Best Surfing In Costa Rica For Beginners (2024 Updated)

This is a very nice surf rod. It is the first Tsunami brand rod I’ve purchased, and I find it very high-quality for the price. It is classified as medium heavy, which makes it a little more sensitive than my heavy rods, but still casts a mile.

I recommend this for its workmanship and performance.

I picked up this rod in 8ft length. I don’t have anything bad to say about it. This rod is light and has a good backbone. It casts far and is a great rod for popping. Just stay in weights specs of rod because a lot of people have complained about them snapping especially if you go over the lure weight limit.

There are definitely better poles out there but if your on a budget of $150 or less this rod is your best bet.

Rod tip broke after 6 months of use, broke on a 18 inch stripe bass. Caught approximately 30 fish on it in a span of 6 months. Contacted the customer service for Tsunami fishing products on Facebook since the company itself doesn’t have an official website for the fishing gear they sell, to no avail.

No one responded to my messages or email, I would recommend going with a more reputable company that’s established enough to at least offer you warranty.

I bought the Instinct 2 Solar to replace my 735 XT, which I had used happily for triathlon training and racing for many years. When it looked like the 735 might not last much longer, and I saw that it was discontinued, I looked for a replacement.

I had received an email from Garmin touting the Instinct 2 and decided to buy it just over a month ago for the following reasons: 1. Better battery life plus solar charging. 2. More rugged. 3. More accurate GPS.

The battery life is indeed better and it recharges very quickly, but I am not convinced that it would last 29 days without GPS usage. After such a short time I can’t judge how rugged it is or how accurate the GPS, but I am willing to believe those claims.

A pleasant surprise is that the Instinct 2 pairs with my smart bike trainer. I have been using the timer for ice treatments and stretching and the sleep monitoring functions, which I did not do with the 735.

Like the 735 and maybe all such watches, the Instinct 2 does not do a great job counting laps in the pool; it always misses a few turns, understating the distance and distorting the overall statistics.

My only real complaint is that with its abundance of features I personally do not need, it is a bit more complicated to use than the 735 for simple workouts. Also, the display is harder to read during a run or pool swim during rest through swim goggles) with the tiny numbers in the small circle in the upper right-hand corner.

I liked the 735 display better, even though the Instinct 2 has more pixels. To accommodate all the features, Garmin has added a third button on the left side of the watch; since that reduces the spacing, it is harder to change screens during a run.

They also added a function to enable or disable the lap key, essential when doing interval workouts or measuring distances along a hiking route. I could not figure out why I could not measure laps until I called the always super-helpful Garmin support team, who told me about this function, which is inexplicably not included in the full-length manual.

In summary, I love being able to record and view all my training statistics with this watch, and am getting used to accessing the functions I need, but it is not a perfect 5 for the reasons mentioned above.

Purchased this upgraded edition of the Instinct Solar as soon as it appeared. The feature additions were exactly what I was looking for without having to go with the high-end touchscreen devices. This device checks all the boxes for me.

Battery life is exceptional (best-in-class) and a must-have feature for my usage which includes many all-day or multi-day excursions. This device features more satellite system integration so tracking is extremely accurate and fast to acquire.

The menu system is logical and intuitive and operation is quick and responsive. (Garmin has come a long way in making their devices functional and intuitive from their disastrous past implementations, IMHO).

I really appreciate the variety of built-in sports applications – I use many of them, and like that I can add/subtract them easily as my list changes by seasons. The addition of Pulse Ox, V02 max, and other health features aligns this device with the higher-end devices as a great price-point.

Finally, I appreciate the addition of safety features such as Incident Detection. Note, however, that one must be prepared for false alerts, and know how to cancel them – this is not described in the manual nor online so you have 15 seconds to figure it out the first time it happens! Don’t worry though, if you send a false alert the device gives you the option to send a follow-up “I’m Okay” message (if you participate in a lot of activities that involve a lot of motion you will end up exercising this feature – but, I think it is worth the peace-of-mind if something bad does occur).

So far, operation has been near flawless, although I have had experience with Garmin’s connect system going down, and other device/fw bugs, with other Garmin devices, so not holding my breath. Garmin Connect app is top notch and phone integration is also near perfection.

Bottom line: if you need extended (potentially infinite) battery life for longer excursions, and are looking for a fully-loaded fitness/activity/health tracking instrument, this is IMHO the best there is.

It’s a great smart watch, most likely the best rugged on the market in that price range, I specifically chose a Garmin smart watch for its connectivity with inReach and the ability to trigger the SOS from a distance of the inReach device (like when being ejected from your bicycle in a crash with inReach on the bike).

However, the battery life claim is way overstated. I get 9 to 10 days with reduced sensors use and without triggering any fitness or GPS tracking function. Reduced sensor means only tracking HR 24/7 and PulsOx when sleeping, with a backlight at 10% (default is 20%) and the ABC sensor on.

The claim of 28 days battery life is certainly if you do not use any sensor and don’t use the watch for what it is intended, so if you need a solar watch only, my “other” solar watch has been working for over 20 years only on light recharge (there isn’t even a charging port on it).

A staggering difference is that it recharges on indoor light, the Garmin does not at all. It is disapointing considering the “other” technology is at least 20 years older than the solar panels on the Garmin watch.

I turned off the temperature sensor as like my “other” watch, it is pretty much useless since it records the watch internal temperature, which is warmed up by your body heat, rather than the external temperature, unless you take it off your wrist.

One thing I do find frustrating about the Garmin is that you can’t schedule to turn off the bluetooth connectivity. To turn it off you have to go to the BT menu (which is very well designed) and turn it off manually, we should be able to schedule that just like an alarm, for example to avoid BT EMF exposure near the head while sleeping.

Garmin if you are listening, please and thank you. I love that you can program most if the watch from the phone app, this is extremely useful compared to the previous model and the Connect app gives useful health tracking information.

I’ve been surfing for 40 years. Grew up in the power era of Dane Kealoha, Tom Carrol and the master: Tom Curren. I currently ride for a shop, CB surf shop in Carolina Beach, NC (I’m the old guy on the team), a Catch Surf dealer, but I promise you this review will not be biased.

I started being intrigued by shorter and soft boards when I saw Curren standing up on a body board and riding skim boards. That piqued my interest because of what Curren has done for the sport with board design, and due to my fascination with shorter craft.

I was riding a 5’9 hpsb prior to getting my 54 special. I’m 6ft, 155 lbs btw. Following up on my interest, I started watching Blair Conklin killing it on the 54, both in everyday surf, as well as macking Mexican shore break stuff.

Those videos prompted me to pull the trigger and get a 54 Special. My idea being that I would explore this side of surfing and if I didn’t like the board, I would stick in the used rack at the shop and sell it.

Boy was I surprised. First session was in chest to head (east coast) solid, punchy wind swell. Board caught waves easier then my short board. First wave was different due to the short rail line. Once I got used to that, however, a whole new realm of surfing was discovered.

I compare it to the first time I got barreled. Turns were tighter, airs were landed, 360s were spun with ease and roundhouses were placed in soft knee high shoulders that normally wouldn’t grant the space and power to perform one.

The best part is that pulling into seeming closeouts and sometimes making it, was amazing. The fear of being smacked by the board inside a shallow chest to head high shore break style barrel (if you have surfed on the east coast of the USA you understand.

) Is gone, and as a result, the inner limits of pure fun opened up! I am now going places on the wave I had never been to. This is the only board I surf. I’m taking it to Mexico soon and know it’ll be the only board I ride there.

I truly believe this is the future of surfing. Go ahead and laugh, then report back in 5 years. I am thankful this product was created and look fwd to a long time riding my 54. Thank you Tom Morey for creating this type of watercraft so long ago.

And thank you Catch Surf of expanding it into something exponentially greater.

I´m Nusa and I´ve been working for Blue Tomato as senior customer service agent for the last 8 years and I´m a passionate surfer girl. I surf all kind of waves, mostly with a hybrid short boards, but on smaller days I prefer bigger and floatier boards.

I always wanted to have a sotftop surfboard in my quiver for smaller summer surf days, but I didn’t want that big beginner board. As I´m a bit obsessed with fishtail surfboards, the Catch Surf was just the perfect option for me.

It is the perfect size for summer surf days, but it can of course be used in any conditions. It paddles fast and allows to catch more waves. With 4 fins it gives good stability and control in manoeuvres and it offers a bit more speed down the line.

The fish tail also offers a more playful feeling in turns. All in all it´s a really fun board to surf, but I would not recommend it to beginners, as it´s too small in size and a bit short on volume that beginners need to efficiently start learning to surf.

The board is meant more for intermediate/advanced surfers, with prior surfing skills, to use it on mellower days or just to catch more ways on any surf day.

I’m 6’1″ and fluctuate between 204 and 212 and not a lot of body fat, meaning I don’t float easily. This thing floats me for a bodyboard. I have been able to actually get up on my knees also. I’m nowhere good enough to surf it, but it’s fun to try.

I’d be hesitant to skim it also, but it allows me to ride surf break in a way my other bodyboards can’t because of the volume, and I have big guy boards. I can even use it in small waves. It actually even turns well.

For the price and something to have in the truck that is vesatile, it is worth it. This allows me to also keep up in froth better with my girfriend who is 5’7″ and 125 lbs. No more having to get off the board as soon because of worrying about bottoming out in the sand.

Can’t speak to durability yet. Graphics seem to get “sandblasted” , but no worse than other boards. I could have used more conservative graphics than Kalani Robb, but for the price.

The customer support from this company alone is outstanding. I’ve owned this incredible board for almost a year and it had some manufacturing defects which happens. I contacted support and they were able to immediately help me resolve the problem and they ended up sending me a new board which arrived in 2 days.

Ryan went above and beyond for me and I can’t appreciate his help enough. I will always recommend catch surf to anyone. This boarding itself is amazing. It handles so well in the water and It has not limited me in any way.

I typically ride short Boards, which in Florida can be a problem because of the type of waves. I bought the house 5’5 lost RNF since I am used to riding lost boards and was immediately blown away. I’m now convinced soft top shorties are the way to go and all my surfer bros have done the same and we all go catch surf.

Great table. It’s good for a woman. Handy paddle and good hold, considering that it is nonetheless an inflatable and therefore less stable. I’m happy with the purchase, which also includes the folded carry bag.

Inflating it with the hand pump is an impossible task for me at least.

This will do the job. The 3 piece construction looks like it’s gonna hold up. The action seems s bit rubbery at 2oz. But, if you plan this as a having a fun afternoon or two on vacation with a packed up tight car, this will do.

The pieces stay put ok, the reel seat seems good. The guides are ok. The tip guide is brass. If this was a 2 piece rod, it would be like a 50 or 60 dollar one. I’ll define try use it for fishing after work, but more than am hour or two, I’ll be stuffing an airwave elite in there.

Strength and size would be fine for fluke, blues, or typical striper. I’d not want to cast much over 3oz or be jigging inlets from shore. Definitely more of a lure rod than a heavy pyramid weight thrower.

Howevwr, definitely better than a 7ft rod.

I would NOT recommend this board due to strap placement! Board itself rides amazing without the front strap but with front strap feels like your doing the splits and it CONSTANTLY nose dives. I weigh 205 pounds and 6’1″ tall and got the 56″ board that is rated for 250 pounds.

I surf a decent amount on alot of different boards and you basically have to put all of your weight on the back foot or else the nose dives EVERYTIME if the front strap is on. I can only describe this like riding a snowboard in 3 feet of powder where your weight is all on your back foot to prevent that nose dive which is NOT ideal for tricks, you are supposed to be balanced.

I contacted phase 5 to see if there is anyway I can drill new holes to adjust front strap where is should be and they said it couldn’t be done without ruining the board then their comment back to me was “everyone has different foot placement and riding style” Well then why not make the straps more adjustable knowing that?? Nobody else on the boat would even try it after they saw me fighting the front so hard and I took the front strap off and move that foot 2-3 inches back and its perfect and rides like it should.

They move about an inch maximum probably less. My buddy has the first strapped board that ever came out not by Phase 5 and it has way more adjustment I’d look into a different brand if your wanting to use straps.

We were behind a 2019 Supra with 4000+ ballasts so wave size and push was not an issue.

Super fast board and my favorite board so far. We have the 2022 Turbo and love both. I would say Turbo is easier to ride starting out but feel like I have more speed and pop off top of wave with the key.

The extra fins on the turbo are better for intermediate rider.

Dude this thing is sick, I was worried about spending another $800 plus on a wake surfboard but man was it worth it. I was finally able to drop the rope for the first time and stay in the pocket. This board is light and fast!!!.

33 waist was a perfect fit, not too tight and not to loose. There is no Velcro on the flap… the shirts are great and I’m considering getting another color.

Great product. Very comfy. Im 1.60m and 65kg. Perfect fit the 29.

The two layers of fabric scratched my skin when i tried to swim a few hundred meters. It is not as soft as other Rip Curl boardshorts that i own. Also style of 18” is not as surf like and neat as 20”.

Wish it was 20” inch and all one piece like my other Rip Curl boardshorts which i am very happy with.

R.A.S

Ras.

TranslateShow in original languageUn sujetador muy bonito y cómodo, de buena calidad.

Super

TranslateShow in original languageSurf reçu rapidement avec un envoi soigné. Design très plaisant + produits qualitatifs. Pompe avec pieds et manche pliable pour un gain de place, avec manomètre en plus permettant de bien gérer le gonflage.

Sac assez grand pour un rangement simple, il y a de la place pour la planche, la pompe et même une d’autres affaires style combi. Parfait pour un voyage en train (testé ce week end). Coté surf, une fois bien gonflé le surf est super.

Bonne flottabilité et bonne sensation. Le tout à l’air très robuste. 1er test réussi pour moi sur des mini vagues. A tester avec des “vrais conditions de surf”.

TranslateShow in original languagePas encore testé sur l’eau. Au gonflage, le surf semble de bonne qualité, le sac de transport est pratique. Le tout est très léger à manipuler. Les ailerons amovibles nécessitent des outils (fournis) pour les mettre en place.

Un système de fixation rapide aurait été apprécié. Reste à tester ses qualités de glisse.

Got this for lazy days and small conditions. Took it to Cornwall and was pleasantly surprised how easy it catches waves and turns. Definitely a worthwhile board to have in your quiver for days when you just want to have some easy fun.

Surface is grippy without wax.

I’m 90kgs and this board is extremely easy to use, whether for paddling or catching waves. It’s also quite manoeuvrable given its size, just be sure to put your rear foot between the fins. A keeper for almost all conditions.

For shore break fun, better take the 5’4, or a skimboard.

This is an awesome beginner board for the coast! Comfortable to ride in the water, easy to carry with the handle (this was a huge plus for me as more beginner boards are too big and wide for me to carry on my own) and love the fun design.

Can’t beat the price!! I will say that I don’t think it will last forever, but great for getting started and I’m sure I’ll get a few seasons out of it which again – for the price is more than you can ask for!.

Came in on time! Easy process overall. I love my yow but the only things I was really disappointed about were the 5-6 long scratches on the art side of the board. It’s like someone repeatedly knifed the bottom lengthwise.

Must’ve been before it was packaged because it was wrapped in bubble wrap when it came in. I was really bummed at first because I was excited for the art too… took photos of it right out of the box but then I didn’t want to give myself more trouble by exchanging it.

otherwise, good stuff!.

The YOW padang padang is my fav in my quiver. It feels the most responsive and predictable and pumps so nicely. I like it better than my smoothstar. The stock setup feels good to me, I have yet to make any changes at all.

Perfect for flowing. If you want something g for bowls, get a carver or something with a CX style truck. Love my Padang Padang!.

Great board and great service. This YOW comes with the new Meraki trucks. They are super smooth and work like a charm. I find them to be a step up from the older S5 trucks. The wheels are large, soft-ish, and smooth rolling.

Shipping was amazing. Ordering from Skatepro saves about $100 compared with ordering from Spain.

excellent quality. bought this board for cross training. best idea i ever had! more defined balance required through the centre line and ride it from rail to rail. im very happy with my purchase. will definitely buy 2 more.

I ordered for my friend. She can play it in few hours ! Very friendly with one who just play. Very sharp print and good design. I almost keep it myself jaja

TranslateShow in original languageSujetador deportivo de excelente calidad!

This thing is awesome. Bought it for my teenager who religiously watches Raw Beefs, J. O. B, and all Catch Surf videos on YouTube. This board opened up a new fun side to surfing and allows him to not take surfing too seriously.

Now it is the board he would prefer to ride most days. And going finless is his next dragon to slay. Keep the boards coming, keep the videos coming – the stoke is growing! Also, delivery was lightning fast.

I live in Pensacola, FL on the gulf coast. This is my first Catch Surf brand board and I am absolutely stoked after having taken this board out for a few sessions. First off, the shipping was fast and was packaged well with no damage on arrival.

Also, just from looking at it out of the box, you can tell that CS makes QUALITY shred sleds (and the stickers are rad, too). When I took it out the first day, I got the feel by riding some ridiculously fun boog rides.

Then the next session, I was already popping up on shorebreak waves and having a blast going down the line. This board is now always with me when I hit the beach and it is my go-to when conditions are not perfect or when I am just out to have a fun time on the water.

Best board purchase I have made so far since I have started surfing and I will be buying another board from CS in the very near future.

Awesome board, super versatile. Very floaty and catches waves well. Definitely have recommended to a number of friends!

Rides so smooth!! Love it!!

Very good!!! Ship to Thailand. Safe and fast ship!!!

It is a product with good quality and you can enjoy very comfortable riding.