Surf Instructor – Women's Surf Camp

Pura Vida Adventures runs women-only surf and adventure retreats on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, near Nosara, and is hiring a Surf Instructor for its ongoing retreat season.

This is a hands-on coaching role built around small groups of women, many of whom are learning to surf for the first time as adults. The job blends technical surf instruction with the hospitality and encouragement that make a beginner-friendly retreat work, alongside a small, close-knit staff team living and working together on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

Responsibilities:

• Lead daily surf lessons for small groups of retreat guests, adjusting instruction to a wide range of skill levels from complete beginners to intermediate surfers
• Provide one-on-one coaching and encouragement, especially for guests who are nervous or new to the water
• Monitor ocean conditions and guest safety at all times, including basic rescue readiness
• Maintain and check surfboards, leashes, and other water safety equipment before and after sessions
• Support the broader retreat schedule, including yoga sessions, group meals, and excursions, as part of a small hands-on staff team
• Represent Pura Vida Adventures' brand of encouraging, judgment-free coaching for women learning to surf

Requirements:

• Previous experience teaching surfing, ideally to beginner and intermediate adult students
• Current CPR or EMS/EMT certification, or willingness to obtain one before the season starts
• Strong personal surfing background and comfort in a range of ocean conditions
• Patient, enthusiastic, and genuinely team-oriented — this is a small staff living and working closely together, not a large resort operation
• Available for some or all of the November through August season
• Comfortable working in a remote, laid-back coastal setting in Costa Rica with a close-knit international staff and guest community

What is included:

• Seasonal work on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, based at a dedicated women's surf retreat property
• Hands-on coaching role with real ownership of the surf program rather than a large, impersonal operation
• The opportunity to work alongside a small team running yoga, surf, and adventure retreats for international guests
• Flexibility to work part or all of the November-to-August season depending on availability

Pura Vida Adventures has run women's surf retreats in Costa Rica for many years and is known in the surf travel community for a supportive, beginner-friendly coaching style. This role suits an instructor who enjoys teaching nervous first-timers as much as more experienced surfers, and who wants to live and work on the Pacific coast for an extended season rather than a short stint.

To apply, submit a resume detailing your surf instruction experience, personal surfing background, work history, education, the months you are available, and three professional references through the employment page on Pura Vida Adventures' own website.