Surfing in Cartagena
Perfect beginner waves, warm water year-round, and a guaranteed smile from your very first lesson.
How a Surf Lesson Works
Our lessons are designed so you catch waves from day one. No matter your age or fitness level: if you can stand up, you can surf.
Beach Briefing
10 minWe assess ocean conditions, explain the currents, safety rules, and how to read the waves. You'll understand the ocean before you enter it.
Pop-Up Practice on Sand
10 minYou practice the pop-up movement (standing up on the board) on the sand. We repeat until your body memorizes it. This step is the difference between surfing and not on your first lesson.
Entering the Water
5 minWe enter the water together. You learn how to carry your board, get past the whitewater, and position yourself in the right zone.
First Whitewater Waves
30-45 minYour instructor positions you, gives you the push at the perfect moment, and you do the pop-up. Most people stand up within the first 3-5 waves. Expect to catch 10-15 waves.
Wave Selection
ProgressionAs you gain confidence, you learn to pick your own waves, position yourself, and pop up without your instructor's push.
Feedback & Next Steps
5 minWe review what you did well, what to improve, and give you a plan to keep progressing. Want more? We'll schedule your next lesson.
Warming up before hitting the water
Surf Conditions in Cartagena
Cartagena isn't Hawaii, and that's exactly what makes it perfect for learning. Gentle waves, warm water, and a sandy bottom mean you can wipe out a thousand times without fear.
Wind & Waves by Season
| Season | Months | Waves | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | Dec - Mar | 2-3 ft | Excellent |
| Mid | Apr, Jul-Aug | 1-2 ft | Good |
| Low | May-Jun, Sep-Nov | 0.5-1.5 ft | Variable |
More info on weather, transport, and things to do in our Cartagena guide.
Boards & Equipment
The right board makes all the difference. In your first lesson you'll use a foam board, which is bigger, more stable, and much safer for learning.
Foam / Soft-top
Beginner- Soft deck (no pain when you fall)
- More flotation and stability
- Flexible fin (safe)
- Size: 7'0" - 8'0"
This is the board you'll use in your lesson. They're the safest and easiest to stand up on.
Funboard / Mini-Malibu
Intermediate- Fiberglass, faster response
- Good speed/stability balance
- Starts responding to turns
- Size: 7'0" - 7'6"
Your second board. Once you're standing up consistently and want more speed.
Shortboard
Advanced- High maneuverability
- Requires more paddle technique
- For bigger waves
- Size: 5'8" - 6'6"
For surfers with months of experience looking for maneuvers and green waves.
We Provide
- Surfboard (foam for beginners)
- Rash guard / lycra
- Leash (safety cord)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
You Bring
- ● Swimsuit
- ● Extra sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- ● Water to stay hydrated
- ● Towel
Ready for the waves
"The ocean is the best teacher. We just make the introduction"
Surf Etiquette & Safety
Surfing has unwritten rules that keep everyone safe and happy in the water. Learning them from day one makes you a responsible surfer.
Wave Priority
The surfer closest to the peak (where the wave breaks) has priority. Never "drop in" (take off on someone else's wave).
Rip Currents
If you get caught in a rip current, do NOT swim against it. Swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the current. Our instructors teach you how to spot them.
Marine Life
There are NO sharks in Cartagena's surf zones. You might occasionally see small jellyfish. Wear a rash guard and apply vinegar if stung.
Sun Protection
The UV index in Cartagena is 11-13+ (extreme). Use reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ every 90 minutes. The rash guard also protects you from the sun.
Don't Let Go of Your Board
Your board stays connected with the leash at all times. Never throw or release it. It can hit other surfers. Learn to "turtle roll" to get past waves.
Respect the Ocean
Don't leave trash on the beach. Use biodegradable sunscreen. The ocean is our office and our home. We take care of it together.
Your Surf Progression
Surfing is a lifelong journey. But the first milestones come fast. Here's the typical beginner progression in Cartagena.
Your First Wave
Day 1Pop-up in whitewater, first 3-5 second rides. The feeling of standing up for the first time is unlike anything else.
Whitewater Consistency
1-2 WeeksYou're standing up on 80%+ of waves, starting to steer the board, longer rides. You already feel like a surfer.
First Green Waves
3-4 WeeksYou move beyond whitewater and start paddling for unbroken waves (green waves). You learn to take off on the face of the wave.
Consistent Green Waves
2-3 MonthsYou select your own waves, paddle efficiently, do basic bottom turns. You start "reading" the ocean.
Turns & Basic Maneuvers
3-6 MonthsBottom turn, top turn, cutback. You surf in different conditions and on different boards. Surfing becomes your obsession.
Pricing
Simple, transparent pricing. Everything includes board, instructor, and safety equipment.
Surf Lesson
1 hour · Private instructor
- Foam board included
- Dedicated instructor
- Rash guard included
- 10-15 waves guaranteed
- Kids welcome from age 5
Board Rental
1 hour · Independent surfing
- Foam or fiberglass board
- Leash included
- For experienced surfers
- Spot recommendations
Group Surf Package
Group lessons — more friends, better price
Grab your crew and hit the waves together. The bigger the group, the better the price per person. Everyone gets personalized instruction, board, and full equipment.
- Foam board included
- Dedicated instructor per group
- Rash guard included
- Perfect for families and friends
We accept Nequi, Daviplata, bank transfer, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and Amex.
Frequently Asked Questions about Surfing
From the Blog
Ready for Your First Wave?
Book your surf lesson in Cartagena. Board included, dedicated instructor, and perfect beginner waves.
Book a Surf Lesson