Local Knowledge Manuel Antonio – Tips from Costa Rican Surfing Teacher Ivan

The languid Pacific coast town of Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica is hot and humid. Stand still long enough here and you’ll see mould appearing on your body. The locals, however, have standing still down to an art. The laidback Costa Ricans take their time with everything. It’s common sense when just the act of waxing a surfboard can make you perspire.

When we started to think about who would be the idea candidate for our Local Knowledge interview for Manuel Antonio, we decided we wanted to find a local who would personify Costa Rica’s relaxed vibe. It didn’t take long after meeting local surfer and surf instructor Ivan Castillo to figure out Ivan was our guy.

On a beach where even in the off season locals come up to ask if you want a massage, beach chair or coconut juice, Ivan simply sits in the shade next to the wonky lifeguard tower waiting for customers to come to him to rent out his surfboards or get a surfing lesson.

On our first afternoon at The Beach House, as I paddled out in the surf on a body board, I spotted Ivan having a surf. His smooth and unhurried style set him apart from the other surfers in the water.

On land, to say that Ivan is measured, is an understatement. When I tell him I want a surfboard for the week he asks, “Why not just leave it with me and pick it up when you want to surf?”

When I tell him that I like to surf at dawn, he says, “You better take the board and keep it at your house!”

Later, when we finally pin Ivan down for a chat for our Local Knowledge series, he says that he only has ten minutes for the interview, because he’s a very busy man. We think he’s joking.

On my last day in Manuel Antonio, I got up early for my final morning surf. I timed it so that I could return my surfboard to Ivan just as he would be setting up his patch of the beach for the day.

When I walked up the beach after my surf, the locals were preparing for their day’s business, carting down sun beds, massage tables and surfboards to their spots on the sand, and fastidiously cleaning up their spaces, messed up from the previous night’s high tide.

Ivan, predictably and endearingly, was nowhere to be seen. His friend who rents out sun beds next to where Ivan sits every day said, “He should be here by now. But, you know, he’s pretty casual.”

It’s this kind of attitude that would drive a New Yorker nuts. It wouldn’t fly in London, Tokyo or Sydney either. But here, in Manuel Antonio? Well, all I can do is be a little more than jealous as I head back to the house. That’s life in Costa Rica!

Local Knowledge Costa Rica – Manuel Antonio Tips from Surfing Instructor Ivan

Q. So, what do you most love about being a surfing instructor in Manuel Antonio?

A. I love it because I’m at the beach every day. It’s not too busy. I’m surfing all day, talking to people. I love what I do.

Q. Why should people come to Costa Rica and specifically to Manuel Antonio?

A. The perfect beaches, the bays, the mountains, and we have waves every day.

Q. 3 words to describe Manuel Antonio?

A. Beautiful. Pura vida!

Q. 3 ways to describe the people of Manuel Antonio?

A. Happy, friendly, relaxed. You heard about ‘Tico time’ right?!

Q. Your top recommendations for things to do in Manuel Antonio?

A. Surf or learn to surf. And try white water rafting too.

Q. Best souvenir from Manuel Antonio?

A. A Costa Rican number plate! I like them.

Q. Must-do eating experiences in Manuel Antonio?

A. Eat gallo pinto – you can eat it in the morning, afternoon, evening, anytime!

Q. An essential thing to know before coming to Manuel Antonio and Costa Rica?

A. If you like to party, come in summer, but if you like peace and quiet, come here in winter.

Q. Most important Spanish phrase to learn in Manuel Antonio?

A. Todo bien. All’s well, everything’s okay.

Q. Any other advice for travellers to Costa Rica?

A. If you want to be really happy, you have to come to Costa Rica. Life is good here. We don’t have any rules… well, we do, but nobody follows them!

Q. Any surfing tips for beginner surfers in Manuel Antonio or Costa Rica more generally?

A. 1. Don’t think too much. Just surf.
2. Have one surfing lesson, then just practice.
3. It’s important to wipe out. If you’re not wiping out, you’re not learning to surf!
4. Just keep trying, practice every day.
5. Always start with a longer surf board then move down to a smaller surf board.

Click through for more tips from locals we meet on our travels in our Local Knowledge series of interviews with local experts and insiders around the world.