money and space by just bringing one adapter and a multi outlet surge protector.
Is there an ATM locally?
Yes, there is a bank which is open Mon to Fri , 9:30am – 3pm and Sat 9:30am – 12pm and a 24 hour ATM on the main beach road in Guiones. The only card that will work for cash withdrawal either from the ATM or bank is a Visa. Mastercard is not accepted at the bank or ATM.
Do you accept credit cards or traveler’s checks?
Most businesses in Nosara will accept Visa. It is risky to bring MasterCard, American Express and Diner’s cards as they are rarely accepted. Traveler’s checks are difficult to cash and really aren’t worth the hassle. The golden rule when you’re going abroad anywhere in the World (especially Asia, if you’re planning on going there too) is always have 2 credit cards handy, preferably Visa.
Health & Safety
Do I need any vaccinations?
We think it is always sensible to have your Hep A and B up to date when traveling anywhere in the world but there has not been an incident here in Nosara, so it is not essential. The W.H.O recommends Malaria immunizations for all of Costa Rica. However, there has never been a case of Malaria here in Nosara and so nobody here takes any preventative measures. Most anti-malarial drugs have unpleasant side effects and we fell very confident recommending that you do not take them.
Is traveling with children safe in Costa Rica?
Although petty crime can sometimes be a nuisance, Costa Rica, and particularly Nosara, is as safe as anywhere in the World. Because of this, and Nosara’s reputation as a center of excellence for yoga teacher training, Nosara has become very popular with women traveling alone. So if you are a girl you will find Nosara welcoming and un-intimidating. Should you have any medical problems while you’re here, we have an English speaking doctor only a few hundred yards from the Surf Simply Resort.
What about crime in Costa Rica?
There is petty crime anywhere you choose to travel in the World. Costa Rica is no exception. We would recommend that you not wear flashy jewelry, do not flash large amounts of money, keep valuables locked up and don’t leave them unattended. If you do these things, your chances of having anything nicked will be slim. As for violent crime, the incidences are much lower here than in many developed countries.
Is there a place to buy toiletries and other goods?
In your chalet you will have in your bathroom, Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap, Rubbing Alcohol, Aftersun, Sunscreen, Zinc, Vaseline, Antibacterial Gel, Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Insect Repellent and Cotton Wool. If you have any particular brand name products you like, then we advise you bring them with you. 3 meals per day with refreshments & snacks are provided, but if you need anything in addition to this, there is a general store within walking distance.
Costa Rican Culture & Travel
What is the culture like in Costa Rica?
Costa Ricans are friendly, helpful and, can tolerate mucho bad Spanglish.
“Tico Time” is an expression you may hear whilst you are here. It basically means that no one will be in a rush to do anything. The Nicoya Peninsula has a great number of Centenarians (people 100 and over), and this “Tico time” might be why! Reduced stress and a healthy physical out door job will do the trick. Also, it is not uncommon to find 3 generations of the same family living under one roof, and it is this close support network and real sense of purpose in the community that keeps people going strong! One of our aims at the Surf Simply Resort is to make sure you can enjoy your own “Tico Time” by taking care of every detail of your stay for you.
Do people speak English or only Spanish?
Because of the recent boom in the tourist industry here, many Costa Ricans speak English. However, not all. Any attempts, no matter how bad, will be greatly appreciated.
What is the better season for visiting Costa Rica: summer or winter?
Costa Rica basically has three seasons. Mid November to May is the dry season. Everyday is sunny and the offshore winds blow in the morning, like clockwork. This is Costa Rica’s summer time and sees the most visitors. May to mid September is a little less predictable so and you’ll often see an hour or two of rain in the afternoon. You’ll also see dramatic electrical storms dancing over the ocean at night. A lot of people prefer this time of year as it is a little cooler and less busy. The offshore winds are inconsistent but glassy surf is still common. Mid September to mid November is the wet season. Sometimes it can rain for days at a time and you won’t see many foreigners around. If you like solitude, stormy surf and speaking Spanish then this is the time for you. The Surf Simply Resort is closed during this 8 week period.
What is ‘Pura Vida!’ & what does it mean?
It means “pure life”; “good life”; “all is well”; “all should be well, life here is so good”; “of course life is good; “Good bye from Costa Rica”; “Hello/Hi!”…. basically it has lots of meanings. You’ll hear it as an answer to questions like: “How are you?”, “how’s life?”, “how’s work?” …. Costa Ricans are very proud of their country and the blend of being a developing country yet keeping much of the environment from urbanization or over development. Life here is considered to be a very good life.
What is the night life like in Nosara?
In Guiones, it is very easy to be early to bed and early to rise. Throughout the year the sun sets between 5:30pm and 6:30pm depending on the time of year and you can be on the cool soft sand at 5am when the first rays of light hit the ocean. There are many restaurants (a few of which we shall dine in), bars, clubs, dancing, live music, pool, karaoke, It is not a bustling city, but there is a night life here.
How long is the drive from San Jose or Liberia to Nosara?
The drive from Liberia to Nosara is 2 1/2 -3 hours and is a very easy drive. The drive to/from San Jose to/from Nosara is about 5/6 hours, but as there is only one lane or Highway 1 in either direction when you get to the mountains, if you get stuck behind a slow moving vehicle, you could experience delays.
Can I contribute to local schools or the local community?
Every Wednesday, the Surfing Nosara crew and the Surf Simply Crew, with the help of a few others, all meet and brainstorm on how to help make Nosara a better place, especially for the local kids and schools. Let us know if you would like to get involved during your visit. Or, if you have room in your suitcase, our schools lack many basic supplies, including: notebooks, white paper, construction paper, pens, pencils, erasers, scissors, glue, crayons, colored pencils, geometry sets, chalk, whiteboard markers, etc. When you see a sale, stock up! Help enrich our classrooms by bringing puzzles, counting sets, blocks, simple bilingual picture books, clay/playdough, art and craft supplies, calculators….get creative! All new or gently used materials will be accepted with open arms.
The Small Print
What happens if we can’t go surfing for some reason?
In the unlikely event that we unable to go surfing due to dangerous weather conditions, Surf Simply will not be held financially responsible. Surf Simply will make sure that the time is used constructively learning about other important aspects of the sport in a safe environment.
What if I miss my lesson?
If you miss one of your surf lessons due to personal reasons (fatigue, social engagements, hangover or illness) Surf Simply is not obliged to reschedule or refund.
How many people can sleep in a chalet?
The Resort owner & Resort Guest agree that each chalet will not be occupied by more than 4 people. Two persons in the double bedroom and two in the twin beds room.
What about pets and smokers?
Regrettably, dogs or other pets are not permitted and please be reminded that no smoking is permitted in the chalets. The owners and their Agents reserve the right to reasonable access to the property during your stay. The surf chalet must be left in a clean and tidy state and all furniture returned to the place in which it was found on entry.
What’s the breakages & damages policy?
Resort Guests are responsible for any breakages or damage. Please advise owner so that repairs and replacements can be carried out as soon as possible.
Linen & Towels
All linen and bed sheets, plus bath, beach & swimming pool towels are provided.
Can we stay on in your surf chalets?
This property is hired on the understanding that the accommodation is for vacation use only and that no right to remain in the accommodation exists for the Resort Guest or anyone in the their party.
